Elite’s Vick Mihaci: Androgyny and Asian models are in
President of Elite Management Worldwide Vick Mihaci. – AFP picNEW YORK, Feb 18 – During the next Paris Fashion Week (Feb 26 - March 6), all eyes will be on the models showcasing the biggest designers’ prêt-à-porter pieces.
Vick Mihaci, President of Elite Management Worldwide, talks about various aspects of modeling and gives us an insight into the industry’s future.
Relaxnews: Over the past few years, who has been Elite’s best discovery?
Vick Mihaci: The French top model Sigrid Agren, who was discovered thanks to the Elite Model Look competition in 2006. She quickly went on to become one of the faces of Chanel.
R: Which model has had the biggest influence on the world of fashion?
VM: Kate Moss, without a doubt.
R: Which model who didn’t seem to stand a chance became an it-model?
VM: The gorgeous American top model Kristen McMenamy. Even if fashion circles loved her, the wider public found her beauty less accessible.
R: What are the key elements required to become and remain a good model?
VM: You need to be both tough and professional.
R: In the 1990s, top models like Cindy Crawford and Karen Mulder were discovered. It happens less these days. What is the difference between the two time periods?
VM: At the moment, there are a lot of models so there is more competition. It is much harder to have a lasting career.
R: What type of models will designers be after in 2013 and 2014?
VM: In the coming months, androgyny, longilineal figures and Asian models will be very in demand.
R: Which Asian models are currently doing well on the European market?
VM: Sun Fei Fei and Ming Xi are the two Asian top models doing very well at the moment.
R: Which Western models could do well on the Asian market?
VM: Constance Jablonski, who is the face of Estée Lauder, is a perfect example of a Western model whose beauty really appeals to people in Asia.
R: Are there physical or mental differences between Asian models and Western models?
VM: Asian models are much more thorough and they handle stress better. They are very disciplined and very strong mentally.
R: Why are designers increasingly attracted to these models?
VM: Simply because the Asian market has huge economic potential. It is a market that is really emerging in the world of fashion.
R: Would it be fair to say that there is a new generation of models?
VM: Not really. But for several years now, the continent has been opening up to the world. Mentalities have evolved.
R: Through this explosion of Asian models, especially Chinese, could Shanghai become the fifth fashion capital of the world?
VM: Yes, why not? That is one of the reasons why we opened an agency in Shanghai and we are hoping to open more offices in China over the next few years. – AFP-Relaxnews
