Ford Models
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The Ford Modeling Agency or as it is known today, Ford Models, is a top modeling agency in New York City . It was established in 1946 by Eileen and the late Gerard W. Ford.[1]
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[edit] Company
Ford Models, started in 1946 by Eileen and Jerry Ford, created a new kind of global industry based on beauty. FORD was the first company to ever advance their models money owed by jobs that had been completed but not yet paid. It was ideas such as these that drove FORD to be one of the most innovative modeling Agencies. Eileen Ford helped shape what women looked like and how they dressed for nearly half a century. Ford had the family tradition of allowing teenage models who live far from New York City to stay in her home.[2]
In addition to the New York City headquarters, Ford has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto, Paris, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.
The company was the pre-eminent New York agency until John Casablancas of Elite Model Management opened up in the city, leading to the "model wars" of the 1980s[3]. Ford, like many of the original agencies of the 70's, now has to compete with a broad field of contenders, such as these: Women, IMG and DNA.
The agency has represented a diverse list of stars, including Christie Brinkley, Courteney Cox, Rachel Hunter, Evangeline Lilly, Stephanie Seymour, Chanel Iman, Carolyn Murphy, Carmen, Carol Alt, Elaine Irwin, Erin O'Connor, Vendela, Veronica Webb, Raven-Symone, Xuxa Meneghel, Paris Hilton, Anderson Cooper, Ali Larter, Dorian Leigh, Ashley Tisdale,Alaina Gaines Liliane Ferrarezi, Ryan Lochte and Lindsay Lohan. In 1980, the company established the Ford Supermodel of the World Contest, that attracts more than 60,000 hopefuls annually from around the world.
[edit] History
Eileen and Jerry began the business in their home, and went on to create the world's most recognized and respected modeling agency. Katie Ford took over in 1995 after working in the agency for 16 years. Her goals have been to continue Ford's position as an industry trendsetter. In 2007, John Caplan, became Ford Models’ Chief Executive Officer.[4] In 2009, Jon Diamond became Chairman.[5]
In recent years the company has diversified into media (Ford Media) and through Ford Artists into other professions related to the fashion industry. It has aggressively promoted itself through YouTube with a string of fashion tips videos, and self-help videos detailing fashion industry woes and consulted with entertainment entrepreneurs such as Michael "Mic" Neumann to develop specific strategic relationships.
[edit] Investment
In 2000, Magnum Sports and Entertainment bought 80% of the private Ford agency.[6]
In 2007, Stone Tower Equity Partners made an investment in the company.[7][8]
[edit] People represented by Ford (Past and Present)
[edit] Links with America's Next Top Model
America's Next Top Model has used this for a prize for the cycle 3-6. Winners that are currently signed to the agency are:
- Eva Marcille - Winner of Cycle 3 in Los Angeles.
- Naima Mora - Winner of Cycle 4 in Los Angeles.
- Danielle Evans - Winner of Cycle 6 in Los Angeles.
Contestants who have not won have also signed, these are:
- Yaya Da Costa - Placed 2nd on Cycle 3 in Los Angeles.
- Brita Petersons - Placed 14th on Cycle 4 in Los Angeles.
- Nik Pace - Placed 2nd on Cycle 5 in Los Angeles.
- Bre Scullark - Placed 3rd on Cycle 5 in New York.
- Kim Stolz - Placed 5th on Cycle 5 in New York.
- Gina Choe - Placed 10th on Cycle 6 in Miami.
- Katarzyna Dolinska - Placed 5th on Cycle 10 in Paris.
- Stacy-Ann Fequiere - Placed 7th on Cycle 10 in Miami.
- Analeigh Tipton - Placed 3rd on Cycle 11 in Los Angeles.
- Natalie Pack - Placed 6th on Cycle 12 in Los Angeles.
- Jessica Santiago - Placed 12th on Cycle 12 in Los Angeles.
Some Contestants have left Ford Models, these are:
- Nicole Linkletter - Winner of Cycle 5 in Los Angeles, now signed to L.A. Model Management and Nous Model Management.
- Allison Kuehn - Placed 12th on Cycle 10 in Milwaukee, now signed to DreamModels Workshop and BMG Models.
One contestant from an international version is also signed to the agency:
- Lianna Fowler - Winner of Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 2 in Paris.
[edit] Notes and references
- ^ "Biography for Katie Ford". Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0285732/bio. Retrieved on 2008-09-21.
- ^ Roberta Bernstein (September 08, 1997). "Katie Ford". People Magazine 48 No. 10. http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20123108,00.html.
- ^ http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,949003,00.html
- ^ http://www.fordmodels.com/misc/press_release.html
- ^ Maxamillion Blick (03/12/2009). "Ford Models Taps Seasoned Talent and Media Executive as Chairman". Fashion Newspaper. http://www.fashionnewspaper.com/articles/918/1/Ford-Models-Taps-Seasoned-Talent-and-Media-Executive-as-Chairman--Fashion-Model-News/Page1.html.
- ^ Edward Wong (December 13, 2000). "Ford Models Is to Be Taken Over by an Agency for Athletes". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/13/nyregion/ford-models-is-to-be-taken-over-by-an-agency-for-athletes.html.
- ^ http://www.fordmodels.com/misc/press_release.html
- ^ ZACHERY KOUWE (December 6, 2007). "FUND INJECTS CAPITAL TO AID FORD MODELS". The New York Post. http://www.nypost.com/seven/12062007/business/fund_injects_capital_to_aid_ford_models_92511.htm.
- ^ http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/agencies/ford-models-new-york/
- ^ Actors-Women, FORD/RBA (Scottsdale)
[edit] External links
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