Code Model Management is a Dutch boutique agency located in Amsterdam. Administered by the agency owners Rick van Wolferen & Marit Simons, Code Model Management provides both, an approach that is personalized to every single model and a global-scale network composed of top-rated clients + market-leading agencies.
Almost one year ago, Code Model Management’s first protégée caused a great stir by booking the Prada Spring 2009 campaign shot by Steven Meisel, thus a star was born, 17yo Nimue Smit. Good to know, that Nimue’s success wasn’t an occasion for both to rest on their laurels, though; SS2010 was the first runway season for another Code-girl, Iris, who debuted on Missoni's runway in Milan some weeks ago.
It is high time to know what there is behind Amsterdam’s factory that makes models' dreams come true.
Code Management is rated to be one of Europe's rising top agencies, so it would be highly interesting to know more about the agency itself. What made you consider founding Code Management?
We caught the entrepreneurial spirit early on. We are young people full of ambitions, we dare to dream. There are many beautiful, tall girls in Holland, a few of them can make a lucrative career out of modeling. We want to provide those girls with a management that allows them to understand the business and use their potential to the fullest. We always reach for the best, that's how we decided to start Code.
Is there a special motto for your agency?
No, there isn't.
What makes your management stand out against other agencies?
We do bookings in the Dutch market but essentially we are scouts and managers. Rick and I scout girls for the international high-fashion markets, hence why we have a very small roster of girls. As mother agents we carefully nurture the few we represent and when they are ready to become full-time professional models our efforts go into their business and career prospects. We advise them on every aspect of their career. They are young girls so we also travel abroad with them, it's the best way to teach them about the industry. Especially during the international fashion weeks we're there 24/7 to help them out with everything. Sometimes it's even just to put a little smile on their face. During stressful times like the fashion week people tend to treat fashion as a matter of life and death, so if the atmosphere gets a little tense we make up for that. ;-)
Do you only sign up new girls in the case of being convinced to 100% by their look or do you give them a kind of chance to prove themselves? Does actually a model's personality play a role for you?
If a girl has something we can't put our finger on straight away, of course we'll work with her and see how she develops. Personality and commitment are very important, but we're mostly working with young girls so it could take a while before they're truly comfortable. It matters more to us if the girl really likes this job because it will make her feel good, and that's what will bring out her personality as she goes along.
Decide what’s of more importance: Perfect measurements or a perfect face?
It's definitely about having the “look”.
Regarding collaborations with international agencies - whom do you work together with?
We work with all the leading agencies. During our first years we developed good working relationships with Women, Next and Marilyn.
How much time does it take to nurture a girl on international standards? Are "over-night-sensations" like getting casted for a Prada/MiuMiu runway exclusive actually possible just after shooting first tests?
Anything is possible because there's a perpetual crave for new in this industry. They like the girls visibly new, yet capable and presenting a casual confidence. If we believe in a girl and she wants to pursue this, it takes as long as needed to develop her. It depends on factors like age, confidence and enthusiasm so it could be anywhere from 2 months to a couple years.
Who is your most successful model right now?
Nimue Smit
How much time did the development take until she booked the Prada campaign one year ago? What do you think is the reason for her success?
Nimue shot the Prada campaign a year after we scouted her. She has a natural talent for modeling, for example just walking down the street she's very elegant in her way of moving. A true beauty. It's her looks that brought her to Prada, but it requires a lot of commitment to actually turn it into a full-fledged career. We, Nimue, her parents and agents abroad always stick our heads together to make it possible for her to do both school and modeling without compromising too much and she's juggling the two exceptionally well! We're all very proud of her for that.
Best job for a new girl to establish herself in this industry?
We say the best job a new girl can do is her best. In the end it's the girl that establishes herself if she wants to do this. You have people like Steven Meisel who can give a talented model the most prestigious start, but one amazing job with a top photographer is not a career yet. It's that first wave you have to ride with enthusiasm.
Do you rather try and risk something or better wait and keep a new girl "safe"?
If we can tell the girl isn't ready, of course we'll wait until she is. But there is also never any guarantee.
What would you advise a model to wear to a casting?
Something simple that shows a sense of style and interest in the job. Usually skinny jeans, high heels and a nicely cut blazer or jacket make a nice 'model uniform'. It's a good thing if she learns how to play around with different pieces and styles.
Who are your most promising diamonds at the moment?
Iris van Berne is based in New York as of now, with Next Models. We're very excited for her! And then we have some precious little diamonds at home in Holland.
Thank you for the interview!
___________
Contact & Info
[email protected]
http://www.codemanagement.nl/
http://code-management.blogspot.com/
