NADINE WILLIS, a fast rising star in the international modelling industry, sparked a bidding war in New York City last week which ended when she signed with Women model agency.
It means that Willis, a Jamaican, is now signed with the same agency that represents tempestuous supermodel Naomi Campbell, the woman she has been tipped to succeed as the world's most recognisable black model.
Willis, a newcomer to modelling, made history when she was shot for French Vogue in her third week as an international model having been selected for the job in only her second week. She also shot solo for editorials -- pages 6 to 14 -- in the prestigious Vogue magazine.
In addition, she has shot a major worldwide campaign for one of the largest names in fashion and has done editorial for such magazines as I-D, The Face, V, French Vogue, British Vogue, Untold, Tank and is under option for various magazines and clients including Harpers Bazaar and Marie Claire.
Her success has caught the attention of people in the international modelling community. In the last few weeks Pulse, her local agency, has been bombarded by offers to sign her to contracts in various cities. Major agencies, including industry giant Elite, have been engaging in a fierce bidding war for New York representation.
PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP
Kingsley Cooper, the head of Pulse, said he decided on Women model agency, given the synergies that he expects to flow from their mutual relationship with Select. Pulse also already has a productive relationship with Women Paris which represents another Pulse international model, Jaunel McKenzie, the current Caribbean and Jamaica Fashion Model. McKenzie made an impressive debut in Paris after being signed last month.
Cooper noted that Women model agency was now part of the global management team that he is forging for Willis. Representation in Paris and Milan will follow over the next few weeks to capitalise on the opportunities that will flow from the publication of her current work, he added.
Cooper, head of Pulse Entertainment, spotted Willis' potential when she visited Pulse in New Kingston last year.
