My inbox has been flooded with questions about this year’s European Model Showcase (EMS) in Paris, details of which appeared in my column in the Fall edition of Pageantry.

This masterfully-planned event took the form of a fashion show held at the posh Hilton Arc de Triomphe hotel, during which new models from independent modeling schools in the United States were presented to model agents and scouts from Europe and Asia.

Q: “Was it a success? Did any models get contracts?”
A: Yes, the showcase was a huge success. And yes, several models were booked to work in Paris, Spain and other places. Models who were not quite ready to take that step, returned to the States with renewed vigor, determined to work on their portfolios, take acting classes and develop their modeling careers.

Everyone benefited greatly from the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the topnotch European agents who attended. Models learned their strengths and weaknesses; parents began to understand how the business works and we were all enchanted by the glitz and glamour of the event.

My husband and I had a fabulous time and will never forget the last night’s gourmet dinner cruise on the Seine River; the magic of the Eiffel Tower, ablaze with lights, and the sheer joy of seeing beautiful young men and women dance under the stars at the on-board disco—a perfect finale to a spectacular week.

Here are some of the success stories: Seventeen-year-old Katelyn Fortes was booked by the famous Crystal Agency in Paris and is the only African-American model represented by that agency. Katelyn, who is as delightful as she is stunning, was taken to the European Showcase by Safiya Sanyika, director of New Faces and Development at Model Club, Inc. in Boston.

Zaelin Brown came to Paris with Voloney White, who co-chairs AIM with Edward Hawkins and owns Extraordinare Models and Talent in Bakersfield, California. Zaelin signed with the Angels Agency in Paris and amazingly won the cover of a fashion magazine after her first casting. She then moved on to work in Osaka, Japan, with the Forza Model Agency.

Courtney McCann, also from Extraordinaire Models and Talent, signed with the prestigious Slides Model Agency in Paris, where she did editorial work and designer runway shows. Upon her return to the States she was signed by L.A. Models.

Four models from Caryn Model and Talent Management in Minneapolis, Minnesota, signed contracts. Reed Favero is in Paris with Marilyn MGM. Cassy Olson is doing showroom modeling with the Flemings Agency in Barcelona, Spain. Erica Christensen and Chinelo Oji also have contracts with the Flemings Agency in Barcelona.

Q: I have heard of an organization in New York City called Paradox for which models meet every month. Can you tell me something about it?
A: Paradox is a non-profit, non-denominational organization which actually meets once a week and has a monthly dinner meeting with a guest speaker. It has been a welcome addition to the fashion industry; a haven not just for models, but also for photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists and virtually anyone in the business. Paradox is the name of the organization in New York City and is part of Models For Christ International, which has groups in Miami, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas and in fashion cities all over the world.

Models for Christ started under unusual circumstances. Early in the 1980s, two international models, Jeff Calenberg and Laura Kraus, were leaving a photographic exhibition at a Manhattan nightclub. The nightclub scene was not a customary pursuit for either one of them, but on this occasion Laura was the subject of some of the photographs, when they stumbled over an unconscious body lying in the street.

They recognized this person as a model. He was alive and a strong smell of alcohol was a good indication of the problem. They put him in a cab and took him to his home. That act of compassion was the turning point in their lives.

The Internet is the instrument that connects everyone. Jeff told me: “Our web site allows people all over the world to connect with each other. Young people of any denomination who are looking to honor God can contact us. People in our business are hungry for fellowship and spiritual input. No one else in the world seeks to integrate Faith with fashion.”

Besides helping young men and women deal with the stresses of a modeling career and the temptations that go with it, Paradox works in various needy communities in New York City.

For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all the details on this and other exciting competitive events from across America, as well as a wealth of advice to improve your chances of victory, be sure to Order Pageantry today.