Ford Models

The Ford Modeling Agency or as it is known today, Ford Models, was established in 1946 by Eileen and the late Gerard W. Ford. [cite web|url = http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0285732/bio|title = Biography for Katie Ford|publisher = Internet Movie Database|accessdate = 2008-09-21]

History

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. [http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,949003,00.html] Ford, like many of the original agencies of the 70's, now has to compete with younger upstarts like Women Model Management, IMG and DNA Model Management.

The agency has represented a diverse list of stars, including Alaina Gaines, 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, Liliane Ferrarezi 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.

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 Mic Neumann to develop specific strategic relationships.

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.fordmodels.com Ford Models]
* [http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/agencies/ford-models-new-york Fashion Model Directory: Ford Models - New York]