Code Model Management

Code Model Management was founded in 2002 by Lorraine Ospedales, and it is one of New York's new boutique agencies. The agency represents 60 models in the U.S. who have procured major beauty and fashion advertising campaigns such as Maybelline, Revlon, Jergens, Clinique, Dove and the Gap to name a few, as well as editorial work for well known fashion magazines. In this interview with Lorraine Ospedales, she describes how Code became a successful agency, presents her interesting point of view on hot topics in the industry, and what she considers paramount to her company's future success.

Author: Jonathan.L - Owner Models Observer
February 2008.

* Lorraine, please tell me about your background and significant experiences leading to your career path?

Lorraine Ospedales: I have been a booker for 26 years. I started as a hair and Make-up artist in Florida, worked as an agent for 15 Years on South Beach and have been an agent in NY for 11 years. I've worked with some of the most well known models in the business, but I wanted something more for myself. I've enjoyed working with so many different people and agents, but in the end wanted to create an environment that models and agents alike could really thrive on. I wanted everyone, the bookers and the models, at Code to encourage each other to do better, and I think that's why we have been so successful.

* How was the name "Code" chosen?

I wanted something that had no connotation. I wanted it to be something that no one could read into but versatile enough to be able to create something around it. Code could mean a number of things to anyone, in fact our first logo designs went from bar codes to morse code.

* What is the vision of Code Model Management?

We like girls that are beautiful yet interesting. We started out as a boutique agency and we want to make sure that we keep it that way. This business is so personal on so many levels that once you become too big you lose a little bit of that. We have such good relationships with our models that we would hate to lose that personal touch.

* Which of your successes has given you the biggest thrill so far?

Opening Code and establishing ourselves in The New York market has been an amazing experience so far, but I know that there are more successes ahead for Code. Knowing that is one of the biggest thrills.

* How did you decide to focus on representation of women only? What are the benefits of this strategy?

I have always been a women's booker and prefer to stick to what I know best.
* Let's talk about your new stunning model, Martha Hunt. How is her career going, and how did you meet? What do you plan for her?

Martha has been with us since she is 13yrs old. She attended and convention and that is how we met her. She changed a lot over the years and became the model she is today! She just shot American Elle, UK Harpers Bazaar, and Velvet Magazine, and we're not only proud of the jobs she's booking but the kind of person she has become. Martha's a model who has a good head on her shoulders. She is now 18 yrs old and is traveling the world. Right now she is on her way to London ,Paris and Milan to do the shows. She is definitely a star!!

* Many industry professionals have asked lately "where are the black runway models" and bemoaned the lack of diversity on the runway. What do you think about it?

As a booker I look at all girls the same. I think we have been conditioned to think about beauty in a strictly narrow minded western way. We need to work together in the industry to change these preconditioned views, and we're in the perfect position to change people's views. The public looks towards the fashion industry as taste makers, and we need to start taking advantage of the role we are in.

Martha Hunt - Code Model Management.
* What is a typical day of work like for you?

I usually start my day by responding to a lot of emails. The girls all call in to check on there schedule for the day. I meet with the other agents as far as goals and promotion for the girls, edit film and decide where the girls are off to travel next. The biggest part of the day is booking and negotiating contract and jobs.

* Do you have any favorite motto or quotation?

We really believe in Karma at Code and to always put out good energy whether it be about the models or the agency.

* Where do you like to see Code Model Management in the future?

I would like to remain a boutique agency to keep up the personal attention that we give to the girls here now, but I would like to keep striving for the best.

Code Model Management