Kelly Streit

* Today Mode Models is one of the leading agencies in Canada, and a well known agency worldwide. Please tell us about the beginning of Mode Models - how did the agency start?

Kelly Streit: Mode started with me taking pictures of people I thought could be models right out front of Le Chateau in Red Deer. I was working there right out of high school, but I would head outside whenever I could to take pictures. Needless to say, I didn't work there very long as I borrowed the money to open Mode Models in Red Deer.

Enlisting my close friends to work in the agency I started scouting new people and taking more photos. I took those photos to a convention in Calgary where I met Karen Lee from Elite NY. She encouraged me greatly and the pursuit was from there in full force. I traveled overseas to meet other agencies and see what the business was really about. That boldness and a God given talent to find models launched me into the international scene. Agents soon figured out where Red Deer was and they wanted our models.

* Who are Mode's leading models today?

Kelly Streit: Of course Heather Marks, but add to that list Tricia Helfer, Julia Dunstall, Agnieska, Marla Boehr, Anna Wasacz Carter, Brandi Brechbiel, Brenna Rose, Darla Baker Mat Gordon, Mark Milburn, Wade Ponic, Craig Galloway, Jared Jones and Chad White.

* What have been Mode's main achievements so far?

Kelly Streit: The achievements have been numerous. Simply launching an international agency from the prairies is in and of itself an achievement. Accolades go to Tricia Helfer winning Supermodel of the World in 1992 and her long list of credits and campaigns that have led her to now hosting Canada's Next Top Model and starring in Battlestar Galactica. More recently, our Spring/Summer Season 2006 boast 29 Worldwide Campaigns and over 200 shows for our models. That is a record for us. Without question Heather Marks is leading the new pack of models with her 12 Vogue covers and countless shows. Her 4th consecutive D & G Campaign alongside Anna Sui, The Gap, Adidas by Karl Lagerfeld and Emporio Armani. Then there's Julia who is steaming ahead in Benetton, Club Monaco and See by Chloe.

Moving over to the guys and Paul Greene captured 4 seasons of Tommy Hilfiger. We have had numerous models in Tommy including Arlynd Fletcher, Piotr Zelinski, Ivan Korchounov and Brandi Brechbiel. And this month the gorgeous Chad White captivates the lens and entire issue of the May 2006 L'Uomo Vogue. The list is countless, the covers literally cover walls and I am thankful to still love going to work every morning to see what the day holds. I personally have been featured in Macleans magazine as One of 100 Canadian's To Watch, I have won the Pinnacle Award which is one of the most prestigious business awards in Canada, and been featured as one of the Top 40 under 40 for 4 years in a row. (I am 39 now). ALso, the Chamber of Commerce also have us the award of Small Business of the Year. After almost 20 years every day is still full of anticipation.

* To what do you attribute your success?

Kelly Streit: Tenacity and the commitment of the models we find to our agency. This is not an easy business to be in with the prevalent changeover. But our models have been faithful to the agency and we work hard to keep finding and promoting the best faces. This has been the foundation of the best relationships in international markets.

* Mode represents many models. How much time do you need for telling if someone has modeling potential? Do you recognize the potential immediately, or sometimes there are hesitations?

Kelly Streit: Photos cannot lie. A person is photogenic or not. We can generally tell from a first set of photos. If there is hesitancy we'll shoot a second set to be sure but we're not here to build false expectations. I feel like I can see 2 dimensionally in a sense, meaning that when I look at a face I can tell what it will look like flat.

* What kind of industry trends do you see in the modeling industry?

Kelly Streit: Well if you haven't notice the Brooke Shields eyebrows, then take another look. Full is in. At least for eyebrows!

* From your experience, which kind of assignments do models like most? Is it runway, catalouge, editorial, or another?

Kelly Streit: Runway is exhilarating. Without question. The energy backstage and being around other well known models is always a highlight for the models. Being those spots are the most coveted in the business, the shows are always a pinnacle. That being said, the thrill of seeing yourself in a fashion magazine for the first time and then escalating that to the cover is always a favorite. Especially VOGUE.

* What most people don't know about you?

Kelly Streit: I'm married to my highschool girlfriend. She has been with me through the formative years of the agency and has been my constant through the goods and bads. I also have a beautiful daughter who captivates my energies.

* Where would you like to see Mode Models in the future?

Kelly Streit: I don't see relocating our head office but I do see more satellite offices. We currently are in 3 locations with active scouts - Calgary, Edmonton and Portland.


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