London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London's Protein Studios on July 22.
Hannah Gillespie, 18 —
London agency Models 1 debuted their most promising new faces with an exhibition at London's Protein Studios on July 22.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
The models chosen have a variety of skin tones, freckles, and natural hair -- features still underrepresented in the industry.
Anoushka Barnett, 17 —
The models chosen have a variety of skin tones, freckles, and natural hair -- features still underrepresented in the industry.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
"Classically beautiful or handsome models will always work, but more and more we are seeing that our more individual looking, quirky models are doing really well," says Karen Diamond, director of elite London agency Models 1.
Refaya Davis, 19 —
"Classically beautiful or handsome models will always work, but more and more we are seeing that our more individual looking, quirky models are doing really well," says Karen Diamond, director of elite London agency Models 1.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
"Certain casting directors, designers and photographers have always made brave choices but those choices are now crossing over into more commercial areas of the industry," Diamond says.
Eva Jurke, 20 —
"Certain casting directors, designers and photographers have always made brave choices but those choices are now crossing over into more commercial areas of the industry," Diamond says.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
While distinctiveness has always been key to a model's success, Diamond posits that the growing influence on social media has brands gravitating toward models who defy convention.
Lily Cordelia Garget, 17 —
While distinctiveness has always been key to a model's success, Diamond posits that the growing influence on social media has brands gravitating toward models who defy convention.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
The event was primarily meant to introduce the new models to the city's top casting directors, photographers and art directors.
Lydia Hemmington, 18 —
The event was primarily meant to introduce the new models to the city's top casting directors, photographers and art directors.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
"I think this is down to the power of social media as the consumer is saying what they like, not just being told what to like by the aesthetic choice of a client," Diamond says.
Omar Camara, 20 —
"I think this is down to the power of social media as the consumer is saying what they like, not just being told what to like by the aesthetic choice of a client," Diamond says.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
Founded in 1968, Models 1 has represented the likes of Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Linda Evangelista, Erin O'Connor and Yasmin Le Bon.
Aaron Lewins, 22 —
Founded in 1968, Models 1 has represented the likes of Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Linda Evangelista, Erin O'Connor and Yasmin Le Bon.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
The surreal photo-illustrations were produced by photographer Jesse Laitinen.
Nathan Wrigley, 22 —
The surreal photo-illustrations were produced by photographer Jesse Laitinen.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen
Laitinen has previously shot for Elle, L'Officiel, Hunger and Rollercoaster magazines.
Adrian Hobbs, 19 —
Laitinen has previously shot for Elle, L'Officiel, Hunger and Rollercoaster magazines.
Courtesy Jesse Laitinen