Written for Fashion & Beauty Monitor
Miranda Cantacuzene-Speransky joined Elite Model Management London from Storm Model Management where she held various positions since 2005. Miranda’s role encompassed working across all talent divisions, building a strong foundation to strategically manage top-tier talent including Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Alek Wek, Cara & Poppy Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn and Fran Summers.
After 22 years working in the creative industry, and 2 children later, as Agency Director of Elite London, she intends to establish a new vision for the agency and a passion to nurture a new way of collaborative talent management within the global marketplace, creating a benchmark of excellence for others to follow within the U.K. market and beyond. Elite London represents the likes of Adriana Lima, Dina Asher-Smith, Hoyeon Jung, Jack Sutherland and Benjamin Benedek.
We caught up with Miranda to discuss model management, the future of fashion and plans for Christmas…
What made you want to get into this industry?
I guess indicatively I always knew that I wanted to do something creative within the fashion and/or media realm based primarily on my love for experimenting with fashion growing up. I worked initially with an ad agency, sacked off the idea of travelling and/or university and just worked my way up. I was definitely toying with the idea of wanting to be more fashion focused and less washing up liquid ad focused which is when by chance an agent opportunity arose. As my positions within the industry have grown, so has my obsession and love for it.
Tell us about your ‘Development’ work.
Development is the key to any talents long term success and as such we have brought in a dedicated agent there to do just that. As a business, we believe we have a professional and moral responsibility to provide our future models with a development curriculum that will not only allow the model time to “master their craft” but also give them a solid foundation in understanding financial responsibility, the importance of mental health, nutrition, new technologies/social media platforms etc.
What do you think is the future of fashion?
Fashion is an ever-changing industry driven by outside influence. This season alone we witnessed Coperni creating a dress on a catwalk from plaster and major brands such as Burberry driving their own designs through the metaverse for example. I think the future will be driven by the advancements of technology but also it’s in the hands of the buyers. The next gen of consumers will define what that future looks like. Might we even see a more decentralised approach with regards to consumer behaviour and whether that in turns leads to a divergence away from the bigger conglomerates to a more sustainable, more inclusive future.
What kinds of clients does Elite look for?
We are looking for loyalty. Loyalty to our talent, loyalty to the agency. However, we will only achieve that loyalty by scouting and developing the best talent as well as facilitating the best service to those clients so that we then become part of the conversation.
How do you nurture relationships with your models?
Through trust, honesty and constant communication. The early development stages are designed to educate and begin building that trust over time with the involvement of the wider team from day one. Each model will then be given a designated point person to take the lead in support and strategy both professionally and personally.
What stands the agency apart from others?
We are setting a benchmark for the development of new talent and a kind and collaborative ethos and culture that is driven by team, where no one voice is louder than the other. We are also part of the largest global agency network who are market leaders in each of their own respective territories providing an overarching global strategy for each of our talent.
How has the modelling industry changed in the last few years?
There is still a lot of changes that need to happen especially regarding inclusivity, industry cultures and attitudes. The desire for new seems to be more now than ever in an already over saturated market with very little long-term loyalty, so it’s imperative we look outside the box in terms of historical strategies and also signings.
Where is you go-to spot for client drinks in London?
Caravan, I’m all about the coffee.
What qualities does a talent manager need to have?
Kindness, empathy, loyalty, drive, innovation, creativity.
Any ones to watch for 2023?
For sure, it’s a super exciting time, but it’s impossible to highlight any one talent as the definition of success for each talent is different based on their own career path. But watch this space!
What are your typical work hours?
The life of an agent is 24 hours a day as we deal with people traveling the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Speak your truth.
What is the best way for PRs to contact you?
I have a slightly unhealthy addiction to Instagram so via DM, e-mail or via LinkedIn – which my team always laugh over.
What are your plans for Christmas?
Aside from switching off completely as it’s about the only time of the year the industry fully closes, I will be with my whole family and attempting to keep the magic of Father Christmas alive for my very suspicious 8 and 11-year-olds!
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