Pierre Wardini | Pierre Wardini - My great WordPress blog

Pierre Wardini, a name now synonymous with great events and top models for around 20 years. People see him around, often surrounded by beautiful woman…  but no one knows how the the mind of the 45 years old man who holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the prestigious HEC, and a Masters in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art in London, UK.

Tell us about Model Inc.’s core business.
Model Inc. is an events management company with a big International Modeling Network.

How do you go about choosing the models? Take us through the process?

I travel on casting trips and I meet so many models in different agencies. We are very picky in choosing our models and this is the key of our success.

Why is it in your opinion that beauty is always associated to entertainment?

I believe that models should be involved in any sort of activities and they are key elements for the implementation and they assist to have a better outcome at the end. You have to associate beauty to all sorts of entertainments.

How do you keep that fine line between the reputations that models have in Lebanon. It must be hard.

Our models are known as the elite or the untouchables since we take good care about them and they are prohibited to go anywhere on their own. This is a major condition that we imply before their arrival.

What is Models Inc. working on now… and what should we expect this summer?

Models Inc. is almost everywhere and you can see us throughout the whole summer in addition to many fashion shows and shootings the models are performing during their stay. We aim to be the best in the business and bring only the best so expect nothing but the best from us. The future of the modelling world in lebanon i was really a huge responsibility on our shoulders. We really aim on improving and reaching international standards. There are many photoshoots to come that will rock the lebanese fashion scene, there are many fashion shows that will create a  whirlwind of positive vibrations. Be sure that models inc is on its way to unrivaled fashion success.

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About for Pierre Wardini

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Pierre Wardini, a name now synonymous with great events and top models for around 20 years. People see him around, often surrounded by beautiful woman…  but no one knows how the the mind of the 45 years old man who holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the prestigious HEC, and a Masters in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art in London, UK.

Tell us about Model Inc.’s core business.
Model Inc. is an events management company with a big International Modeling Network.

How do you go about choosing the models? Take us through the process?

I travel on casting trips and I meet so many models in different agencies. We are very picky in choosing our models and this is the key of our success.

Why is it in your opinion that beauty is always associated to entertainment?

I believe that models should be involved in any sort of activities and they are key elements for the implementation and they assist to have a better outcome at the end. You have to associate beauty to all sorts of entertainments.

How do you keep that fine line between the reputations that models have in Lebanon. It must be hard.

Our models are known as the elite or the untouchables since we take good care about them and they are prohibited to go anywhere on their own. This is a major condition that we imply before their arrival.

What is Models Inc. working on now… and what should we expect this summer?

Models Inc. is almost everywhere and you can see us throughout the whole summer in addition to many fashion shows and shootings the models are performing during their stay. We aim to be the best in the business and bring only the best so expect nothing but the best from us. The future of the modelling world in lebanon i was really a huge responsibility on our shoulders. We really aim on improving and reaching international standards. There are many photoshoots to come that will rock the lebanese fashion scene, there are many fashion shows that will create a  whirlwind of positive vibrations. Be sure that models inc is on its way to unrivaled fashion success.

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Talking to: Pierre Wardini Pierre Wardini

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Talking to: Pierre Wardini Pierre Wardini, owner of ‘Metropolitan Modeling’ has recently announced the opening of his modelling agency in Beirut, Lebanon following its success in Paris, France. Born in Paris in 1975 to a Lebanese father and French mother, Wardini holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the prestigious HEC, and a Masters in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art in London, UK. What inspired you to open a modelling agency? Growing up in Paris, I always found myself surrounded by the world of entrepreneurship and fashion. My father came here when he was still a student and hasn’t left since. He met my mother, who was a model at the time, and it was love at first sight. Seeing them together was always an inspiration, and I was drawn both to the world of entrepreneurship and beauty. This is why I felt it was only natural to run an agency which specializes in finding perfect imperfections. When it comes to signing a new model, what are your main requirements? At ‘Metropolitan Modeling’, we see beauties in imperfections. You can get any model, photoshop him/her, and you have perfection. But then, you can’t find a connection. It’s as if the person you are looking at lacks soul. Instead, we try to find models with unusual features, and work on flattering them through our wide portfolio of clients. Sometimes, it can be a simple gap in the teeth, think Georgia May Jagger, or even a not-so-perfect nose, like Giselle Bundchen for example. They aren’t what you would call ‘conventional beauties’ yet it would be close to impossible to deny their charisma and charm. This is exactly what we seek. And why have you decided to open an agency in Lebanon? (Giggles) You know what they say about Lebanese beauty. It makes me sad when rumors circulate about women being plastic. I want to show the world what our real beauty looks like. I was here last summer, and even though I’ve never lived in Lebanon, I still feel that this land is where I am rooted. Unfortunately, over here, models don’t always get the chance to benefit from international exposure. Given that we are headquartered in Paris, and given the nature of our clients, I’m also hoping to give Lebanese models this opportunity. How do you see your agency expanding in the coming 5 years? The plan is to first set up an office in Beirut, hopefully, it’ll be up and running in the next 6 months. Our opening is set for December 15. After that, we’ll be scouting for newcomers all around the region, be it in the Levant or the Gulf. Any words of wisdom to young entrepreneurs today? Go after what you love, follow your passion, and never take no for an answer. That’s the recipe for success. If the whole world discourages you, but your gut tells you to go for it, then you should. When I first opened ‘Model Inc.’ everyone around me kept on repeating that the competition was too fierce and that I would never be able to stand out of the crowd. I started when I was just 23, and today, at 39, I’ve managed to establish a name for myself, and I’m nowhere near stopping.

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Owner of Models Inc. through which he represents prestigious models in Lebanon, Pierre Wardini crafted the firm he founded in 1991 into Lebanon’s leading agency with over 50 female models. In this interview, we asked him to give us the inside on his profession and what clients look for in a model. He talks about business, egos, photography, social media and of course, supermodels.

How many years have you been working in the industry and how did you start out?I started back in 1991, my mother was a model and I was enchanted by the world of fashion. Moreover, as a businessman I could see the financial possibilities that could be achieved if I were to fully focus and dedicate myself to the business. So in 1999 I decided to dedicate myself fully to this business and discovered even more that my passion was to create a revolution in this industry.

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What do you most enjoy about your work?Mostly I enjoy the contact with people and the beauty of images: two things I deal with on a daily basis.

Ah yes, the photography. Who are your favorite fashion photographers?Peter Lindbergh, Enrique Badulescu, Mario Testino and Mikael Jansson.

 

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What about what you most dislike about your work?

Most people would probably think it is the often-mentioned superficiality of the business – but it isn’t! I don´t find this business superficial at all. Once you are in it you realize it is exactly that – a business – one that requires a lot of creativity, which is a privilege. What I really dislike are the big egos of some of the people in this business.

True that! Is there competition between different offices within the same modeling agency?Models Inc. represents the most prestigious models in the region. I would say it has more to do with responsibility than competition. At the end of the day we want our clients to be happy and with clients I mean both models and clients – because we serve both of them.

 

How do you renew talent in such a fast-paced and competitive industry?We have a division run by our two young bookers, who also take care of the scouting. Apart from this, thanks to our presence in the market for over 20 years, we have a great working relationship with agencies all over the world, who give us their talents for representation.

How do you decide whether a young candidate has potential?Of course, height, face and measurements play a role. You asked me earlier what I like about this business. Well it is the factor of unpredictability. Sometimes you can have a “not 100% perfect model” that has it all due to her personality. So besides the mentioned facts, personality does matter. Our motto is: “ The secret to modeling is not being perfect” – by Karl Lagerfeld.

 

 

Who are your most successful models and why are they so sought after?Apart from our Top Models, those that have an open smile, healthy look and a friendly image are the most successful. Clients look for classical beauty with lots of personality.

The dreaded question…Agencies are often criticized for promoting extreme thinness and taking on girls at a very young age. What is your opinion on this?In my agency I do not allow any girls under 16 to work. A scout can discover a 14-year-old girl, but at that age she shouldn’t be working in what is at the end of the day, a very tough profession.
Regarding thinness…Look, I think it’s still a problem. It’s true that for pret-a-porter shows, models have to be thin. There have been attempts at governmental regulation requiring a minimum Body Mass Index of 18. Often it is designers who are blamed as those wanting size 0, and this is partly true. But lately there really is a growing demand for healthy girls. Slim, but healthy. I always give the same example: They pay elite football players to stay in perfect shape, to be healthy and strong—not obese. In the same way, a model must have certain measurements, eat healthy and exercise. A model that does not exercise and is overweight will not find work. It’s the harsh reality…for models just as it is for sports players.

Does their presence and influence on social media networks have a significant effect on the success of a campaign?Absolutely! Social media has become a main asset. A model that has many followers on Facebook and Instagram is more public and therefore known to more people. So the advertising value and effect is multiplied.
Social media also has become very important for us as agents. People not only want to engage with the models, but with the activities of the agencies as well.

Is there a specific formula to finding the right model for a specific campaign?I don´t think so. I guess it lies mostly in listening to the client’s needs and putting your personal tastes aside.

Tell us something that most people don’t know about your work/modeling/fashion industry.People tend to think models are not very bright and just beautiful. I can only say…this is not true at all. Models who travel alone at a very young age, adjust and adapt to new photography teams every day, deal with adult professionals in the business and still give everything that is asked from them in front of a camera in order to keep the client satisfied are anything but not bright. They make relatively large amounts of money per day and have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They have to play their role in an adult business world and do a great job of it. Personally, I have a lot of respect for these young girls who are thrown into the business world unprepared and who manage to pull it off so well.

What about your best clients—those who you enjoy working with the most?All of my clients…that is why I love my job!

Thank you Pierre!

Pierre Wardini is a relentlessly hopeful man with big dreams and is surely on the way to making them a reality.

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It is very clear that Pierre loves what he does. He mentions in one of his interviews that  ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life?’ That is ‘my’ mantra!!!  When he started working in this industry, he ‘knew’ this was it!  HE LIVES, EATS and SLEEPS this job!!! Pierre mentions that “ That’s how you know that you like what you do!!!  When you don’t keep track of how many hours you work… you just do it!  You are doing it for the love of it:)”

However it seems that Pierre Wardini, the man who has “made it” in the fashion industry has a constant challenge to deal with and that is dealing with people… People of all backgrounds, all types, all ages.  He mentions that “You never know who or what you will find in a person and you need to treat people fairly and well- basically treat people the way you want to be treated. I try to never forget that, no matter how challenging a person may be (and there are always challenging people in any business).”

However triumph is his only acceptable outcome and Pierre surly enjoys reaping his rewards. The most rewarding thing about his business is when someone simply says, ‘Thank you’ to him. That’s it… just a thank you. Period. Thank you for doing a good job or when one of his models says “Thank you Paul for supporting me and helping me through this process. I’m glad you were my agent’. That really makes his day!

Pierre seems to be as determined and committed as they get. He advises the young and hopeful to not do it unless they plan on working nights, weekends, possibly holidays and having an EXTREMELY flexible schedule. Yes, it is most exciting and it can be glamorous (depending upon the area of the country where you live- you may be able to work occasionally with celebrities)… but don’t do it for that! Do it for the love of the industry! And most importantly expect little time off!

Though people might believe that it is always glamorous, some of the jobs are simply not. Sometimes he encounters unprofessionalism or promotional gigs like contests and giveaways at discount stores, etc… Not all jobs are glamorous and they don’t all pay a ton of money. Extra work also pays very little.

Nevertheless he has big dreams and ambitions to expand into the GCC market and reach out to bigger European networks.

Pierre Wardini is a relentlessly hopeful man with big dreams and is surely on the way to making them a reality.

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Meet Pierre Wardini, president of Models Inc a model and talent agency located in Beirut, Lebanon.

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Meet Pierre Wardini, president of Models Inc a model and talent agency located in Beirut, Lebanon.

 

Tell us what readers should know about your agency.

We are an exclusive agency that focuses on the faces we represent. We specialize in fashion and catalog print, but also have on-camera and product print. We are also a placement agency, so we work with the top agencies all over the world so that models can make careers in this industry.

How did you decide to open Models Inc.? And where did the name come from? 

As a businessman already in established in Paris I always felt that my passion was not there. There was something missing. However my mother who is a former model herself has a great influence on my career path in the future and enlightened my way. I discovered fashion and combined it with my business sense and decided in 1991 to open Models Inc. by the way the name was chosen because its simple, straight to the point and says what it means.

 

What do you like best about your job Mr. Wardini? 

I love seeing my models start their development and turn into butterflies as they progress.

What do you like least? 

Sometimes it is really hard to work with a product that has emotions [our models]. This is a very stressful industry and there is always a lot of emotions!

What is the “Models Inc.” look? And how is it different (or not) than agencies in the region?

Here at Models Inc. we really try to focus on the models that are well rounded. Our faces tend to be ones that can do fashion, but also swing into the catalog/commercial market. Most of all they all stay humble and thankful with the clients.

 

Do female models have to be a certain height? 

For the most part, yes, the girls that get booked for the bigger jobs are 175cm-180 cm”. We do have a couple that are 170cm that have strong enough looks and get the work.

Does a model have to live in Lebanon to be represented by you? Not always, we do have models that live in the neighboring or European countries, but those models do still need to come to castings when requested.

Where do you find your models?

All over! We are always scouting faces at all types of events and locations. We have five scouts, plus our staff. We make a team game of who can find the next amazing face.

 

When a girl comes to see you Mr. Wardini, how should she dress, wear her hair, make-up…And what should she be prepared for at the agency visit? We usually like girls to come in fitted, skinny jeans and a tank with heels. Clean face and clean hair. No Jewelry. We also suggest that she bring a 2–piece swimsuit.

What should parents be aware of when their son or daughter says, “I want to be a model!”  Many young girls have the dream to be a model and many parents are hesitant. I always tell the parents and their daughter that the models that actually work in the big markets, the ones they see in the magazines, on billboards and in store ads, are like Olympic athletes. If she is really serious about being a model, she must prepare like an athlete and understand that the focus and drive must be there to go up against her competition. If parents were to look at having their daughter reach the goal of being in the Olympics, they would need to look at her career as a model the exact same way. She’ll need all of the support she can get.

Let’s get personal Mr. Wardini:

Favorite beverage? Oh so many! But I think I would have to go with an Iced Carmel Macchiato from Starbucks.

Most overused word or phrase? “Do you understand what I am saying?”

What music is on your iPod? Lots of Liquid Lounge styles and Fayrouz

Character trait you love in others and Yourself? Confidence and Creativity.

Character trait you deplore? Self-centeredness

Three words that describe you: Attentive, Determined, Relatable

What else would you like readers to know about Models Inc. or Pierre Wardini?

We are pretty relaxed and fun at the office. Don’t think of us as intimidating cause if we sign you, we are like family. You become a part of the Models Inc. family!

Thank you Mr. Wardini for this lovely interview!