Andreja Pejic; Image: FayesVision/WENN
tFS: Do you think we’ll see more transgender models in the future?
ES: It’s a sticky situation because it’s so personal. I feel that shouldn’t be the reason to select them as a model; it should be because they’re beautiful. So many people have seen Andreja Pejic, for example, and then push a model in a certain direction. One person brought in a 16-year-old, and the poor kid had a terrible experience at school and with his family. He was young and having the surgery. He didn’t seem comfortable or ready to talk about it and they were pushing him and focusing on the fact that he was transgender. If it makes sense and the person is a great model, that’s one thing. But to exploit someone isn’t right.
tFS: How do you feel about plus-size modeling?
MS: We love it!
ES: I have two teenage daughters in my house, I understand the pressures and the reality. It’s something this industry should embrace even more. I love it, and there’s so many beautiful women out there that have become role models for young girls. It’s changed a lot more than when I started, but it’s still going to be a slow change.
tFS: What are your thoughts about the diversity in the industry?
ES: We’ve always been really good with that. We’ve been great with the African-American girls and the Asian girls. I know some people are like, “Oh, we have too many black girls; we can’t have any more.” We’ve never said that. If you have a girl in front of you that’s amazing, you take her. It’s a shame there aren’t more outlets for an African-American girl to travel and build a book. New York is one of the best markets for her. But no fashion girl can only be in New York. Paris, Milan and Asia are hard markets. It’s tough.
tFS: So, you’re saying you supply a diverse group of models and the jobs are not available for them?
ES: Yes, although it’s gotten better.
MS: Advertisers, in general, when they’re pushing their product, have a vision in mind. They have to stay with that vision. There isn’t always that great of a market for the ethnic groups. Not everyone can be Joan Smalls or Naomi Campbell. We try, but it doesn’t always happen.
tFS: Looking back on your whole career, are there any models you regret passing up?
ES: There are always girls that are offered to us that we aren’t interested in. But I’m OK with it. Lindsey Wixson is a good example. I was very close to her mother agent, who kept telling me to take her. I think she was 11 years old at the time. But there’s a reason you pass on a girl. We’re really strong here about the whole board. It’s not just about one of us liking a girl; we need the whole team to like her. If we took her with only one or two people saying yes, then she probably wouldn’t be the model she is today. That’s why some girls succeed at one agency and not others.
