Brazil, the Netherlands or recently Argentinia: many countries proved that they are full of model-esque inhabitants. But no other region is as riddled with potential stars as the russian federation and its surroundings. The Ukraine is just one of these eastern, model-filled states. And since we're speaking of it: it's not only filled with aspiring models, but also with associated agenices. Led by Michael Sari, Image Discovery has already acquired renown with discovering girls like Elizaveta Vishnyakova (signed with Switch in Tokyo where the 14yo Miss just landed a spread in Numéro) or Inni Kozak (with Women worldwide already). Always on the scout for new diamonds, there should be no doubt that the experienced team around Michael will only extend their reputation in the high-fashion market and develop a strong agency-powerhouse in the Ukraine. We had the pleasure to talk to Sari and let him explain the passion behind his work:
What was it, that made you consider starting a model-agency/ working in the fashion industry?
I am full of energy. I enjoy running down the streets and meeting new people. So, I think I was born to be a scout. And I love beauty! Beauty must be "kept save". It’s a big mistake that all these amazing girls are hanging around and wasting their freshness. That’s why I want to find them all and let their beauty express itself.
What makes a girl interesting to scout her for your agency?
Beyond question she must have an impressive beauty and something striking in her appearance, something outstanding, not ordinary… It may be her amazingly long legs or very sharp jaws. Moreover, to be a good model, a girl must have a good personality and be disciplined.
About the process of scouting: where do you find your girls?
I’m specialized at street-scouting. In my opinion it’s more efficiently and interesting.
Has there ever been a girl that you weren't fully convinced of but she proved you totally wrong in the end?
No, I can recognize a pure diamond at first sight.
Of course, it's all in the package, but generally, what is more important for a model: perfect measurements or a perfect face?
Definitely, perfect face is the determinant. I don’t really worry about measurements within reasonable limits, of course. I believe in gyms.
What makes your management stand out against other agencies?
I don’t seek after quantity if I don’t have quality. Referring to Ukrainian agencies they have lots of girls, but very few of them are promising ones.
There are the so-called "overnight-sensations" - girls who shoot their first polaroids and get casted for the biggest campaigns or shows. But in general, how long does it take for a new girl to "make it big" and reap international success?
I can’t answer this question. There is no limit. Success can fall upon a girl suddenly, like a strike, or after she made every effort to achieve it. It may take six months or two years. No one can predict that.
How important is it to you, to know about a models background, family, school-success etc.?
It is very important. I’m the mother agency. And the "mother" should know everything about her daughter.
Who is your most successful model right now?
Liz. She is the next top model.
Right now, there are big changes going on in the fashion industry - mostly due to recession. New Faces keep coming and going and vanishing pretty soon. People keep saying it's because "they are cheaper" to get for designers. What do you think makes a girl a real stand-out so that she is able to build a good, long lasting career that not just vanishes after one season of success (or one exclusive @ Prada for instance)?
The girl has to be aware that she is not the only beautiful girl on the fashion market, and that there are a lot of up-coming models all the time. So she must keep herself on the right level, exhibit her disciplined behavior and take good care of herself.
What is your definition of "natural beauty"?
Fresh clean face, striking eyes, sharp jaws, long hair and thin body.
Now, in the end: who are your most promising diamonds at the moment?
Liz, Inni and Nastya. They will rock the world soon.
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