Los Angeles, California — Here is a transcript of John McCambridge interview with Michelle Parlow the Director of Elysian Glamour.
John McCambridge: Good morning, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became the Director of Elysian Glamour?
Michelle Parlow: Of course, thank you for having me. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 20 years, starting as a model and working my way up to management positions. I eventually decided to branch out on my own and start Elysian Glamour, which focuses on representing diverse and up-and-coming models.
Q: That’s quite an accomplishment. Can you speak to some of the new challenges the modeling industry is facing in the digital age?
A: One of the biggest challenges is the rise of digital influencers and “Instagram models.” Many brands are now turning to social media personalities with large followings to promote their products, rather than traditional models. This has led to a shift in the industry, with models needing to have a strong online presence in addition to their traditional portfolio and measurements.
Another challenge is the increased pressure for models to conform to certain beauty standards. With the proliferation of airbrushing and editing tools, there’s a danger of creating unrealistic expectations for both models and the general public.
Q: How does Elysian Glamour address these challenges?
A: At Elysian Glamour, we prioritize representation and inclusivity in our model castings. We also work with our models to develop their personal brands and build their online presence in a way that feels authentic to them. Additionally, we encourage our models to embrace their unique features and individuality, rather than conforming to a singular standard of beauty.
Q: That’s very commendable. As the Director of a modeling agency, what are your thoughts on the industry’s future?
A: I believe that the industry will continue to evolve and adapt to the digital age, but there will always be a need for traditional models in print and runway. I also believe that there will be a growing demand for diversity and inclusivity in the industry, and that this will become a non-negotiable aspect of any successful agency.
Q: One last question, as the Director of a modeling agency, do you see any opportunities in the crypto and NFT market for the fashion industry?
A: Yes, I do see potential opportunities in the crypto and NFT market for the fashion industry. For example, NFTs could be used to authenticate and sell digital fashion items, such as virtual clothing for avatars in online games or virtual reality experiences. Additionally, NFTs could also be used to sell digital collectibles such as virtual runway shows or digital art featuring models. As for crypto, it could be used as a form of payment for these digital assets, and also as a way to invest in the fashion industry. We are already seeing some experimentation in these areas and I think it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future.
John McCambridge: Great, thank you for your time and insights today.
Michelle Parlow: Thank you for having me.