2012 in Review | A Defining Year

 The Iconification of Simon Nessman

Modelling since 2007, BC discovery Simon Nessman has always been a relevant and directional force in the industry, but it was in 2012 that Simon became an Icon.  Appearing in his 8th consecutive Michael Kors Campaign and a 4th run for Giorgio Armani may have been enough, but it was the Bruce Weber lensed Aqua Di Gio Essenza contract that brought Simon to televisions around the world this year.  Did we mention Simon also starred alongside Queen of pop Madonna herself in her "girls gone wild" video? One thing is clear, Simon Nessman is here to stay.

 Meghan's Ascension

 Lets get one thing straight, you have to be gone to come back, so what happened with our Edmontonian Meghan Collison this year can only be described as an Ascension.  Meghan proved herself once again as an indispensable Editorial force beginning the year starring in the breathtaking Spring/ Summer 2012 Prada Campaign.  2 phenomenal show seasons followed for Miss. Collison as well as editorials for Interview Magazine, W, Russian and Japanese Vogues, and I-D.  Campaigns for Proenza Schouler, Moncler, Nordstrom, Paul & Joe and Neiman Marcus all led up to one of the year's biggest Mode moments, Meghan's 4th Italian vogue cover shot by Steven Meisel.  As the cover text so aptly says, Above and Beyond.

Get to Know Kayley Chabot 

We remember clearly when a 12 year old Kayley Chabot first came into our Edmonton office, the then 5'9" peppy brunette had us all intrigued.  4 years later, we're not the only ones wanting to know more about Kayley Chabot.  Debuting in her first show season for Spring 2013, Kayley managed to rack up a resume reserved for most top models, walking for Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang, Dolce and Gabbana, Proenza Schouler, and Valentino to name a few.  Yet even after an exhausting season, Kayley managed to make the time to open our Fashion With Compassion charity show this year, before jetting off to shoot Interview Magazine with Patrick Demarchelier.  Life is quickly changing for our Grande Prairie girl, and we're loving it.

The Endless Spark of Heather Marks

What HASN'T Heather Marks accomplished?  Calgary born supermodel Heather Marks had a brilliant 2012, 6 covers, endless editorials, and a return to the runway for the likes of Armani Privé and Zac Posen.  Our favorite Marks Moment?  Had to be her gorgeous L'oréal Youth Code contract.  A moment to say the least.

Where to Begin With Lowell Tautchin?

Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Cavalli and Kenzo are just a few brands our Lowell Tautchin walked for in 2012.  With Campaigns for Missoni, Barneys and Jac & Jack as well as a lucrative trip to Japan, Lowell reached new heights this year all while working on his degree at the University of Alberta. 

Sam Hits Her Stride

We may have found Sam at an Edmonton Model Search years ago, but 2012 will go down in our books as the year of Sam Ypma.  Her Icy Blonde Hair, alien edge and incredible street style caught the eye of model-maker Steven Meisel resulting in a coveted April 2012 Italian Vogue booking.  Multiple covers and editorials followed bringing the oh-so-special Sam to the forefront of directional beauty.  We can't even begin to say how proud we are of this Alberta girl, a year well deserved.

The Establishment

We are lucky enough to have a fabulous roster of gorgeous Men and Women working consistently around the world, and 2012 had no shortage of excitement for the Mode Models Establishment.  Julia Dunstall's delightful Macy's commericals, Chad White's racy campaign with Candice Swanepoel for Brian Atwood, and Mitch Baker's courageous Ad for H&M's "Fashion Against Aids project.  We are blessed to be able to work with these beautiful souls and be continuously amazed by their passion, energy and loyalty.  Thank you Establishment, Thank you.

The Versace Boys

4 Mode Models, 4 admirable work ethics and 4 Blue Chip Versace show exclusives in 2012.  Dorian Reeves, Matt Janssen and Jordan and Travis Smit gave us quite the Versace moment this year.

The New Guard

With the ending of 2012, comes the beginning of 2013, and the next generation of Mode Stars.  This year saw a slew of new faces hitting the big apple with agencies including Soul Models, IMG, Ford, Next, and Wilhelmina.  We are so excited for what 2013 will bring for our hard working future superstars.

Go Local

2012 was a Defining Year in Alberta Fashion.  Many new and exciting talents emerged and Mode was happy to go along for the ride.  With the Mercedes Benz Start-up competition choosing 4 Alberta designers out of their Eight finalists, the eyes of the industry were on us, and Alberta did not disappoint.  Designers like Nicole Campre, Lauren Bagliore, Angelique Chmielewski and Suka have continued to push the province away from cowboy hats and into cashmere.  We suspect it's just the beginning...  

Malorie Urbanovitch's Meteoric Rise

It would be impossible to mention Alberta's 2012 moment without bringing up Fashion's current Canadian darling, Malorie Urbanovitch.  Beginning as a stylist with Mode Edmonton years ago, Malorie's super chic Women's Ready to Wear collections have been all the buzz this year.  After a flawless Fall 2012 collection, Malorie was named the west coast finalist for the Mercedes Benz Start-up competition leading to a gorgeous Spring 2013 show at Toronto Fashion Week in October.  Malorie was then named Top Canadian Newcomer by The Globe and Mail and has gone on to have her clothing featured in British Vogue, Fashion Magazine, Flare, and Clin D'Oiel to name a few.  We suspect 2013 is going to be incredible for the Edmonton Designer, Onward and Upward!

Memorable Moments

Last but definitely not least, 2012 was Mode Models' 25th anniversary.  We are still so excited about the Mode.25 one dress project featuring our top models of past and present photographed by Tina Chang in a custom Malorie Urbanovitch dress.  With a Models.com write up and a feature running in Fashion Magazine in the new year, we think it was the perfect way to celebrate 25 years of top models.  Events like Paul Hardy's luxurious Travel Alberta sponsored Spring 2013 collection in Calgary and this year's Fashion With Compassion show proved as well that Mode is still at the forefront of the best fashion events in Alberta.  The Face of the Future model search, our participation in the HIV Edmonton AIDS walk for life and that Elle Canada Mode cover and story are also highlights.





FWC 2012 from Aaron Pedersen on Vimeo.



In conclusion, we wanted to say thank you to all the models, agents, talented artists, media and friends of Mode Models who have helped 2012 be a truly defining year.  

Happy Holidays!