Meet Bridget Halanski, Vice President of Runway, US, Select Model Management

SWC: Tell me a bit about your agency and what you do.

BH: Select Model Management is an iconic global network of boutique model and talent agencies. We have 8 locations in the following cities--Stockholm, Milan, Paris, London, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. We have been shaping the modeling industry for over forty years. In 2019, Select merged with MP Management, so we have re-branded across the board, keeping the same strong team and level of service in each market. I am the Vice President of Runway for the US locations. The Runway department includes all shows, showroom, fit modeling and other live event or brand ambassador requests.  I have been with the company for 12 years. As of late, I split my time between the Miami and Chicago markets, building Runway + Events in both cities. I spend the busy fall and spring event seasons in Chicago, and then enjoy the snowbird lifestyle during winter for Art Basel, and the many shows highlighting resortwear here in South Florida. I am of course also here for Swimweek (and prep) in Miami Beach.

SWC: What type of models does your agency provide

BH: We represent both men and women of all ages, sizes, and types. We have a wide variety of faces. Check out www.selectmodel.com!

SWC: How has your industry been affected by COVID-19 pandemic –

BH: The fashion industry was severely affected by Corona like many other service industries. We essentially lost our spring runway season Mid March to Mid May. In the beginning of the global pandemic, there were a plethora of booking cancelations, too many to count. With this, major revenue lost. It hit us (and every modeling agency) very hard. We depend on the brands and retailers to book our models, and with the mandatory store closures and many clients furloughed, things were very quiet for a while. We are seeing things pick up again, which is a glimmer of hope. In our “downtime”, we did a lot of scouting for fresh faces via social media outreach, and virtual meetings with clients and models alike. There is always maintenance to be done on the back end. It has been gut-wrenching. I do feel for the models, as they are independent contractors and this is their livelihood.

SWC: What are you doing to pivot in order to help clients with lookbooks / digital runway experiences

BH: We are partnering with Photographers and Producers to provide private locations and at home studios for shoots where clients can send merchandise. We provide the local talent and they can art direct via zoom or other applications. We are also working with studios that will adhere to new, strict safety guidelines and only allow teams of 10 people or less.  Select Model Management takes the time developing the models to arrive polished with hair/make-up ready, bringing any shoe or wardrobe requests the client requires. This eliminates the need for a hair and makeup artist or even stylist, so there are fewer individuals on set.  Our models are prepped to understand the specifics of how clients like to see their eCom photographed and how to execute these shots. Even our agency locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and Atlanta have clean backgrounds with ample space to shoot while still being mindful of social distancing, if a client is in need of a space. The agency has already ordered PPE equipment to have on hand. We also keep a strong base of local models in each market to provide clients with multiple options that don't require travel in order to limit potential exposure where possible. We are adapting to the new ways of doing business!

SWC: Is there any advice you can offer to brands that are looking for ways to create content for their social media

BH: Yes- this is the best case scenario in these trying times for both budget and convenience! We represent many models that have already been creating content and have the necessary equipment at home (i.e.: O ring lights and tripods) with a photographer as a roommate or partner. These girls and guys have access to beautiful homes, pools, or outdoor space/natural lighting as need be, especially in markets like Miami and Los Angeles. They can provide still shots and video content that the client can art direct remotely. Of course, we can work with individual budgets and have talent with very high social media followings and strong engagement. We provide the specific models’ analytics and demographics of their followers. For example, I represent a bilingual model with over 378K followers, and 91% of the followers are female. She is a great one to hire since women tend to translate directly to sales, actually clicking withing instagram to purchase these products.

I don't think clients should underestimate what some of these models are capable of doing from home.  Merchandise can be sent directly to the model and he or she can shoot the content and give multiple options for a client to choose from.  We can provide guidance to any models who are looking for ideas on how best to present the merchandise and will ensure that they follow client direction as well. 

SWC: What is your take on the future of in-person events like runway shows , etc.

BH: I believe luxury department stores will return to the model of a more personalized shopper experience, with the customer one on one with the sales associate for an appointment to see new pieces. This is what we did in the 70’s and 80’s—creating this invite-only experience and having one model showcase the collections to a few top clients. They can try on what they like and purchase right then and there, seeing how to style the clothing with a “live mannequin” present. Unfortunately for our industry, I think the large trade shows, runway shows and other live events will be the last to recover. We are seeing major cancelations for the bridal market, swimshow, hair shows, and more. There is a possibility of postponements which creates hope, but it’s really a waiting game. I just had a designer already decide to cancel a show that was scheduled for November. Everyone is fearful to gather in large groups, the brands have to think about a more intimate experience. Some fashion shows and fashion weeks will be done without the audience, and then broadcasted on social media, or to an invite-only list to subscribe and tune in “live” the date/time the specific event airs. We have already had a few clients book this way here in the states.

SWC: And one last question - can digital fashion weeks replace the real thing?

BH: don’t think you can replace seeing garments in person—how they fit, how they move, and the touch and feel. The overall experience of being at a runway show during fashion week is second to none. You feel the energy of the other guests, enjoy the before and after the show with brands sponsoring activations, beverages, and swag. Think of the concept of the front row—how does a VIP Attendee feel special when watching this in the comforts of their own home? There goes the gift bag, the influencer who is posting what they are witnessing live and in person, the celebrity sightings, etc. A live fashion show is just magical and an unforgettable experience. If the industry is going fully digital, they will have to reinvent how to inspire the buyers, editors, customers and press. I would compare it to the fact that a virtual concert with one’s favorite band is absolutely not the same as seeing and hearing the musicians perform face to face, whether this is in a huge stadium or smaller, more personal venue.

SWC: How could someone get in touch with you for additional information?

BH: Email me at Bridget@selectmodel.com or call 586.214.7001