Revolt: Why I set up a new-generation modelling agency
Sophia Maslin, 27, is the co-founder of Revolt Model Agency, which looks for eclectic individuals. Their models have featured in campaigns for Marc Jacobs and Gucci.
Revolt was set up in 2017; it was created to be a vehicle for change.
We wanted to catalyse a revolution within the fashion industry that would empower all those that are not only different but those that have creative talent and don’t just ‘look good’. We thought a new-generation model agency would be the best way to do this.
What I did before setting up the agency
I was in the final year of my first degree at the University of Nottingham and my sister Miriam was in her last year of school. We both had some experience within the industry but not a lot. As a result of this, we were knowledgeable of the problems within but were not so submerged that we were still able to have a completely fresh mindset on the industry and how we wanted to help change it.
Our ethos is that those in front of the camera should not just be ‘blank canvases’ any more. We want brands and magazines to think differently and become more creative with their talent choices. Inclusion for all types of beauty is the way forward. We are hoping that through Revolt, we are able to be at the forefront of this change.
What we look for
We look for individuality. All our models must be something more than just a model, we look for people, real people. We love people with creative talents and the models we have are everything from singers to stylists. We appreciate all forms of beauty and think that something like height should not restrict you.
At the moment we currently have around 150 models worldwide, but we are signing new faces each week.
Our models are all real people, with real talents and real lives. Everyone on our books does something outside of modelling, whether it be styling, activism or music. We honestly have such an array of talent.
The future
We hope to expand Revolt into more of a collective movement where we move towards not only continuing to highlight the issues that still remain in the industry but also providing education on what needs to be done.
We are also due to release handbooks early next year on how to get signed (and how not to get scammed) as a model which we hope will help to increase the transparency of that process as well.
My advice to my younger self
I would probably just tell her that she’s got this and to not let other people’s opinions affect her. I would also probably pre-warn her about a strong coffee addiction haha.
For anyone out there that wants to be a model, or is already a model, do not apologise for who you are because if if an agency or client doesn’t want you, someone else will.
