August 14, 2012 marks the official opening of Wilhelmina Evolve! The official name Wilhelmina Evolve Fashion Arts Studio has the attention of Wilhelmina International in possibly setting the standard for affiliate offices around the country. Director of Affiliates for Wilhelmina Tara Treacy indicated that Wilhelmina Evolve is not a “school” its a professional developmental studio that focuses on a set standard of talent that Wilhelmina Models has the privilege to watch develop with a strong desire to advance those candidates to the next level. Plans for the studio include getting regular visits from the New York office so that developing talent will have the chance to be seen by some of the foremost agents in the business. Wilhelmina’s New York agents are looking for that next new face they can promote from model to supermodel to celebrity status. “Its a very exciting time for the entire organization to be able to offer a professional development program here in Upstate New York to aspiring models and actors with unprecedented access to a major agency like Wilhelmina,” said Director of New Faces, Melissa Herman.
From the design of the studio and its amenities to what it promises current and future roster of models and talent, casting professionals and clients, the space is a luxurious amenity to the highly successful Wilhelmina Rochester agency. The space is a beautiful modern studio amid the classic architecture of an 1860 built home. Michael Cavalcanti – real estate developer who was one of the attendees at the opening of the studio said “this is a first-class project that anyone associated should be proud.” Envisioned and designed by Agency Director, Billy Powell he admittedly stated ” For a first time project of this magnitude I was a little intimidated but as the project progressed, I certainly got more confident in my abilities to actually deliver the vision I had about the studio.” Powell worked tirelessly in bringing together a functional artistic space that exemplifies fashion, acting studio, photography, styling, hair and make-up artistry. Powell is a 30 year veteran in the industry who knows talent and the work that it takes for success. I asked Billy what he thought was the number one ingredient for success in this industry and he replied, “focused determination…without it, you’re talents will fail you”.
As for the launch party? A huge success! In attendance were journalists, fashion week organizers, models, actors, filmmakers, artists, fashion designers, photographers and real estate developers. Food, music and fashion adorned and from the looks of things, everyone had a great time.
For that great time, Wilhelmina Rochester would like to thank some wonderful people for all their contributions and hard work in making our event a huge success. A VERY SPECIAL THANKS to: Edsel Patterson, Melissa Herman, Anne Strauch, Jessica Peak, Kiersten Shaffer, Kathy Powell, Pete Di Martino, Ira Morris, Karen Burnett, Ronnie Raimonde, Madison Leiker, Roy Richards, Elena Zweers, Danielle Lusardi, Mercedes Brien and Carly Strang.
Although a launch party was hosted exclusively for media and some long-time clients an open house for talent, new clients, casting directors, producers will be upcoming. A formal announcement on the open house will be sometime in the fall. Stay tuned!
