A MODEL'S LEGACY

Just like life, the longevity of a model's career can never be determined.  The fashion industry is a very fickle world, so fickle that even a top model of a season can fall into obscurity the very next.  It is always wise to have a backup plan just in case your flame fizzles.  And although I'm not implying that model Jai Guitierrez has reached the end of his rope by any means, I applaud his business sense to recognize how loopy of a field this can be, and has decided to set his sites on a bigger prize.

(Jai Gutierrez)

Not planning to open Legacy Model Management, Jai describes the experience as an epiphany.  Sure, we have all had them, but how do we know when to actually listen to them??? For me, I believe these subliminal messages are destiny's voice attempting to reach out to us... 

Deciding to listen to his inner voice, Gutierrez started his quest of knowledge to open his own agency.  Ignoring the doubters, and remaining focused on his vision, the model turned visionaire began to do tons of research in oreder to bring this task to life. 

(DANIEL)

As of right now, the majority of  the talent of  LMM appears to be men of color, and not that I have a problem with this in any way, I am aware that this industry is most difficult for a minority to break into.  Hell, it always has been... But with that, I had to ask Jai why he chose to represent these individuals, instead of taking the "easy way out."  Admitting that it is a process, the new entrepeneur says that his doors are open to all, but why not recruit those in his own likeness to give them a chance they normally wouldn't? 

Now that the "color" issue was tackled, I decided to probe even further.  As of right now(and maybe it will change after this write up), LMM's website calls itself a model/ entertainment agency, but what confused me was their requirement of a potential talent having to be 5'11.  Most of us are aware that a great number of men currently in Hollywood fall short(no pun intended) of this request.  So what happens when when someone with great potential walks in, but doesn't reach the bar(again.. no pun intended???  "Do you see this as discrimination," I asked. 

"WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE.  HEIGHTS IS SOMETHING ELSE.  WE ARE TRYING TO BREAK IN THE INDUSTRY BUT WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION OR MODELS ON THE RUNWAY SAMPLE SIZES ARE CUT AND MADE A PARTICULAR WAY.  NOW I DO HAVE SOME FITNESS MODELS WHO ARE SHORTER THAN 5'11," Gutierrez responds. 

(Evan)

(Dennis)

I want to go on the record and say that although Legacy has been in existence for only a short period of time, they have a rather exceptional group of models under their wings.  Being a stylist, I can see such a diverse selection of men that can be placed into numerous genres of fashion.  Whether it be couture, or commericial, LMM has it all.   

 Although diverse, LMM is just as selective as any other agency. Don't get it twisted, sure they are new, but by no means they lack professionalism.  

"MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO FIRST LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND LOOK IN THE MAGAZINES AND ASK YOURSELF.."CAN I REALLY COMPETE WITH THESE MODELS?IF THE ANSWER IS YES THEN GO HARD AND EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE INDUSTRY AND ASK MANY QUESTIONS. IF THE ANSWER IS NO THEN THATS WHERE THE BUCK STOPS. TIME IS TIME AND WHEN ITS GONE THATS IT ITS GONE. ONE PHRASE I LIVE BY IS..."IF YOU ARE WAITING FOR TIMING TO BE EVERYTHING YOU WILL END UP WITH NOTHING," he passionately explains. 

Steadily growing, Legacy plans on adding a womens division in the next five years, and becoming a larger force to be reckoned with.  

http://www.legacymodelmanagement.com/