The founder of Men´s division of international agency Premier Model Management London Christophe Sanchez-Vahle  chats with Edward Carl in a very special exclusive interview

Hello World of Models family! I´m Christophe Sanchez-Vahle , founder of the Men's Division of international agency Premier Model Management securing clients such as Calvin Klein,  Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Christian Dior, Dolce Gabbana, Balenciaga, Valentino, Comme de Garcons and Gilette.  I manage the careers of many models including Chad White and Armani´s favorite, Justin Gaston in a thriving men's division. 

I live now in Covent Garden, London and I was born just outside Paris to a French/Swiss mother and Spanish father and I grew up in San Francisco and received a French education at the Lycee. After studying International Relations at University and a spell in private banking, I decided to change my life. I spent a few years travelling the world, finally returning to take an intensive course in Fashion PR at the London College of Fashion.  Here I was put in touch with the designer Russell Sage by his teacher.  After being taken on by Russell's PR company, Asquith Communications to work on his account, I was taken to Paris Fashion Week by a booker from the Take 2 agency and I was introduced to designers Galliano, Gaultier and many fashion designers and photographers. From here I was offered a job at Premier and after working as a booker for eighteen months I founded the Men's Division. I love to travel and I´m an avid sportsman!

World of models: a glamorous world?

The world of modeling is both glamorous and not.  Most people have the misconception that it's glamorous from the outside because all they see is what's highlighted in the press and on TV with it's abundance of beautiful celebrities, champagne filled parties and exotic locations.

Unfortunately this is not always the case and there's a lot of hard work and very unglamorous and difficult aspects to modeling such as long hours, working late nights and dealing with very creative and artistic people.

Male models have now become celebrities in their own right following the trend set by the girls back in the 90's.  Models like Gabriel Aubrey who's in a relationship and has had a child with Hollywood actress Halle Berry.

As a cultural acceptance of mens fashion and grooming continues to grow so do the profiles of the more successful male models.

Up to date in fashion trends and the key of success

As Fall/Winter season approaches in the northern hemisphere, the biggest trend in mens style is a return to facial hair, beards and moustaches.  A lot of magazine editors and clients are requesting models with those attributes.  It is no doubt the result of the backlash of the higher maintenance male of the preceding years and with the world economic crisis in a dire state.  The modern male cannot be seen to be too well groomed.  The look is more rugged and manly to tackle the obstacles ahead. We see less and less of the more high maintenance more preened models.

Professionalism and an engaging personality are key to a successful career as one needs to be able to adapt and work successfully with the crazy creative talent that is around us. Modeling is a fantastic opportunity for so many people to travel and earn money while having life altering experiences.

The downside is it's unpredictability as success is dependent on a variety of things from economic to nebulous fashion trends.

The economic crisis on modeling world

The fashion world like any other industry has been greatly affected.  Higher profile clients have reduced their budgets drastically and some even lesser brands have shut down completely.  Only those with a strong brand identity and a secure  client base will survive.

Some tips for a guy/girl interested to become a model and final comments

Successful models really need to be the best that they can be.  Their bodies need to be in top form, skin in great condition and again have the charisma to give them the edge over the difficult competition that's out there.

An unforgettable moment: Very sadly losing one my models who passed away in a fatal accident at the age of 34.

Place you go for fun:  Anywhere where there are lots of people

Your main motto:  Regret what you didn't do, not what you did

Info contact:   www.premiermodelmanagement.com