Converse Model Agency - Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland Modelling Agency Blog!

We Celebrate Our 2nd Birthday in Style

2010-03-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

Fashionistas were out in full force on Saturday night, 27 February, to celebrate our second birthday and the inaugural ‘Model of the Year Awards’, which took place at Earth nightclub. The many glamourous winners on the night included Miss Ireland, Laura Patterson, taking away the prestigious ‘Model of the Year’ award, Guillaume Detraz scooped up the ‘Male Model of the Year’ award, Gill Goligher took the prize for ‘One to Watch’ while Laura D received the award for ‘Bridal Model of the Year’ and Nicola Mc Laughlin took home the award for ‘Promotional Model of the Year.’ The winners won prizes from the leading photographers in the Irish fashion industry, including Khara Pringle, Anthony Rush, John Lynch and Gavin Millar, also one of the lucky winners received a prize from Voodoo Modellling School. Photos by Sinead Crumlish.

BEAUTY PAGEANT WITH A HINT OF GREEN...

2009-08-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

Miss Earth, will be held on Saturday 22nd August in Royal Leamington Spa to find a Green, glam and gorgeous Earth Girl. The eagerly anticipated ‘beauties for a cause’ international eco-inspired beauty competition, sponsored by Club4Climate the UK’s first ecological night club is a modern take on the traditional beauty contest as it adds an environmental awareness twist.

With growing fears of climate change and global warming, Miss Earth is the beauty pageant for the new millennium. There is a practical message behind this reinvented concept of a beauty contest in which contestants must have a strong knowledge of their country’s culture and environment in order to fulfil the ideals of this competition – that beauty queens be strong and effective advocates for Mother Earth.

The eco –friendly Grand Final is certainly a date not to be missed and is set to be a truly spectacular evening. A total of 65 green goddesses from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will compete at the prestigious event representing their home town dazzling the audience and judging panel over 3 rounds to include Vintage green cocktail dress, hand made recycled designer outfit made from recycled material, bottles tops, plastic bags, bin liners, newspapers, magazines, sweet packets, used materials etc…and the tradition long evening gown to be awarded the prestigious titles of Miss Air, Miss Fire, Miss Water equivalent of 2nd, 3rd and 4th placing with Miss Earth being the top award to the winner from each country.

After the eco-beauty to represent England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has been crowned they will head to one of the biggest international beauty competition’s Miss Earth. During their month in the Philippines the Miss Earth delegates are required to attend various environmental seminars and educate people on the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). The competition, which has contestants from over 100 countries, concludes with Miss Earth 2009 crowned in a televised coronation with the winner becoming the official spokesperson for the United Nations Environment Programme.http://www.missearthgirls.co.uk/news.php

Converse Models Launch Party 10th August. Ivory Restaurant , House of Fraser, Belfast.

2009-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Don't miss our Belfast launch. We have lots of treats in store. Including a champagne reception at the beautifully newly refurbished Ivory restaurant - House of Fraser, Belfast. See models from the agency showcase this seasons must have's in a spectacular style fashion show.

Doors open at 7:30pm.

For more information contact melissa@conversemodels.com

Melissa bags top model management role

2009-05-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ex-Miss Northern Ireland, Melissa Patton, is posed to take a position at the forefront of the modelling industry in the region with her appointment as Agency Manager of up-and-coming modelling agency, Converse Models. Responsible for development of the agency, the beauty queen will grow the books of quality catwalk, photographic and promotional models, develop the agency’s current models and drive the growth of the business. The model manager is one of Northern Ireland’s top models and is not planning to hang up her catwalk heels just yet as she will continue to strike a pose and grace the runway for many years to come.

Twelve months ago, Converse launched to provide businesses with great-value local models and promotional people. Attracted by the quality of the agency’s models, service and value for money, they now boast a client list that includes Belfast Fashion Week, Spirit Marketing Group, Kopparberg and Calumet Photographic, among others. Converse now represents some of the country’s most stunning models and promotional people and applications from model hopefuls continue to pour in thick and fast. The agency also recently announced that they have secured the rights to manage one of the world’s largest beauty pageants in Northern Ireland, Miss Earth UK.

Melissa is delighted with her new role and looks forward to positioning the agency as one of the best in the country. She explains:
“It is a very challenging and exciting role that I am really looking forward to. I would describe my new job as a great career move and one that I can draw on all of previous experience for. As the main driving force behind the agency I will implement the many exciting plans we have for the future. I believe we can provide organisations across Northern Ireland with a fresh, affordable and professional service.”

Director of Converse Models, Donal Doherty, believes that Melissa has the passion to fulfil the agencies high ambitions. Donal comments:
“Over the last year we have experienced double digit growth month on month and with our plan to open a Belfast base we set about searching for the ideal candidate to manage and drive the continued growth of the agency. We interviewed some of Ireland’s top models, managers and model agents for the role and felt Melissa offered the full package. She not only brings extensive knowledge of the industry to the role but shares our ‘can-do’ attitude.”

For more information on Converse Models call 028 7128 6767 or visit www.conversemodels.com.

Cool new pics of Vanessa by photographer & model sister Alix

2009-04-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Check out these cool pics taken by Alix of her sister Vanessa. These prove she's as good behind the camera as in front of it and word has it she's now a Tatler photographer too! Well done to both of you the pics are great.

Fresh look for our website!

2009-04-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

We've just done yet more updates to our site and I know we may be slightly biased but we feel it's the best modelling agency website in Northern Ireland! Let us know what you think. What would you like to see on the site?

Elle joins Converse

2009-04-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Some pics of one of our new faces, Elle on our Belfast team, from a great shoot with Khara Pringle.

Jill Letson crowned Miss Earth Derry

2009-04-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Green goddess, Jill Letson of Sandale Park was crowned Miss Earth UK, Derry today 18 April at the environmentally friendly heat which saw beautiful contestants clean up the environment in the city centre. Managed by Converse Models, this ‘beauties for a cause’ pageant, sponsored by Club4Climate and in association with Northern Woman, is a modern take on the traditional beauty contest as it adds an environmental awareness twist. Jill will now go onto the UK final in England to compete to be crowned Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland alongside other regional winners from Belfast, Omagh, Enniskillen, Armagh and Newry. The winning Northern Irish eco-beauty will then join three other UK country winners of Miss Earth UK to travel to the Miss Earth final in the Philippines. During their all expenses paid month stay, the Miss Earth delegates are required to attend various environmental seminars and educate people on three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and preservation of the environment. The competition, which has contestants from over 90 countries, concludes with Miss Earth 2009 being crowned in a worldwide-televised grand final. For more information visit www.conversemodels.com or call Converse Models on 028 7128 6767.

Miss Earth’s Green Team search Northern Ireland for glamorous eco-goddess

2009-04-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Miss Earth’s Green Team search Derry for glamorous eco-goddess
Miss Earth Northern Ireland and her Green Team will hit the streets of Derry next weekend, Saturday 18 April, in search of a glam, green and gorgeous goddess to represent the country in Miss Earth UK 2009. Managed by Converse Models, this ‘beauties for a cause’ pageant, sponsored by Club4Climate and in association with Northern Woman, is a modern take on the traditional beauty contest as it adds an environmental awareness twist. Pageant hopefuls will go onto compete to be crowned Miss Earth UK, Northern Ireland 2009, a one-year modelling contract with Converse Models and a professional portfolio shot by a leading fashion photographer. Dressed in glamorous attire, the beautiful contestants will be tasked with cleaning up the city centre. During the clean-up, candidates will be interviewed by Miss Earth Northern Ireland 2008, Gemma Walker, and by Donal Doherty, Director of Converse Models. Contestants are asked to arrive at the specified meeting point, The Diamond at 3pm on 18th April, dressed to impress for the chance to be crowned Miss Earth Derry 2009.

With growing fears of climate change and global warming, Miss Earth is the beauty pageant for the new millennium. There is a practical message behind this reinvented concept of a beauty contest in which contestants must have a strong knowledge of their country’s culture and environment in order to fulfil the ideals of this competition – that beauty queens be strong and effective advocates for Mother Earth.

Converse Models and Miss Earth’s Green Team will host regional heats in each of the six counties with events in Derry, Belfast, Omagh, Enniskillen, Armagh and Newry. The winners from each county will then go onto a spectacular finale in Royal Leamington Spa, England on Saturday, 22 August 2009, where one of the pageant hopefuls will be crowned Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland for 2009. Three runners up will also be awarded with the titles Miss Earth N.I Air, Fire & Water (equivalent to 2nd, 3rd & 4th place) and one special winner will win a text vote with the funds raised going to a charity of their choice. The Northern Irish eco-beauty will join three other UK country winners of Miss Earth UK to travel to the Miss Earth final in the Philippines. During their month stay, the Miss Earth delegates are required to attend various environmental seminars and educate people on three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and preservation of the environment. The competition, which has contestants from over 90 countries, concludes with Miss Earth 2009 being crowned in a worldwide-televised grand final.

Director of Converse Models, Donal Doherty, is delighted to be involved in organising Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland 2009. He comments:
“It is an exciting time for us as we are currently expanding the agency across the country and are over the moon to be managing Club4Climate Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland in association with Northern Woman. Miss Earth UK is unique in terms of beauty pageants as it has a positive message of promoting environmental awareness across the globe. The competition has clearly been good for Gemma’s profile as she has been in constant demand since being crowned last year. As Northern Ireland’s local modelling agency we look forward to finding some fresh faces and discovering Miss Earth 2009!”

To be a worthy Miss Earth UK contender you must be informed, goal-oriented and committed to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. Applicants, who must be between 18 and 26, can register online at www.missearthuk.co.uk, or for more information call Converse Models on 028 7128 6767. Locations and start-times of each regional heat are available on the Miss Earth UK website at www.missearthuk.co.uk or www.conversemodels.com.

Model job for a fashionista

2009-04-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

The search for a model manager was launched today, 26 March, by one of Northern Ireland’s leading modelling agencies, Converse Models, who are offering a lucky local fashionista the opportunity to secure the job of a lifetime. The agency, who celebrated its first birthday last month, has been involved in some of the region’s most exciting fashion-related projects in the last twelve months including Foyle Fashion Week, Foyleside Living Dolls and Miss Earth UK. They now boast an impressive client list which includes Derry City Council, Spirit Marketing Group, Kopparberg and Belfast Fashion Week, to name but a few. With a head office based in Derry/Londonderry, the agency has recently expanded by opening a new office in Belfast, and is now searching for the ideal model apprentice to drive growth of the business across Ireland and the UK.

The successful candidate will take on an amazing role at the centre of the Northern Irish fashion scene. They will be responsible for a number of exciting tasks including recruitment of new models, talent development, creation of high quality fashion events, organisation of photo shoots, event management, co-ordination of models, job bookings and much much more.

Director of Converse Models, Donal Doherty, looks forward to future expansion of the business. He explains:
“At Converse we pride ourselves on quality, innovation and value for money. This shines through in the services we provide, and it is these core values which have led to our phenomenal level of growth over the last year. With the support of a skilled PR and marketing team, Converse Communications, the model manager will be instrumental in the development of the agency and in making our services available to an even wider audience.”

To apply for the model manager position, please email a CV and cover letter to careers@conversegroup.com. For more information on Converse Models please call 028 7128 6767 or visit www.conversemodels.com.

Local model hits the catwalk at West Coast Cooler Fashion Week

2009-03-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

Local model Kayleigh O’Reilly has been chosen as part of the model line up at Northern Ireland’s premiere fashion event, West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, for the first time in her modelling career.

Seventeen year old Kayleigh, who comes from the Creggan area of the city, attended the casting for FASHIONWEEK to become one of just fifteen models for the event, which begins on 06 March in Belfast. Having turned up at the casting, Kayleigh caught the eye of Cathy Martin, FASHIONWEEK Director who said; “I love seeing new faces at our castings, and when Kayleigh walked in I thought she was so fresh faced and exactly the kind of emerging talent we were looking for.”

Kayleigh, who was runner up in the face of Rimmel in 2008, is excited to have broken into the modelling world on such an amazing platform; “I didn’t expect any of this! I was selected from over 150 models that went to the casting and was chosen for an initial photo shoot for the FASHIONWEEK campaign. When Cathy chose me for the catwalk shows I was so overwhelmed! I can’t wait for the event; it will be a great learning experience and a real buzz to hit the catwalk every night”

The event, which was created back in 2004, is celebrating it’s fifth birthday this season, and organisers have pulled out all the stops for a jam-packed, fashion filled event. For full schedule and event details, log onto www.belfastfashionweek.com.

Photos by Khara Pringle

Converse Models 1st Birthday Party

2009-03-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

Fashionistas were out in full force Thursday 19 February, to celebrate Converse Models’ first birthday and the inaugural ‘Model of the Year Awards.’ Taking place in the newly refurbished River Inn, Derry, guests were treated to a showcase by renowned singer/songwriter, Paul Casey.

Following a complimentary champagne reception, Donal Doherty, Director of Converse Models, revealed the agency’s winning models of the year. ‘Promotional Model of the Year’ award went to Chloe McLennan for her excellence in customer service and professionalism in promotions throughout the year, for brands such as Kopparberg. Next up was Kayleigh O’Reilly, who snapped up the ‘One to Watch’ award. Kayleigh will be hitting the catwalk in Belfast Fashion Week and is in great demand across Ireland. With the recent launch of innovative bridal fayre company, Love Bridal Fayres, Converse Models has assembled a professional bridal fayre team. Picking up ‘Female Bridal Model of the Year’ and ‘Male Bridal Model of the Year’ were Laura Patterson and Kourosh Mehri, respectively. The two models have been consistent and responsive to the fresh new bridal catwalk approach.

Scooping ‘Male Model of the Year’ was Emmette Dillon, a model who has progressed enormously over the past twelve months and has portrayed a great commitment to the profession. Taking away the prestigious ‘Female Model of the Year’ award was Gemma Walker, who has had a whirlwind twelve months, from winning Derry’s Top Model to being crowned Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland 2008, Gemma has achieved great recognition across Northern Ireland.
Director of Converse Models, Donal Doherty, comments on the awards evening: “The annual Model of the Year Awards is a great way for the agency to look back on the success of the past year. The models on our books are a pleasure to work with and this is an acknowledgment of those models who have gone that extra mile over the last twelve months.”

For more information on Converse Models and how to apply please call 028 7128 6767 or visit http://www.conversemodels.com/.

Model agency posed for expansion as it celebrates first birthday

2009-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Northern Ireland’s boutique modelling agency, Converse Models, celebrate their first year in business today, Tuesday 17 February 2009, by announcing plans to expand their service of providing professional models and promotional people across the country. With the success the Derry/Londonderry based agency has seen over the last year, a new office has been secured on the fashionable Lisburn Road in the heart of Belfast. Pictured is Converse Models’ Kayleigh O’ Reilly, celebrating the agency’s birthday and announcement of expansion plans. For more information on Converse Models and how to apply please call 028 7128 6767 or visit http://www.conversemodels.com.

Our Gemma sticks it to Sammy!

2009-03-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Miss Earth UK, Northern Ireland, Gemma Walker today, 16 February, is the latest to lash out at the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson for his decision to ban government television adverts which warn of the effects of climate change and encourage energy efficiency in the home. Miss Earth is the ‘beauties for a cause’ pageant, sponsored by Club4Climate and in association with Northern Woman. The modern take on the traditional beauty contest adds an environmental awareness twist. There is a practical message behind this reinvented concept of a beauty contest in which contestants must have a strong knowledge of their country’s culture and environment in order to fulfil the ideals of this competition, that beauty queens be strong and effective advocates for Mother Earth. Gemma spent a month in the Philippines at the end of 2008 attending various environmental seminars and educating people on the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

Speaking at the launch of the search for a glam, green and gorgeous goddess to replace her and represent Northern Ireland in Miss Earth U.K 2009, Gemma of Northern Ireland’s local modelling agency, Converse Models, explains why Sammy Wilson has made the wrong call:

“By suggesting that simple measures such as changing light bulbs and turning off TVs from stand-by mode cannot help the environment, the minister is sending out the wrong message. Even these small changes adopted by a great number of us can make a significant impact, not only saving people money but making a big difference to the environment.”

To enter this years Miss Earth UK register online at www.missearthuk.co.uk or for more information call 028 7128 6767.

Search for Northern Irish Earth Goddess Begins

2009-03-04T12:28:00.002-08:00

Leading modelling agency, Converse Models, launched their search today, Tuesday 10February, to find a glam, green and gorgeous goddess to represent Northern Ireland in Miss Earth U.K 2009. This ‘beauties for a cause’ pageant, sponsored by Club4Climate and in association with Northern Woman, is a modern take on the traditional beauty contest as it adds an environmental awareness twist. All applicants are invited to register online at www.missearthuk.co.uk. Following this, regional heats will take place across the country culminating in a grand finale in Belfast this July.

With growing fears of climate change and global warming, Miss Earth is the beauty pageant for the new millennium. There is a practical message behind this reinvented concept of a beauty contest in which contestants must have a strong knowledge of their country’s culture and environment in order to fulfil the ideals of this competition – that beauty queens be strong and effective advocates for Mother Earth.

After the Northern Irish eco-beauty is crowned she will join three other UK country winners of Miss Earth UK to travel to the Miss Earth international competition. During their month in the Philippines the Miss Earth delegates are required to attend various environmental seminars and educate people on the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). The competition, which has contestants from over 90 countries, concludes with Miss Earth 2009 being crowned in a worldwide televised grand final.

Gemma Walker, Miss Earth U.K. Northern Ireland 2008, describes her time in the Philippines as heaven on earth:

“It was such an amazing experience to take part in one of the world’s biggest beauty contests. The country is such a fascinating place, from the breath-taking scenery to the incredible people. We saw both the beauty and the poverty of the area which was a real eye-opener for me. I learned so much about the importance of protecting the environment and that even small changes can make a big difference”.

A year into founding the agency Donal Doherty, Director of Converse Models, is delighted to have secured the rights to run such a high profile competition. He comments:

“It is an exciting time for us as we are currently expanding the agency across the country and are over the moon to be managing Club4Climate Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland in association with Northern Woman. Miss Earth is unique in terms of beauty pageants as it has a positive message of promoting environmental awareness across the globe. The competition has clearly been good for Gemma’s profile as since been crowned last year she has been in constant demand. As Northern Ireland’s local modelling agency we look forward to finding some fresh faces and hopefully discovering Miss Earth 2009”.

To be a worthy Miss Earth UK contender you must be informed, goal-oriented and committed to playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. The crowned Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland will also receive a one year contract with Converse Models and a portfolio shot by a leading photographer. Applicants, who must be between 18 and 26, can register online at www.missearthuk.co.uk or for more information call 028 7128 6767. Details of regional heats will be available on the website and information on the Miss Earth UK Northern Ireland grand finale will be announced at a later date.

A few new faces!

2008-11-22T08:14:00.001-08:00

Launch of new promotional packages!

2008-11-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

The North West’s modelling agency, Converse Models launched an innovative promotional package today, 6 November 2008, which has been designed to help local business in the region boost their businesses in the run up to Christmas. The great value promotional packages start from just £149 and offer the design of a flyer for your business, the printing of the flyers and an experienced promotional person to distribute the flyers in a location of your choice.

The fantastic package can be custom built for each business, with the agency being able to provide as many promotional models as required and print as many leaflets as required. Businesses can also choose to add branded t-shirts to the package for total exposure.

If you are interested and would like to book one of these great value packages to promote your business call 028 7128 6767, email info@conversemodels.com or visit www.conversemodels.com.

Converse Model, Gemma Walker Represents Northern Ireland at Miss Earth UK in the Phillipines

2008-10-31T04:15:00.000-07:00

Local beauty, Gemma Walker has been crowned Miss Earth UK, Northern Ireland and will make her way to the Phillipines for the live televised world final on 9 November to represent the country in her bid to become Miss Earth 2008-2009. Miss Earth is the latest reinvention of beauty competitions for the new millennium improving the concept of ‘Beauties for a cause’. It is the only beauty competition in the world that promotes environmental awareness through beauty playing a part in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.

Sponsored by Club4Climate, - the global dance brand that has just launched Surya, the world’s first ecological club, promoting clubbing with a conscience and new and innovative ways to bring the ecological question to the masses - Miss Earth UK is truly the new wave of beauty pageants, ‘The Big Tree Project’ teamed with Miss Earth UK to ensure that all carbon emissions created by the competition, and subsequent winner's travel and staging a spectacular event that can be enjoyed by every member of the family are offset with 100 trees planted for our finalists.

Gemma who is signed with the North West’s modelling agency, Converse Models will leave for her month long trip on the 17 October along with the Wales, Scotland and England finalists where they will meet with the other finalists from all corners of the globe.

Gemma is ecstatic about the opportunity. She explains;
“It has still not sunk in that I have been offered this once in a lifetime chance to represent my country in such a prestigious competition. I am over the moon and cannot wait to see what is in store for me and all the other girls once we arrive in Manilla. I love modelling, and through taking part in Miss Earth I have been given the chance to take my modelling career to the next step. This competition has the added factor of the competitors being able to give something back by contributing to a better environment and raising awareness of the issues faced in today’s society.”

Converse Models will be Gemma’s official sponsor for the competition and are delighted to see her get to this stage. Grainne Devine, who heads up the agency comments:
“Converse Models are very proud to be Gemma’s sponsor for Miss Earth 2008-2009 and wish her all the best in the competition. We have been working with Gemma since she was given the title of ‘Derry’s Top Model’ in April, and feel that she is a credit to the agency and will do a great justice for Northern Ireland on her visit to the Phillipines. It is great to see the talent in the North West being recognised as some of the best in Northern Ireland.”

In its first year the Miss Earth UK grand finalists raised £2,391.97 for the WWF-UK World Wildlife Fund ‘One Planet Future Campaign’ and is set to raise even more this year.

What the agency does

2008-10-31T04:07:00.000-07:00

Converse Models provides models for promotions, catwalk and photographic work in the North West and across Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Our models come from Derry / Londonderry, Tyrone, Donegal and further afield, ensuring you save big on jobs in the North West.

From fashion shows to photo-shoots, showroom work to PR, print and TV commercials, we have male, female, teen and child models to meet all requirements anywhere in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Our promotional staff are available for public relations events, trade shows, exhibitions, bar promotions, product launches, tastings and sampling. The Converse promotional team can act as great hosts or hostesses for your event adding that something special which will ensure it is a great success.We have an extensive roster of suppliers in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to support our models on shoots from makeup artists, hairdressers and stylists if required.

Visit http://www.conversemodels.com to view a range of our models.