Next Management

Next Management
source
Name	Next Management
Type	Private
Industry	Modeling agency
Founded	1989
Founders	Faith Kates; Joel Wilkenfeld; VIVA Fashion Management (origins)
Headquarters	New York City; London; Milan; Paris; Los Angeles
Key people	Faith Kates; Gary Carten; Others
Services	Model management; talent scouting; brand representation; scouting; development

Next Management

Next Management is an international modeling and talent agency founded in 1989 with headquarters in New York City and major offices in London, Milan, Paris, and Los Angeles. The agency represents runway models, fashion talent, and influencers, placing clients with leading designers, magazines, and advertising campaigns. It operates within the global fashion industry alongside agencies such as Elite Model Management, Ford Models, IMG Models, and Women Management.

History

The agency emerged during the late 20th-century expansion of the fashion business alongside houses like Chanel, Prada, and Versace. Early years saw collaborations with magazines such as Vogue (US), Elle (magazine), and Harper's Bazaar and placements in campaigns for brands including Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the firm engaged with photographers and creative directors such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and Patrick Demarchelier to elevate its talent. Expansion to European markets mirrored trends set by Storm Model Management and Premier Model Management in the UK and followed the agency-driven globalization that propelled names like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell to prominence. Corporate shifts tracked broader industry consolidation exemplified by mergers involving Elite World Group and competitive talent movements seen with The Society Management and Women 360 Group.

Roster and Notable Models

The roster has included editorial and runway talent who worked for designers such as Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent (brand), and Givenchy. Models represented have featured in editorials for periodicals like Vogue (UK), W Magazine, i-D (magazine), and Dazed (magazine), and in advertising for Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry. Some models represented concurrently appeared in global events including Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and campaigns for retailers like H&M and Zara (retailer). The agency has scouted talent from competitions and platforms associated with IMG Models' scouting programs, university theater programs, and social media channels where influencers collaborate with entities such as Instagram and TikTok-era brands.

Management and Leadership

Leadership has included industry executives who previously worked with agencies like Ford Models and consulting firms serving luxury brands such as LVMH and Kering (company). Board-level interactions and negotiations often involve legal counsel with experience from firms that advise on intellectual property disputes in fashion, and talent contracts referencing standards promulgated by guilds and associations tied to creative industries. Chief executives and agents liaise with casting directors for shows staged by producers linked to IMG (company) and media partners including Condé Nast and Hearst Communications.

Business Operations and Services

Services provided encompass scouting, development, portfolio creation, booking for runway and editorial work, contract negotiation for campaigns with houses like Versace and Saint Laurent (brand), and coordination of influencer collaborations for corporate clients such as L'Oréal and Estée Lauder Companies. The agency operates in markets regulated by labor statutes of jurisdictions including United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy, requiring compliance with modeling contract frameworks and casting regulations similar to those negotiated between other agencies and fashion councils like the British Fashion Council and Council of Fashion Designers of America. Partnerships and licensing deals often connect models with brands in fragrance launches, celebrity endorsements, and multimedia advertising coordinated with production companies used by WME and advertising agencies such as Droga5.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Like other major agencies, the firm has operated amid industry-wide controversies involving disputes over commission rates, contractual terms, and workplace conduct that have affected companies including Elite Model Management and IMG Models. Legal matters in the sector have included litigation concerning labor classification, image rights, and breach of contract cases brought before courts in jurisdictions such as New York County Supreme Court and arbitration panels used in commercial disputes. High-profile public debates about model welfare, underage work and safety have prompted broader reforms pursued by organizations including the Model Alliance and advocacy from personalities like Cindy Gallop and Cameron Russell.

Philanthropy and Cultural Impact

The agency and its alumni have contributed to charitable initiatives and cultural projects in collaboration with entities such as UNICEF, AmFAR, and arts institutions including the Museum of Modern Art and exhibition programs at galleries exhibiting fashion photography by figures like Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton. Talent placements have influenced fashion discourse in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Financial Times, and the agency's models have participated in campaigns advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives supported by advocacy groups and industry coalitions including Diversity in Fashion efforts and nonprofit partners.

Category:Modeling agencies