Arts
Getting into the global stride
One of Sri Lanka’s internationally sought-after models Adam Flamer-Caldera and his sister Anjuli launch ‘the agency’ to give local models a competitive edge
The global modelling industry is a highly competitive one and top model Adam Flamer-Caldera who has made it big on the international scene tells us that the job is more than what meets the eye.
Adam Flamer-Caldera: Sri Lanka has a lot of potential. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
There are a few Sri Lankan models in the international scene currently signed by renowned talent managers, Ford Models, he says.
Appearing for big names like Calvin Klein, Nautica, D&G and Jockey to name a few, Adam’s current project along with his sister Anjuli Flamer-Caldera is to give the local modelling industry more international exposure.
Speaking to the Sunday Times at the launch of Anjuli’s talent management initiative called ‘the agency’ a few days before Christmas, he tells us their aim is to improve the general talent of the fashion arena. Photographers, make-up artists and models are to be groomed for international runways under this brand.
“There’s a lot of potential in the country,” says Adam who has graced the ramp of many global fashion weeks such as the prestigious New York Fashion Week.
Talent in the island however is generally stagnant because “for the longest time, we didn’t strive to international standards.” There is stiff competition within the island he feels, and there’s much aspiring young models can learn from the global talent pool.
Anjuli Flamer-Caldera
Planning “to work in tandem with existing modelling agencies” Anjuli who studied fashion in New York for a year with the dream of elevating the island’s indigenous style to capture the world’s eye, says ‘the agency’is the result of much planning.
Preparation for the industry is tough we’re told, initiation being the toughest. Today sought after by fashion royalty like Oscar de la Renta’s label for a campaign, starting out his global career in New York Adam shares that training goes beyond visual demands.
“There’s a lot of rejection,” he says adding that with guidance you learn to grow a thicker skin and it becomes easier to face. “There’s also how you behave outside of work” which is all a part of training.
“For instance, fresh faces to the industry are always briefed on how to use social media positively. ‘the agency’ will instil similar values,” he says.
This in turn will give local models a chance to put Sri Lanka on the fashion map and also collect some memories along their way.
Adam recalls a shoot he did with a falcon which stayed on his arm the entire day. Another breath-taking work location he says was the deserts of Los Angeles.
Managing talent is but a part of ‘the agency’s’ intent. Currently the agency scouts are gearing-up to spot future models who will walk the ramps at home and abroad. Aspiring models can also fill-out online applications.
For more information see their Facebook page, www.theagencysrilanka.com
Adam on the catwalk at a recent Colombo Fashion Week show. Pic by Indika Handuwala