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Top models grace the pages of international magazines, walk in elaborate runway shows, snag major campaigns, and we rarely ever think about the people who get them there. Swide talks to Markus Riggi about what it means to be a model booker and what he’s learned about the industry.

Markus Riggi is a booker for the women’s board at d’Management Group in Milan, Italy. Markus shares that being a booker wasn’t always what he wanted to do. Growing up in Como, a little outside of Milan, Markus worked for his family’s construction company, the complete opposite of the fashion industry. He recalls a time where his friend Irene suggested that they enroll in a six-month long course that aims at placing students in model management careers; the school was the first of its kind in Milan. Shortly after, Markus found himself a placement at the illustrious d’Management Group and the rest was history.

The common misconception of working in a model agency is that it’s all fun and games. But in actuality, being a booker can be stressful at times since the success or failure of a model’s career lies in the booker’s hands. Models book shoots in numerous cities worldwide, and it’s the booker’s job to assure their clients of the model’s presence. Markus explains what kind of pressure he’s under when dealing with clients:
“We often work with very young girls who travel all over the world under our responsibility..What we do is try to cover even the smallest of detail possible to ensure safety during their travels….and at the same time trust that they themselves will be responsible. Imagine a troupe of 10+ people on set, all ready to work and the model doesn’t show up because for whatever reason or another. Perhaps, she missed her flight. The responsibility falls on her agency… At times it’s very difficult to remedy these kinds of situations.”

Chanel Iman with the 'flyest' booker, Markus Riggi.

Markus Riggi with Brazilian Bombshell, Fernanda Tavares.

Another misconception is that models are found solely during agency open calls or during scouting trips, but now days a booker doesn’t even have to leave the computer to find that sparkling gem. Markus shares:

“We have very strong and loyal relationships with a few big agencies worldwide, who are very good in scouting. Since we have strong relationships with these agencies, their models are aware of the standard of service we provide. So as a result, we tend to be the model’s first choice. We are a very small & select agency without a true “scouting” division. We do travel a bit, but we prefer to concentrate on Internet scouting. I’ m into every blog and I follow-up on careers of all the young new faces!”

TFUC Blog

On the topic of blogs, Markus shares how he developed the agency friendly, TFUC blog:

“I created THE FUCKED UP CREW blog a year ago with a friend of mine, Alfredo, a Junior Booker (Ice Models-Milan). After a few months,TFUC invited two new members: Fabio C. and Leonardo A. We at TFUC, wanted to create a funny, edgy, real and unusual blog. Little by little, people started to like it and so far the site has received over 30,000 visits. We enjoy revealing a different side of the fashion world by interviewing famous fashion players (top models, top photographers, designers).” Not one to play favourites, Markus shares that his top favourite faces are Natasha Poly, Freja and Eniko.

Natasha Poly

For those aspiring bookers out there, Markus leaves you all with “must haves” of a model booker:

“The first thing would be professionalism. Dealing with girls so young... girls in general, who count on you, you must be professional and responsible. Special attention to details and precision is important. It is fundamental to be diplomatic and informed… It’s also important to keep up with the magazines to see who’s shooting what by whom and keeping your eyes open in general. And last, but not least, Passion!

 

Special thanks to Markus Riggi; visit his blog at The Fucked Up Crew and check out some his funky interviews.

 

Timaj Alwan

 

Source & Photo credits: With the kind permission of Markus Riggi

TAGS: markus riggi booker industry insider fashion insider magazine interview