The September Issue // Modeling // Ugly Models
SUPER UGLY
How one modeling agency flipped the meaning of “marketable”
At the London-based modeling agency “Ugly Models,” there is absolutely no room for traditional beauty. Uh-uh. At Ugly, it’s the most unusual, eccentric and intriguing faces that get the gig. In fact, the one-of-a-kind agency’s unabashedly inclusive mission statement tells the whole story. Simply put, Ugly Models is about “celebrating everyone's unique beauty.” With major clients like Calvin Klein, Levi's, and Ed Hardy, owner Marc French (dubbed The Don/The Daddy/I AM Mister Ugly) proves that ugly is really quite beautiful.
— Joicelyn Dingle
tyra.com: Why are you so proud of your agency?
Marc French: Ugly Models is a celebration of diversity, allowing any kind of look to live the model dream. It is no longer the sole domain of the perfect-featured waif. Beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder—beauty is being unique, and more importantly, being comfortable in one's own skin. Ugly's incredible diversity allows everyone to have a crack at the model dream, regardless of ethnicity, body shape or size.
tyra.com: What is the criteria for an Ugly Model?
Marc French: The criteria for an Ugly model is someone who is comfortable in their own skin, a unique character, a leader as opposed to a follower of fashion, and not the stereotypical model of perfection portrayed by the media. Ugly models are positively oozing with character and uniqueness.
tyra.com: How long have you been around?
Marc French: Ugly was born in 1969. From the day we opened our doors we never needed to advertise. We have over 1,000 models on our books of all ages, shapes and sizes. Our popularity has led to an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the agency featuring some of our most unique models. The documentary also features scouting in New York and LA.
tyra.com: Who really wants Ugly models? Who are some of your more well-known clients?
Marc French: We have a complete client list online, but Calvin Klein, Diesel, Levi, Italian Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Harpers & Queen, Dove, Renault Cars, and Ford Motors to name a few. We cast everything from pop promos, feature films & newspaper print campaigns. Our clients range from high fashion to independent boutiques.
tyra.com: Which of one your models is booked the most? Would we know his/her face?
Marc French: Probably. One of our models, Del, is the only model in the world to have done three major jeans campaigns: Calvin Klein, Levi & Diesel! We represent everything from sumo wrestlers to body builders, nerds to jocks, tattooed to hippies, from short to tall and large to thin— all of whom work. There are no particular shapes or styles that work more than any other. Ugly has it all.
this is rather awesome!
I think that labelling these perfectly normal people as ''UGLY'' isn't nice. They can have a fine modelling career without being called ugly models. But on the other hand it's great that agencies are accepting people in ... more I think that labelling these perfectly normal people as ''UGLY'' isn't nice. They can have a fine modelling career without being called ugly models. But on the other hand it's great that agencies are accepting people into the industry despite thier flaws. I am extremely happy that ppl are able to pursue thier dreams, even in the big biz! :)
< Less
Maybe there is a chance for me to be a model. I alway joked around about being an ugly model. Maybe I should give them a call. LOL!
I love this soo much. The unique look is more recognizable. It's pretty genius!!!
i can say everybody can be a model, weather a person is pretty, ugly, fat, skinny, weird, fashionista, etc. :) so i guess everybody can dream to become a model. :)
i think its a really great idea 'cuz no body is too beautiful
Tyra.. may i ask u.. do u think, i be able to be 1 of the ugly model.. coz i think i`m ugly...
i kinda agree with both sides of the story. tyra, i love your shows and all and i am a big fan of yours. you have inspired me a lot about everything. but i do have to say that i mostly agree with marc on this topic becau ... morei kinda agree with both sides of the story. tyra, i love your shows and all and i am a big fan of yours. you have inspired me a lot about everything. but i do have to say that i mostly agree with marc on this topic because not everybody is as beautiful, rich, or skinny as you. there are some advantages that people like u don't have, thats faith in themselves. not everyone was made the same for a reason and i think that people should be allowed to be models no matter how they look.
< Less
You know i am very sad how beauty is defined. Only tall people, with high cheekbones, full lips, etc. While actually God creates all of us beautiful. I wonder when will the world change, now celebs dare to pose without a ... moreYou know i am very sad how beauty is defined. Only tall people, with high cheekbones, full lips, etc. While actually God creates all of us beautiful. I wonder when will the world change, now celebs dare to pose without any make up and touch up, proving that natural is beautiful. I wish in the future, the world won't be so shallow and define beauties just by height and skin color and high cheekbones or skinny girls. Beauty is in all of us and that depends on how you portray it.
< Less
Without Ugh-Liness, Fashion is like soup without SALT. tasteless
I love the irony of the name. They celebrate real beauty which is more than skin deep and yet they call themselves "ugly models". It's really nice because I don't think they look for the gross people of the world that we ... moreI love the irony of the name. They celebrate real beauty which is more than skin deep and yet they call themselves "ugly models". It's really nice because I don't think they look for the gross people of the world that we would call ugly but instead they look for the most vibrant. I love it...off to see if its in the states...or will represent someone from the states
< Less
I MUST KNOOOOOOOOOW!!!!
OMG!!!!!! HOW DOES ONE GET WITH THIS AGENCY!
I think this ugly model thing rocks. Now no one will be left behind. Just hope we have it here in South Africa.. lol
im going to look up this del.:) wow this company is awesome, the whole idea of "ugly models\" is wonderful becasue i think we should all remember that that everyone has different opinions and whats conventional isnt conv ... moreim going to look up this del.:) wow this company is awesome, the whole idea of "ugly models\" is wonderful becasue i think we should all remember that that everyone has different opinions and whats conventional isnt conventional. "what is beautiful, is beautiful to you "
< Less
I think the name is ugly is perfect! Now I'm not saying that because I'm calling the models "ugly" but, after reading how much diversity, and different kinds of unique models there are, ugly didn't mean ugly to me anymor ... moreI think the name is ugly is perfect! Now I'm not saying that because I'm calling the models "ugly" but, after reading how much diversity, and different kinds of unique models there are, ugly didn't mean ugly to me anymore. To me now the word ugly means uniquely beautiful! and I LOVE THAT SUN BURNT MAN! I love his facial and body expression (so cute and funny and very memorable!). Models who are able to convey different emotions, should be models and not be turned down because they don't have the body of a fashion model (im not bashing on models being skinny!) But yes, I would <3 see diversity!
< Less
This modeling agency is for me.......or at least what others would see! My boyfriend says I am beautiful and so do my children, but when a girl has dark circles under her eyes, she wears a size 17, with short blah brown ... moreThis modeling agency is for me.......or at least what others would see! My boyfriend says I am beautiful and so do my children, but when a girl has dark circles under her eyes, she wears a size 17, with short blah brown hair.....this is the place for her! Tell me how to get noticed by this agency.
< Less
wow! impressive! i love this! but i have to admit, i'm not a big fan of it being called ugly...unless they are intending to give it a whole new meaning. 'ugly' has such a negative connotation (sp??). But if they are givi ... morewow! impressive! i love this! but i have to admit, i'm not a big fan of it being called ugly...unless they are intending to give it a whole new meaning. 'ugly' has such a negative connotation (sp??). But if they are giving a whole new meaning, it's time ugly had a new meaning!!! we, as a society, need it!
< Less
wow very different..but i like it.
What they're doing is amazing. Calling it ugly... not so much.