Finance

Models.com marked its quarter-century milestone with an exclusive celebratory dinner in New York City, bringing together a distinguished assembly of the fashion industry's most influential figures. The gathering, held at the sophisticated Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya, served as a testament to the platform's sustained impact and its evolution into an indispensable digital directory for models, agencies, and creatives worldwide. The evening was characterized by a convivial atmosphere, filled with recognition for the platform's contributions and anticipation for its future endeavors.

Amidst the festive setting, guests enjoyed a meticulously curated dining experience, reflecting the elegance and innovation that Models.com has championed throughout its history. The event provided a unique opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect, forge new collaborations, and acknowledge the pivotal role the platform plays in spotlighting emerging talent and established careers. It was a night that not only celebrated past achievements but also reinforced the vibrant community that Models.com has fostered over two and a half decades.

A Quarter-Century of Influence: Models.com's Enduring Legacy

Models.com recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a lavish dinner in downtown Manhattan, drawing in a diverse group of fashion industry professionals. Despite the cold New York weather, models, agents, casting directors, stylists, and long-time followers of the platform gathered to honor its significant milestone. The event highlighted the website's journey from its inception to becoming an authoritative digital hub for the modeling industry. Attendees enjoyed a sophisticated cocktail hour, filled with enthusiastic toasts to the platform's past and future successes, acknowledging its role in shaping countless careers and industry standards.

The celebratory evening at Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya was a vibrant affair, teeming with prominent figures who have graced major campaigns and runways globally. The attendees, including celebrated personalities like Alton Mason, Paloma Elsesser, and Grace Elizabeth, engaged in lively conversations, underscoring the platform's importance. Many guests shared personal anecdotes about how Models.com has served as a vital professional tool, with some likening it to an IMDb for models. This collective sentiment affirmed the website’s crucial function in the fashion ecosystem, not just as a directory but as a community cornerstone.

The Models.com Gala: A Confluence of Fashion's Elite

The anniversary gala transitioned from a spirited cocktail reception to a formal seated dinner, where guests found their places at elegantly decorated wooden tables adorned with candles and orchids. This segment of the evening brought together a fascinating mix of fashion's power players and up-and-coming talents. Executives from leading agencies like IMG and Elite mingled with young models, makeup artists, editors, and photographers, fostering an environment rich with potential collaborations and networking opportunities. The shared meals, featuring exquisite Japanese cuisine, sparked further dialogue and strengthened bonds within the community.

The culinary experience was a highlight, with platters of delicately prepared sashimi, sushi rolls, and hot dishes like oxtail fried rice continuously served from an open kitchen, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Models.com CEO Stephan Moskovic expressed his immense joy and gratitude for the turnout, describing the event as a significant "coming out party" for the platform. While some agents had to attend to urgent bookings for the upcoming fashion week, the majority of the guests chose to linger, savoring the moment of unity and celebration before the industry's typically hectic schedule resumed. The event successfully encapsulated the spirit of innovation and community that defines Models.com.

Discovering Timelessness: "Tetbury House" Blends Heritage with Modern Living

The Evolution of Olive Ateliers: From Curated Finds to Original Collections

What started in 2021 as a venture by Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo, Olive Ateliers quickly captivated a growing audience with its unique antique selections. Initially, their brand thrived through online drops and weekend pop-ups, showcasing curated goods from across the globe. This early success soon necessitated a larger presence, leading to a sprawling 22,000-square-foot atelier showroom in the city's arts district and a robust e-commerce platform. Recognizing their customers' desire for more, the trio decided to expand into designed collections, with “Vestige” debuting in early 2025 and “Lieu De Vie” later that year, culminating in the highly anticipated February 11 launch of “Tetbury House.”

“Tetbury House”: A Collection Rooted in European Antique Aesthetics

The “Tetbury House” collection, Olive Ateliers' third and most expansive to date, is designed to evoke the charm of unearthed European antiques. Co-founder Ben Knox describes the pieces as individually expressive yet harmoniously cohesive, capturing the thrill of discovery that first drew them to the antique business. Laura Sotelo further elaborates, emphasizing the brand's profound connection to the concept of inherited objects and family heirlooms—pieces lovingly preserved and passed down through generations, each with its own beautiful narrative.

Inspiration from Northern Europe: The Cotswolds' Influence and Beyond

The emotional core behind Olive Ateliers' designs is paramount, and for “Tetbury House,” the serene and inviting atmosphere of the Cotswolds served as a primary muse. This inspiration is subtly woven into details like the cotton dobby skirt adorning a nightstand or the eclectic mix of wooden dining chairs. However, the influences extend beyond England, as Kendall Knox notes that many items draw heavily from design traditions across Northern Europe, creating a collection that transcends a singular English aesthetic.

The Adlestrop Dining Table: A Story of Rediscovery and Craftsmanship

A prime example of this cross-cultural inspiration is the Adlestrop dining table. Its design originated from a 17th-century Dutch piece that was so coveted, it sold before Olive Ateliers even officially opened its doors (to notable buyers Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, no less). For the Adlestrop, artisans collaborated with the Olive Ateliers team to craft bespoke Delft-inspired tiles. Each tile is meticulously hand-painted in a perfect shade of blue with a crackled glaze, then carefully inlaid into rich, dark-stained wood, creating a piece that resonates with historical artistry.

Crafting Enduring Appeal: The Art of Patina and Material Selection

A core tenet for the Olive Ateliers team was to imbue every piece in the “Tetbury House” collection with a sense of inherited history and natural patina, even when newly crafted. Kendall Knox explains that their in-house designers are fervent students of antiquity, deeply fascinated by how materials evolve and finishes change over time. This philosophy is reflected in their choice of materials: solid oak, reclaimed pine, aged metals, and heavyweight linens are central to the collection, deliberately eschewing plastics to ensure longevity and character.

The James Martini Table and Neverland Nightstand: Evoking a Sense of Age

The James Martini table perfectly illustrates Olive Ateliers' commitment to creating pieces that feel lived-in. Laura Sotelo details the intricate, multi-layered painting technique, developed by their Indian artisans and refined with the design team. This slow, deliberate process of applying and chipping back layers of paint can take days, resulting in a finish that suggests years of history. Similarly, the Neverland nightstand, with its removable cotton dobby skirt, features eight layers of wax. This meticulous application gives the surface a smooth, deep, and waxy feel, making it seem as though it has already experienced a rich and varied existence.

Expanding Horizons: Introduction of Lighting and Decorative Objects

The launch of “Tetbury House” also marks Olive Ateliers' much-anticipated expansion into lighting. The collection features two lamps: the Langford floor lamp, inspired by Hans-Agne Jakobsson's 1930s designs, and the Agatha table lamp, whose elegant silhouette emerged from a smaller 1920s piece discovered on the Orient Express. Beyond larger furniture, the collection includes exquisite smaller items like candelabras and the Devon shell dish. Kendall Knox shares that the shell dish was inspired by a similar "bric-a-brac" find in France, emphasizing the desire to share beautiful, weighty silver pieces that feel special and enhance daily rituals.

The Philosophy of Timeless Objects: Utility, Restraint, and Character

At its heart, “Tetbury House” encapsulates a philosophy that transcends fleeting trends. Ben Knox articulates this vision: timeless objects are meant to be used, repaired, and lived with. They exhibit restraint in their design, avoiding excessive embellishment, and are never overly precious. Crucially, they are designed to age gracefully, acquiring character rather than diminishing in value over time, becoming cherished elements of daily life.