It’s no secret that the world of modeling can be ruthless, writes torontonka. Despite modern changes in the industry, including relaxed standards and the rise of “plus-size” modeling, the fashion world remains a challenging domain.
New models, in particular, often face violations of their rights. At the start of their careers, young women may lack knowledge of the industry’s complexities and pitfalls, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Coco Rocha, a renowned Canadian model, is uniquely familiar with the nuances of the modeling business. Alongside her illustrious career, she actively advocates for the rights and interests of aspiring models.
This article, based on coco-rocha.com, explores Coco’s journey in the fashion industry.
Early Days
Coco Rocha was born in Toronto, Canada, and boasts Irish and Ukrainian heritage.
In 2002, she participated in an Irish dance competition, where she was approached by a representative of a modeling agency. Although modeling wasn’t something Coco had previously considered, the encounter marked the beginning of her career.
Initially, Rocha’s knowledge of the fashion industry was limited. She began her modeling journey in Asian markets, where she tried on 75 different looks in just two months.
Notably, Coco became one of the first models to embrace social media actively, earning the nickname “Queen of Posing.”
On the Runway
In 2006, Coco was invited to participate in the New York Fashion Week, showcasing fall and winter collections.
The following year, she opened the show for iconic designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, captivating critics and fashion enthusiasts with her grace and stage presence.
Collaborations with Publications and Fashion Houses
In May 2007, Coco graced the cover of Vogue magazine.
She also frequently appeared in the pages of prestigious fashion magazines.
Over her career, Coco has worked with some of the world’s most renowned fashion houses, including Versace, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lanvin.
In 2011, she extended her partnership with Coca-Cola, which began the previous year.
Launching Her Own Agency
June 2016 marked a significant milestone for Coco when she launched her modeling agency, Nomad Mgmt.
Through this agency, she began mentoring new models and helping them develop career strategies.
Coco also expanded the agency beyond Canada, establishing an office in Vietnam.
In addition to providing individual consultations for aspiring models, Coco was inspired to create a modeling camp.
In July 2018, she opened the Coco Rocha Model Camp. To bring this vision to life, she restored a historic building. The camp offers a four-day program designed to educate new models about the fashion industry.
Coco’s expertise even led to her being invited to teach at Harvard University.
Investments
Beyond modeling, Coco is also an active investor. She supports platforms such as Web3, R00ls, and FLYR. These platforms act as bridges connecting designers, artists, and their fans through social tokens, which resemble cryptocurrency and are aimed at monetizing personal brands.