Guess What? Brigitta Maria

Guess What? Brigitta Maria

Try telling Brigitta Maria, the director of national modeling agency pioneer, PT Putri Pertiwi, that there is nothing to the profession but looking beautiful.

"If you knew what you were talking about, you would not make such a statement," would be her likely retort.

Last year Brigitta bought the franchise to establish the first John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center in the Asia-Pacific region here. The foundation that spawned Elite modeling agencies worldwide is now giving Indonesian catwalk mavens a realistic chance to go international.

Any other surprises up her sleeve?

"I will be opening the first Elite modeling agency (in Indonesia) either at the end of this year or beginning of next," Brigitta said.

"I already have the license but haven't gone into operations because we don't have the products (international-standard models) as yet."

Brigitta said the progression to that stage would include having wanna-bes trained in competent modeling schools.

In the pipeline is a boutique corner for Elite fashion, "but that will have to wait for the crisis to subside".

Brigitta founded PT Putri Pertiwi 13 years ago. Following the staging of a commercial model contest held in Jakarta and attended by international model Cindy Crawford, Brigitta bought the franchise for the Elite Model Look Contest, which sends the winner to an international modeling pageant. (02)