Last night I met Neal Hamil, director of Elite Model Management’s North American operations at the groundbreaking ceremony for Elite’s new office, the first major tenant in the $500 million Market Station real estate project in South Salt Lake (which Elite dubbed “SoSaLa”). Market Station is project by Utopia Station Development Corp., directed by Steve Aste.
The celebration featured dj’s, breakdancers, a half-pipe x-sports show, helicopter fly-ins, a base jumper with a golden shovel, a fashion show contest for “Utah’s Next Top Model”, some words from the Mayor of “SoSoLa” and the state governor’s office, performances by Utah’s legendary scratch DJ, Diggabeatz, and his dance crew, and a headlining dj set by DJ Miss Lisa, which kept the enthusiastic crowd’s hands in the air until the party ended at 1:00am. The celebration occupied an entire city block and people were literally dancing in the street until the music was shut off and the crowd started chanting, “One more song! One more song!”
Model recruiting efforts in Utah will be managed by Stacey Eastman, founder of Pulse Management. The company has successfully scouted and placed seven Vogue cover models from Utah. Also in attendance at the event was Elite’s newest runway sensation, Ali Stephens, who was discovered on an outing with her family in Salt Lake City’s Gateway Mall, and made her modeling debut walking for Prada in Milan, quickly followed by shows for Chanel, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, and a whole lot more.
The runway show featured jeans by Danny Nappi, and hair / makeup by Vanity Hair Extensions. Liquid refreshment and entertainment booking was provided by the Park City Playground.
All told, I think the event was a resounding success. I’m sure those who attended will be buzzing about it, and what it means for Utah’s fashion industry. I have a feeling it’s about to get a major shot in the arm - and as a photographer who loves living in Salt Lake City, I couldn’t be happier about that!
