Carole White has a clear vision of the UK's fashion and modelling industries. Her candid interview also touched on the future of the London Fashion Week.
Carole White For "The Business of Modelling" Podcast
The Business of Modelling podcast, hosted by Tessa Dewing, debuted with Carole White, co-founder of Premier Model Management, in a rare behind-the-scenes conversation about four decades in fashion, the pressure facing models today, and the uncertain future of London Fashion Week.
Carole has been at the helm of one of the UK’s most prestigious agencies since 1981 and she is best known for launching and managing the career of Naomi Campbell.
In this intimate conversation, Carole reflects on her unconventional upbringing in Ghana and Kent, her early days as a model herself, and her instinctive pivot to life behind the scenes. She recalls the founding of Premier with her brother Chris Owen – a bold move with no financial backing but a deep sense of purpose.
“We didn’t really have a plan,” Carole says. “We just wanted to look after the models – really look after them.”
The Changing Landscape Of Fashion And Carole’s Concern For London Fashion Week
While Carole has always been a fierce advocate for new talent, she is increasingly concerned about the state of the British fashion industry. Speaking about London Fashion Week, she expresses deep frustration with its lack of direction and declining global relevance.
“London Fashion Week used to be buzzing. You had all the designers, all the models, the whole city came alive. Now it’s quiet – underfunded, disorganised, and it doesn’t have the energy anymore. We’re losing our place on the global stage.”
She calls on the industry to come together and reinvest in British fashion – not just at the luxury level, but from the ground up, with support for emerging designers, sustainable talent development, and real diversity.
Carole On Naomi Campbell And A New Era Of Representation
Carole shares vivid memories of discovering a young Naomi Campbell and placing her with agencies around the world. “She was sensational – not just in her look but in her energy,” she recalls. But Carole also discusses the harder realities of representation in the 1980s and 90s, including the discrimination black models faced in castings.
Throughout the episode, Carole speaks with unfiltered honesty about what it takes to survive in fashion – not just as a model, but as an agent, a business owner, and a woman with conviction in an often ruthless industry.
Carole's Advice For Aspiring Models And Industry Insiders
Carole also shares what she looks for in a model today – and it is not just about looks: “Charisma. A presence. You’ve got to walk into a room and hold it. And be nice. We don’t want divas.”
As the fashion industry continues to shift toward digital influence and personal branding, Carole urges young talents to understand that modelling is now a business – and they must think like entrepreneurs.
“You’re a brand. You’ve got to know who you are and what you stand for.”
With Carole White's thoughtful contribution, the debut episode of "The Business of Modelling" offers a rare, inside perspective on one of the most competitive industries in the world and a reminder that behind every image is a complex, fast-moving business with real people, pressures, and purpose.
You can listen to Carole White's interview and the following episodes online.
