Born out of a love for the diverse and the unique; this is how the atypical modelling agency, CH-V Agency describes its founding. The agency, established in 2018, embodies diversity, inclusivity and individuality with the models they represent looking more like people you may pass on the street rather than a typical runway model.

Founder, Joseph Stephens, created the agency following a university project. Whilst putting together an editorial as part of an assignment Joseph began searching for “what I would describe as interesting characters… older models in their 70s, 60s and people with larger body types”. After being somewhat unsuccessful in his pursuit, Joseph decided to start his own agency that could provide what he was looking for. In terms of the models the agency chooses to represent he says, “we are more about the character of the person and [their] background rather than the cookie cutter mould type of model”.

According to Joseph his “aim is to make diversity a staple of the industry [but] it needs to be a collective thing. No one person can change the industry on their own. It needs to be a collective effort, by everybody in the industry”. And whilst the industry seems to be shifting, due to the current popularity of diverse catwalks the industry definitely has a long way to go.

Life is full of different people. I don’t think it’s realistic to cater to one type of person or model. I think my agency [and] the ethos of what we’re doing is very important for true representation of the people in the world.

The models:

Angie, 57

“Winners never quit. I see myself as a rebel with a cause. I have a condition that nobody really knows about. I was told I’d be dead and I’m here living my life; my way.”

 Jasmine Parsons, 12

 “I like dance and drama [at school] cause I get to express myself and have fun.”

Oluwa Binga Odeah, 36

“If I have an opportunity to help people in whatsoever way I’ll always do it if I can. I believe we should always help each other, pick others up and lend a helping hand.”

Samantha Tomlin, 45

“Treat other people how you’d like to be treated yourself and always be as accommodating as you can.”

Liam, 19

“Life is what you make it. If you really want something in life you will really strive for it and nothing will get in your way.”

Flora Bello Maria Lousia Francisca Pedro, 43

“A nation can rise no higher than its woman. We must take care of the women; we give birth to the children and raise them. It’s really important to take care of the mothers’ because we start the village. If you don’t treat women right then the nation cannot rise.”

Elizabeth Gibson, 78

“I decided I wanted to explore the world and once I started, I couldn’t stop. It’s the best way, the only way [to live your life]. This is the perfect life for me.”

Shakara, 13

“My favourite subject is maths, my favourite part of maths is like volumes or shapes and masses. When I’m older I want to be a pop singer.”

Chioma Ehiemere, 29

“Always listen to your instincts. If you feel like something is not right, it’s not right. That is something that I live by.”

Caine Mcgee 46

“I shouldn’t be here in London, I grew up a country boy in the middle of nowhere, how am I here its because I always believed in myself and kept pushing. I said no to what I was gonna get cause I didn’t want it. Everybody has that choice.”

Eileen Daley, 55

“A smile can cure a lot of things in a lot of people, it has the ability to make someone’s day. It’s a generosity to smile at some one.”

Check out more of CH-V Agency models here and also follow them on Instagram @chvagency

Credits

• Photography: Kim Lang

• Stylist: Femi Ayo

• Make Up: Polly Mann

• Editor: Duncan Lawford

• Words: Rochelle Thomas

• Photo Assistant: Ciaran Christopher

• Stylist Assistant: Morgan Johzon