Journey of our Sophisticate Models - Carla Visser
The beautiful Carla Visser began her modelling journey at the age of 14 with Sophisticate Models. During her time with the agency, she graced numerous prestigious events, including Top Model, Fashion Extravaganza, Top EC Fashion Shows and a variety of local shoots.
At just 16, Carla was scouted by ICE Cape Town and shortly after completing her Matric, she moved to Cape Town to pursue her modeling career full-time. Her talent and dedication soon opened international doors, leading her to an incredible opportunity in Asia, where she was signed with Nixx Models in Vietnam.
Carla’s career flourished as she modelled across Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Ireland, working with globally renowned brands such as Jockey, Maserati, Lexus, Clarins, and Puma. Her impressive portfolio includes being fully booked for Vietnam Fashion Week for two consecutive years, in 2018 and 2019.
Carla proudly acknowledges that Sophisticate Models provided a strong foundation for her success, offering an exceptional platform for aspiring models who are serious and passionate about building their careers in the industry.
#ModelJourney #SophisticateModels #CarlaVisser
From the Runway to the Courtroom ✨👠⚖️
Meet Seren Koekemoer—a model, mentor, and future legal powerhouse. Her journey began at just six years old at Sophisticate Models and since then, she’s taken the modelling world by storm, walking for top designers at Milan Fashion Week, SA Fashion Week, Seychelles Fashion Week, Soweto Fashion Week, AFI (Africa Fashion International) and more.
She’s worked with Viviers, Coca-Cola, Malondie, David Tlale, Bathu, Urban Zulu, Spitz, Socrati and countless other renowned brands.
Beyond the runway, Seren is also making waves in the legal world. She’s a third-year LLB Law student at the University of the Witwatersrand, building on her BA in Psychology and Sociology (cum laude). Her passion for law and human behaviour fuels her vision of a career that blends both worlds.
But she doesn’t just shine in front of the camera—she’s also training, coaching, and mentoring aspiring models across Johannesburg, guiding them in runway techniques, posing, confidence-building, and personal branding. As the head booker at Daastaan Agency, she plays a key role in shaping the careers of rising talent, ensuring they’re well-represented in the industry.
Her talents extend to the screen as well—she’s even been featured on South Africa’s beloved TV show, 7de Laan!
Balancing a demanding academic career, modeling, mentorship, and agency management is no small feat, but Seren thrives under pressure. Her journey is proof that with passion and perseverance, you can embrace multiple paths
and excel in them all.
From high fashion to high courts, Seren Koekemoer is a name to remember.
#SerenKoekemoer #RunwayToCourtroom #ModelLife
Model Spotlight: Minx Govender
Minx Govender began her modelling journey with Sophisticate Models in 2014, and her talent quickly caught the attention of top local brands like Spec Savers and Jumbo Clothing - while she was still in high school.
Since then, Minx’s career has soared, including being featured in the prestigious French Malvie Magazine for her Up Close and Personal spread. From the age of 15 to now at 26, modelling has shaped her professionalism and fueled both personal and professional growth.
Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination and chasing your dreams. We’re so proud to have been a part of her journey!
#SophisticateModels #ModelJourney #MinxGovender #ProudMoments
Journey of Our Sophisticate Models
Jade Paul began her modelling journey at just 14 years old while in Grade 9 and from the start, her passion for modelling shone through. She found joy in her weekly classes alongside her Sophisticate family, always eager to learn, grow and perfect her craft.
Jade didn’t just participate - she excelled. From the prestigious Fashion Extravaganza shows to the annual Top Model competitions and countless other top-tier events in PE, Jade became a familiar face on the Sophisticate runway.
In 2021, Jade’s hard work and undeniable talent caught the attention of Steffi from ICE Models Cape Town. This life-changing moment led her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time model in Cape Town - a dream she had nurtured for years.
Since then, Jade has worked with some of the biggest and most respected brands, including:
Sissy Boy, Vans, The Fix, Sportscene, Identity, Office London, ASICS, ON Running, Vinted UK, Nautica UK, Old Khaki, Poetry, Mr Price, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Freedom of Movement, Beachcult, Footgear, Wildcat, Deichmann, Pick n Pay Clothing, Max Fashion India, New Balance and more!
Her journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the belief that “if you dream it, you can achieve it.” Jade has become a true ambassador for the modelling school, inspiring others to chase their dreams fearlessly.
#SophisticateModels #DreamBig #ModelLife #SuccessStory #JadePaul
Journey of Our Sophisticate Models
At Sophisticate Models, we take pride in the remarkable journeys of our models as they rise to new heights. One such inspiring story is that of Jordan Brown, who joined Sophisticate Models in February 2020 at the age of 15.
In her early days, Jordan signed a prestigious two-year contract with Martez from MMM Model Management in Cape Town, a testament to her immense potential. Her talent and dedication earned her the title of Sophisticate Models Senior Top Model in 2022, followed by a finalist spot in Opulent Models, Pretoria’s most significant runway competition last year.
Jordan’s journey only soared from there. In September 2024, she took a bold leap, joining Claudia Model Management in Italy. Currently, she is represented by Azure Talent in India, where her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past five months, she has worked tirelessly, completing an impressive 70 jobs and making her mark in countless shoots.
Jordan’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, passion, and the right guidance. At Sophisticate Models, we celebrate her success and look forward to witnessing her continued ascent in the world of modelling.
#SophisticateModels #JordanBrown #ModelJourney
The Journey of Brooklyn Prince: A Rising Star from Sophisticate Models
Brooklyn Prince, our Uitenhage-born talent, embarked on her modelling journey with Sophisticate Models in 2019 at our Despatch class. At just 17 years old, she took her first steps into the fashion world, displaying a natural flair and poise that immediately caught the eye of industry professionals.
In a pivotal moment for her career, Brooklyn was discovered by Fanie Nel on May 31, 2024, marking the beginning of her collaboration with BOSS Models in Cape Town. Since then, Brooklyn has flourished, quickly establishing herself as a full-time model based in the heart of Cape Town.
Her striking look and professional presence have earned her an impressive portfolio, featuring campaigns for major brands such as Truworths, Woolworths, Superbalist, Puma, The Fix, Sports Scene and many more. She has also graced the pages of several high-profile magazines, showcasing her versatility and captivating appeal.
Now, five years since her journey began with Sophisticate Models, Brooklyn Prince continues to shine, proving that with talent, hard work and the right guidance, the sky’s the limit for this rising star. We couldn’t be prouder of how far she has come and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her in the world of modelling.
#SophisticateModels #ModellingWorld #CapeTown
The Journey of Our Past Models at Sophisticate Models
At Sophisticate Models, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent and witnessing the incredible achievements of our models. One such success story is Mikaela Oosthuizen (Dr. Mikaela de Villiers now), whose journey began with us at the age of 9 and continued through to her Matric year.
Mikaela is now proudly represented by ICE Models Joburg and has built an impressive portfolio, including:
Campaigns: SpecSavers, Edgars, Makro, Jumbo, Hinterveld Range.
Magazine Features: Covers of Your Family Magazine and Get It Magazine.
TV Commercials: DSTV, Debonairs, Edgars, and Standard Bank (filmed last year).
Her leadership skills shone early on, as she was elected Head Girl at both her Primary School (Charlo) and High School (Pearson).
She’s also achieved remarkable milestones in the pageant world:
* Miss SA Teen Winner
* Miss South Africa Top 12
* Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Top 5
Beyond modeling, Mikaela has excelled in other fields:
- Presenting: Worked with 4 different radio stations, hosted over 50 events nationwide and was a finalist in both national and continental competitions.
- Academics: Graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Media Communications and Culture.
Her success is a testament to the talent and hard work cultivated at Sophisticate Models and we couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her journey!
The Journey of Our Past Models at Sophisticate Models
At Sophisticate Models, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent and witnessing the incredible achievements of our models. One such success story is Mikaela Oosthuizen (Dr. Mikaela de Villiers now), whose journey began with us at the age of 9 and continued through to her Matric year.
Mikaela is now proudly represented by ICE Models Joburg and has built an impressive portfolio, including:
Campaigns: SpecSavers, Edgars, Makro, Jumbo, Hinterveld Range.
Magazine Features: Covers of Your Family Magazine and Get It Magazine.
TV Commercials: DSTV, Debonairs, Edgars, and Standard Bank (filmed last year).
Her leadership skills shone early on, as she was elected Head Girl at both her Primary School (Charlo) and High School (Pearson).
She’s also achieved remarkable milestones in the pageant world:
* Miss SA Teen Winner
* Miss South Africa Top 12
* Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Top 5
Beyond modeling, Mikaela has excelled in other fields:
- Presenting: Worked with 4 different radio stations, hosted over 50 events nationwide and was a finalist in both national and continental competitions.
- Academics: Graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Media Communications and Culture.
Her success is a testament to the talent and hard work cultivated at Sophisticate Models and we couldn’t be prouder to have been part of her journey!
Our early Model Registrations for 2025. Calling all new and beginner girls and guys📣
No requirements and no experience needed to join our Sophisticate team🙌🏻
See you at the Education Expo Boardwalk Mall.
2025 Model Registrations will also take place🌟
Today, we celebrate the remarkable Gail Brown, the owner and founder of Sophisticate Models, on her special day!💛
Allow us to share a glimpse of her extraordinary journey…
Modelling transcends mere career; it’s a passion I’m blessed and privileged to share with my beautiful and dedicated models.
At the age of 13, Gail Brown (Roach) embarked on her modelling journey at ‘Peggy Thompson’s Charm Modelling School’ in 1982. As a shy teenage girl, Gail sought to bolster her self-confidence, making modelling the perfect choice.
After two years of experience, numerous fashion shows, and pageants, Gail emerged as the top model of her school. By age 15, she earned her teaching certificate and spent four years assisting in classes. In 1988, amidst her busy matric year, Gail founded ‘Gail’s Sophisticate Models,’ boasting 110 registered models by year-end and hosting her inaugural ‘Top Model of the Year’ competition—all while completing her final exams.
Gail’s decision to open a modelling school stemmed from her passion for nurturing children’s development, fostering their personalities, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Peggy Thompson, her mentor, epitomized sophistication and instilled invaluable life lessons, inspiring the creation of ‘sophisticate’ in the school’s name.
“I attribute my strength and success to our heavenly father, who has blessed me abundantly over the years.”
#sophisticatemodels #GailBrown #HappyBirthday
Sophisticate Models - A Modelling School with a difference. Leading the way since 1988. High standard of ramp and modelling training for guys and girls.
