The Architect of Canadian Fashion: Anita’s Journey from Model to Industry Leader
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends rise and fade like the seasons, true impact is made by the visionaries who build the foundations behind the scenes. Anita is one of those rare architects, someone who has helped shape the Canadian modeling landscape with intention, integrity, and a clear eye for talent. Her journey isn’t just a story of personal success; it’s one of transformation, mentorship, and the power of seeing potential where others may not.
What began as a teenage confidence boost in London, Ontario, quickly evolved into a dynamic career that spanned continents and transformed roles from fresh-faced model to seasoned agent and founder of her own thriving agency. At just 13, Anita’s height sparked her mother’s idea to enroll her in a local modeling course. Within weeks, she was gracing local newspapers and mall runways. Then came a pivotal moment: winning Junior Top Canadian Model in Toronto, an accolade that catapulted her into a world of international opportunity and fashion capitals like Milan and New York.
But Anita’s story is not just about modeling success; it’s about reinvention, resilience, and rewriting the narrative. As she transitioned from the spotlight to scouting, mentoring, and eventually building a leading Canadian agency, Anita has remained grounded in her values amplifying diverse voices, championing ethical business, and mentoring the next generation with fierce professionalism and compassion.
In this enlightening conversation with Models of Canada, Anita opens up about the shifting tides of the fashion industry, the lessons etched into her journey, and her unwavering belief in Canadian talent. Whether you’re an aspiring model, an industry hopeful, or someone passionate about representation and change, Anita’s insights are a masterclass in leading with both strategy and soul.
Models of Canada: Anita, can you take us back to the moment you decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry? What was that defining moment for you?
Anita: I started in the modeling industry at 13, my mother thought it would be a confidence builder (at 5’9) to take a modelling course in my hometown of London, Ontario. The owner of the agency had me working after the course doing photo shoots for the local newspaper and Mall fashion shows. The agency also had me enter into a Model Contest which I won Junior Top Canadian Model in Toronto. I was then signed to the Judy Welch Agency where my modelling career got started. Through Judy Welch I was then recruited to work for an agency in Milan. While in Milan I transitioned from model to agent after I started a family. I was then recruited to New York to work for Wilhelmina Models as an agent /scout and after 7 yrs I moved back to Canada and opened my own company in 2008.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry has seen a lot of changes over the years. From your perspective, how has the landscape of modeling and fashion shifted, especially in Canada?
Anita: There have been a lot of changes as the Industry largely followed Eurocentric beauty standards thin, white, young which dominated the runways in the 1990’s From the early 2000’s there is a clear ongoing shift toward diversity and inclusion with models of all backgrounds, body types, gender identities, and abilities being represented. In Canada Indigenous models have gained so much recognition. Our superstar Heather Diamond Strongarm for example. Canada has always been an amazing model recruiting market of massive diversity as we are such a multi cultural country. The biggest change I have seen on the Canadian landscape would be the amount of successful fashion designers and brands that have grown to be power players on the global market over the last 10 yrs.
Models of Canada: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your journey within the fashion world, and how have those lessons shaped your approach to working with models today?
Anita: I would have to say having the experience of being a model in the 90’s gives you a bit of an edge with representing talent. As the 90’s were a bit of a rogue landscape where you needed a lot of common sense to navigate safely. The most important lessons were to listen to your gut on decision making. Work 150% harder than everyone else and be humble and nice to everyone.
Models of Canada: As a leading agent, what motivates you every day to keep pushing forward, even when facing challenges or setbacks in the industry?
Anita: My motivation everyday is the opportunity to discover, guide and build the futures of our new faces in fashion. When you see a new model become a confident successful businessperson it reignites my drive. I am motivated to help shape careers and create space for new voices in fashion.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry can sometimes be seen as cutthroat and highly competitive. How do you maintain a balance between ambition and compassion when managing your models and your team?
Anita: The fashion industry is like any highly competitive sport. I believe success is attainable by hard work and dedication. I lead this company with ambition, and we work hard for our talent, and we expect the same back. Our agency thrives because we push for excellence while creating a culture where our team is organically part of the agency’s success in a whole. When you lead with both your heart and strategy, you build not just careers but trust and long-term loyalty.
Models of Canada: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your career, and how have you overcome them while still staying true to your values and vision for Canadian fashion?
Anita: When I first started my own company, I thought that I was a talented scout and agent, and it should be easy to start my own company. I quickly learned running a company was a bit more complex than just being really good at one thing. I learned the importance of hiring the right people as my first experience hiring an employee was a disaster and I learned the liability you and your company face when hiring.
Models of Canada: What role do you believe diversity and inclusivity should play in the future of fashion, and how are you actively fostering that change within the models you represent and the industry as a whole?
Anita: Wilhelmina NY in the late 90’s, early 2000’s were forerunners in representation of diversity within all the model boards they were also the first agency to start a curve division. My eye has always been keen on mixed ethnicities as it makes for such special faces. Diversity also reflects the world we live in today; the industry has evolved beyond narrow, outdated standards of beauty. Fashion has embraced people of all backgrounds, sizes, identities and abilities. It tells authentic stories and builds stronger emotional connections with consumers.
Models of Canada: Behind every successful individual is a supportive team. Can you share who is on your team and what qualities you look for in the people you work with?
Anita: We are where we are in the industry because of my team. I look for driven staff, self-motivators, and people with a strong work ethic.
Toronto Team
Anita Norris Bere: Director
Hannah Runge: Senior Agent
Stefany Li: Agent
Megan Bowhey: Head of Talent & Kids
Sara Kamagate: Social & Marketing
Montreal Team
Kathleen Canapi: Senior Agent
Models of Canada: If there’s one change you could make to improve the fashion industry in Canada, what would it be and why? How do you believe it would shape the future of the industry?
Anita: One impactful change that could be made within the fashion industry in Canada is increasing support for sustainable and indigenous fashion brands thought government incentives, funding and visibility in mainstream retail. The fashion industry is a major polluter. Supporting sustainable practices helps reduce waste, carbon emissions and over consumption. Indigenous designers bring rich traditions, stories an craftmanship that deserve recognition and support.
Models of Canada: In your opinion, where do you see the Canadian fashion industry heading in the next 5 to 10 years? What trends do you think will define its evolution, and how will models and agents be adapting to that shift?
Anita: Over the next 5-10yrs the Canadian fashion industry is likely to evolve significantly , shaped by sustainability, technology, cultural identity and consumer values. Eco-conscious production, slow fashion and bigger emphasis on luxury high quality fabrics and Canadian locally made. Brands will face pressure from both consumers and regulators to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Indigenous designers are already on the rise and their fashion houses will gain more visibility and influence. There will also be a broader push for inclusion of underrepresented communities in all areas of the industry, from design to leadership.
The modelling industry in Canada and globally is expected to undergo a major shift driven by changing beauty standards , and the growth of AI technology.
Models of Canada: Has there ever been something you’ve wanted to share with the public about your role in fashion, your models, or the industry itself that you feel has been misunderstood or under appreciated?
Anita: A model's success is accomplished by the following three simple steps:
BE NICE ON SET
BE ON TIME
TREAT THIS AS A BUSINESS
Models of Canada: For those aspiring to follow in your footsteps, whether they want to become a top model, agent, or industry professional, what advice would you give them that goes beyond just technical skills, but rather focuses on their mindset and personal growth?
Anita: The best advice I can give someone who wants to enter into the industry is to immerse themselves within the industry within all facets either as a model, artist or junior agent. Taking fashion or photography courses and also applying for internships is a great way to get started.
Written by: Models of Canada
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