True to Herself: Peggi Lepage and the Heart Behind Canadian Fashion

In an industry often defined by perfection, performance, and perpetual change, Peggi Lepage has carved out a space rooted in authenticity, empathy, and unwavering belief in potential. From a serendipitous encounter on the streets of Hamilton to an extraordinary career on international runways and now behind the scenes as one of Canada's most respected mother agents, Peggi’s journey is a testament to trusting the unexpected, embracing growth, and leading with heart.

What sets Peggi apart is not just her eye for talent or her deep understanding of the fashion industry's ever-shifting landscape. It's the way she shows up for her models, day in and day out, with compassion, honesty, and grit. She’s seen the industry evolve from film to digital, from glossy print to social media reels, and through it all, she’s remained committed to fostering real careers for real people.

In a time when fashion can feel fleeting, Peggi reminds us that the most enduring influence comes from staying true to who you are, believing in the next generation, and acting with purpose. Her story is not just about success in modeling, it’s about building something meaningful in an industry that rarely slows down to feel.

This is Peggi Lepage a mother agent, mentor, and the emotional core of Canadian fashion.

Models of Canada: Peggi, 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?

Peggi: I grew up in a small railroad town north of Sudbury. When my mother started medical school, I moved with her to Hamilton when I was 16. At that point in my life, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,  I was working part time in a factory and finishing high school at the same time… neither was making me happy. 

Then one day a model scout stopped me on the street near McMaster University and introduced me to the idea of being a model. I moved to Toronto soon after, and started my career with Judy Welch models.

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?

Peggi: My modeling career started in an analog world, and in those days, print was everything. Magazines and newspapers were the only way to stay on top of fashion trends… locally and globally. Because of that, it seemed like everyone I knew was shooting fashion for someone. All the photographers had studios, everyone was shooting for someone… it’s the only way fashion information was distributed. 

Now, in a completely digital world, there are so many other ways to reach a fashion audience. Images are created and retouched digitally, and shared in an instant… globally. Which means less “original photoshoots” and more sharing of images over multiple platforms and markets. In Canada, that has resulted in less fashion work as a whole because bigger brands are re using images in multiple markets and smaller designers and shops are creating their own images in house. 

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?

Peggi: My experience as a model was a great one… there is no better life in my opinion than travel. I’ve lived in wonderful cities like Tokyo, Paris, and London, and got to experience their cultures first hand… it’s a wonderful adventure. That experience is what I try to create for the models I work with. I share with them what I know now, and what I have learned from my days modeling. 

If I was to list one specific idea that I share with my models before they travel it’s this, “Being a model is exactly like being a professional athlete” You need to be at your best every day in order to perform at the highest level. Which means… being well rested, eating well, and being physically, and mentally fit.  This discipline will separate you from your competition, and reward you with client loyalty.

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? 

Peggi: My partner tells me that my biggest flaw is my biggest asset …  empathy. So I guess he is saying that I  “feel” a bit too much for everything and everyone. My models don’t mind though, because I share the highs and the lows with them… but with a full roster it can be a bit of a rollercoaster sometimes. So I try to stay glass half full and share the ups more than the downs. 

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? 

Peggi: As I mentioned above, compassion is my achilles heel, so when I am down, I remember that I am lucky to have the life that I have, and lucky to have the partner, friends and family that I have. That is what gets me through the drama. I don’t really need more than that, I just hope my models can get to the same place.

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?

Peggi: It’s tough to stay positive sometimes when you see the fashion market shrinking in this country. As I described earlier, it was a much bigger scene when I was a model and things have definitely changed and evolved since then. I don’t think this is solely a Canadian problem, I think secondary markets are changing around the world and will continue to evolve as content gets created through ai. The only thing we can do as individuals is to act locally, think globally, and find a way to evolve and become a part of whats next, because things are changing rapidly. 

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?

Peggi: As a mother agent, my roster evolves constantly, but I think it’s pretty balanced overall. I look at submissions and think about market placement globally. I like to think there is a place for everyone in this business… my job is to find it.

Models of Canada: Behind every successful individual is a supportive team. Can you share what qualities you look for in the people you work with? 

Peggi: My partner Mark is my best friend… and my rock. He was a very successful fashion photographer in his day, so he understands the business and provides a sober opinion when I need it. I’m not sure I would be where I am without him. Other than him, I have a close network of friends , ex-models, models, photographers, family… all of whom are too kind if I need a lift up. 

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? 

Peggi: In the current political climate I think its pretty obvious… think and act locally. If you can support local designers, manufacturers and publications… Canada can become a global force in fashion in the future. 

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?

Peggi: I think we will have to see how ai generated images affect fashion imaging… before I can even hazard an opinion. To be honest, I’m hoping for a renaissance of organic content. I love looking at real faces.

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?

Peggi: Not really… other than the fact that my models are amazing, and I love them… lol. 

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?

Peggi: Everyone comes to the business with different assets. Don’t imitate someone else’s… try and be true to yourself. It’s much easier and much more fulfilling that way. 

Written by: Models of Canada

More details about PEGGI LEPAGE can be found here