TOGETHER at the Core: How Adele and Arielle Are Redefining Fashion On Their Terms
PHOTO BY: SOPHIA PERRAS
Adele and Arielle are rewriting the rules…together. Their journey into fashion wasn’t forged through the same door, but through shared purpose, it led to the same destination: a commitment to build something different, honest, and deeply human.
For Adele, the leap into modeling came early and unfiltered. Towering at 5'11” by age 13 and out of place in a small town, fashion offered her a world where she finally felt seen. But that visibility came at a cost. Adele was forced to grow up fast. Her first modeling contract in Milan at 14 became a crash course in resilience. Years later, it was that same fire that pushed her toward fashion marketing, determined to create the kind of support system she once needed.
Arielle grew up idolizing the supermodel era. Her childhood was a collage of magazine clippings, homemade editorials, and weekends spent recreating fashion campaigns with friends. While she didn’t initially know where she’d fit in, her love for storytelling and human connection led her behind the scenes as a passionate agent and advocate for models’ growth and well-being.
Their paths may have started differently, one from inside the spotlight and the other just outside its frame, but Adele and Arielle’s shared experiences sparked something bigger. Together, they founded TOGETHER Model Management, a Canadian agency born from the belief that fashion should be thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in community. Their story is more than just about making it in the industry, it’s about reshaping it.
Models of Canada: Adele and Arielle, 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?
Adele: I was thrown into modeling at a young age, and while I was completely mesmerized by the world of fashion,(obsessed with America’s Next Top Model & Kelly Cutrone) especially coming from a small town where I was one of a kind, I often felt like an outsider. Growing up, I never quite fit in. I was 5'11 by the age of 13: tall, lanky, and outspoken. But when I entered the fashion industry, for the first time, I felt seen and accepted. Even though I had the support of my family, entering the industry as a young teenager forces you to grow up quickly. I was navigating a world where the standard was a size 00 with little to no room for exceptions and being spoken to like an adult, all while still trying to define who I was. At just 14 years old, I was sent on my first modeling contract to Milan, and that experience shaped me deeply. My time as a model is what ultimately drove me to build something different. I decided to study fashion marketing because I wanted to develop the tools to become the kind of support I needed back then. Those early experiences inspired me to create a safer, more informed, and empowering environment for new talent; and create a safe space for those who might not fit the mold, but are meant to stand out.
Arielle: I’ve been obsessed with fashion for as long as I can remember. Growing up during the supermodel era; Naomi, Kate, Cindy, Claudia... I was completely captivated. I would spend all my allowance on fashion magazines and keep binders separated into sections for each model and type of work (shows, covers, editorials etc), what I later realized were my first attempts at creating portfolios. I watched Fashion Television with Jeanne Beker religiously and on weekends my friends and I would recreate home set designs/editorials and campaigns we would see in magazines. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be growing up, but I absolutely knew I wanted to be part of it all. It's only once I started working as an agent that I realized that what I valued most was human connection and making a difference in people’s lives. My career path wasn’t exactly linear but somehow it brought me exactly where I was meant to be.
Our personal experiences; Adele’s from the inside as a model, and Arielle’s from the outside looking in, is what inspired us to create TOGETHER. From the very beginning, our mission at Together Model Management has been to build the agency we wished had existed when we were coming up: thoughtful, supportive, and truly putting the talent first. Through our journey, we recognized a real gap in the industry; there was room for improvement in how talent was represented, especially when it came to balancing Canadian/International management with consistent and meaningful growth. The name Together was born from the belief that it takes a community of support, collaboration, and like-minded fashion professionals, to make real magic happen. We wanted to create a space where that kind of collective energy could thrive, and where models could grow with the kind of guidance and care they truly deserve.
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?
Adele & Arielle: The fashion industry moves in cycles. In 2018, we saw meaningful progress in body diversity and inclusion, but in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift back toward the ultra-thin ideals of the early 2000s, especially on the international stage. That said, the Canadian market continues to champion diversity, both in body types and ethnic representation, which is something we’re proud of. However, this also means the competition is more intense than ever, as there are fewer opportunities and more talent vying for the same bookings.
The way talent is discovered has also changed drastically. What once relied heavily on in-person scouting now happens largely through screens and social media. The expectation for models today goes far beyond just showing up and looking good; they’re expected to have a personal brand, a marketable presence, and something to say. It’s no longer just about modeling; it’s about being multidimensional, with interests, hobbies, and a strong sense of self. The landscape has shifted, and while there are more platforms than ever, standing out now requires authenticity, strategy, and resilience.
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?
Adele & Arielle: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that hard work and being a good human truly go a long way. In an ever-evolving industry, we’re working with people from all walks of life, each with unique realities and experiences. That’s taught us the importance of adaptability, empathy, and leading with a shared vision. At TOGETHER, we prioritize quality over quantity and believe that clear, honest communication is the foundation of any successful relationship.
Another key lesson has been to embrace passion, not suppress it. In a world where being “too much” is often seen as a negative, we choose to lean into that fire. Passion drives creativity, resilience, and meaningful growth. If you understand the industry and truly have a vision and passion, the chances are you can usually get others to see that vision with you, and that’s where things truly start to take shape. Ultimately, everything we do is built on trust, transparency, and connection. Those values shape how we work with our models, our clients and our internal team every single day.
Models of Canada: As a leading agency, what motivates you every day to keep pushing forward, even when facing challenges or setbacks in the industry?
Adele & Arielle: What motivates us every day is our talent; the people we show up for. It’s never been just about the bookings or the placements. What truly drives us is knowing we’ve had a real impact on someone’s life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching our models not only grow personally and professionally, but also begin to achieve financial success while doing what they love.
Watching our models evolve, not just in their careers, but in their confidence and sense of self is the most rewarding part of what we do. Even when the industry feels challenging or unpredictable, that deeper purpose keeps us grounded and pushing forward. If you’re rooted in your purpose and truly believe in what you’re building, the setbacks don’t shake you; they shape you.
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?
Adele & Arielle: Being ambitious and being compassionate aren’t mutually exclusive; in fact, we believe they go hand in hand. At TOGETHER, we lead with the belief that being a hardworking, kind, understanding human will always take you further. The fashion industry can be fast-paced and competitive, but that doesn't mean it has to be cutthroat.
We see competition as a positive force. The old mentality of “we’re competitors, therefore we are enemies” is outdated. If someone else is doing something great, that’s not a threat, it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. We win some and we lose some, and that’s just part of the journey. What matters is how you show up and adapt; for your team, your models, and your peers. Compassion, collaboration, and humility are at the core of how we operate, because at the end of the day, success means nothing if it’s not built with integrity.
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?
Adele & Arielle: We don’t believe in limitations when it comes to beauty and the fashion industry shouldn’t either. True representation means seeing potential beyond outdated standards and recognizing that talent, presence, and individuality come in all forms. Whatever your race, body type, or background; if you have the potential, we’re committed to helping bring that vision to life.
We challenge clients to expand their casting mindset and we educate our models to take up space with pride. Change doesn’t happen by waiting for the industry to catch up, it happens by pushing it forward, every single day.
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?
Adele & Arielle: The TOGETHER team is small, but deeply aligned. We co-founded the agency with the belief that the way we work is just as important as what we’re working toward. Marlowe, our Junior Development Agent, is nurturing and incredibly intuitive with new faces. Vanessa Daly, our Content Strategist, understands our vision, helps us stay consistent in our storytelling and ensures our values come through in our brand. What we look for in our team is shared vision, values, strong work ethic, kindness, and clear communication. We’re not interested in hierarchy; we’re here for collaboration. We believe that allowing each person’s true talent to shine is the key to growth and success.
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?
Adele & Arielle: We see Canadian fashion becoming more self-assured. There’s a new wave of creatives and image-makers who are doing things on their own terms. Digitally, there’s going to be even more crossover between fashion and content creation. Models will continue to become storytellers and personal brands in their own right. At TOGETHER, we’re already adapting to this shift by supporting our talent in a more holistic way; understanding strategy, branding, and wellness as part of the job. And while tech and AI are evolving fast, we believe human connection and proper management will always be essential, even more so. Nothing replaces real relationships and advocacy. As we have seen in the past, everything can change at the drop of a dime so making sure to be adaptable along the way is important.
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?
Adele & Arielle: Sometimes, it is not understood how much goes on behind the scenes to build a model’s career. Every supermodel, no matter how iconic, started from the same place: trying to get signed, learning the ropes, and trusting a team to get them there. What the public often doesn’t see is the tireless work agents put in to make that journey possible.
A strong agent is constantly moving pieces behind the scenes, securing opportunities, placing talent internationally, nurturing development, and navigating countless decisions that shape a model’s path. It's not glamorous work, and it often goes unnoticed, but it’s the foundation of every successful career. The hours are long, the stakes are high, and we do it because we believe deeply in our talent and the potential they hold.
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?
Adele & Arielle: Be a sponge. Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, who challenge your perspective, and who bring different lived experiences to the table. Growth comes from openness; being willing to listen, adapt, and evolve. The best lessons in this industry come from doing. Take initiative, make mistakes, and learn from them. But through it all, never compromise your morals or values. This industry can test your boundaries, but staying grounded in who you are is what will set you apart. Success isn’t just about talent, it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to grow while staying true to yourself.
Written by: Models of Canada
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