Patxi Entertainment Network (PEN)
Bring Supermodels To Fans Around The World
Via Unique Internet Web Sites

SUPERMODEL.COM

One day in 1994, supermodel Niki Taylor asked her friend Patxi Pastor to show her what was happening on the Internet. She'd heard that sites devoted to her and other top models, were being created by fans around the world, and were among the Web's most popular. So Pastor sat her in front of his computer and began to punch them up. "She had two reactions," he recalls. "She was flattered that there were Niki home pages everywhere. But she was bothered too, because they were using copyrighted photos without her permission and most of the sites ware poorly designed." Because they were unauthorized and had no input from the models they celebrated, they also sometimes contained information that was not only incorrect but, in some cases, could even be damaging to the reputation of the models.

Pastor began to consider developing authorized sites with Niki's mother and co-manager, Barbara Taylor, President of Taylor Made Promotions, who had been guiding the careers of daughters Niki and Krissy.

Pastor wondered, "Why don't we create a model site legitimately, working with the models themselves?" As a result, he and Barbara Taylor decided to develop the first authorized supermodel site on the Internet. In April 1995, they reserved and registered the domains (Internet addresses) to "supermodel" and "superstars." Without any public announcement, SUPERMODEL.COM premiered May 8, 1995.

Because of the complexities of Niki's legal obligations to a multi-million dollar Cover Girl contract, it was decided to open SUPERMODEL.COM with younger sister Krissy, a 17-year-old who owned and controlled the rights to her own photographs and was considered one of the industry's hottest rising stars. The site included a variety of photographs, a biography, e-mail, and a Meet Krissy Contest. "I thought the whole thing could be a terrific opportunity," Pastor recalls, "but I had no idea what kind of a reaction we would get."

More than 1,500,000 requests from over 70 countries were logged from June 14-June 30, 1995 alone. The Meet Krissy Contest received over 30,000 entries. But on July 2, tragedy struck when Krissy suffered a heart attack brought on by complications from the use of medication administered for shortness of breath related to her asthma. Niki and mother Barbara were devastated. Unsure how, or if, to go forward with his plans, Pastor and the Taylor family removed the Krissy area from the site. Barbara withdrew from the public spotlight after a difficult period of intense international press coverage, but encouraged Pastor to pursue development of the company. After several weeks of contemplation, and the Taylor's faithful encouragement, he decided to proceed. Barbara Taylor continues to support the company's efforts and serves as the Executive Vice-president of Patxi Entertainment Network.

Today, SUPERMODEL.COM includes:

  • Newswire: The latest in supermodel news.
  • Audio Diaries: Messages from supermodels via RealAudio that may be accessed by users.
  • Supermodel Radio: A weekly audio roundup of supermodel news from our News Wire.
  • SUPERMODEL.COM Shop: Merchandise from posters, calendars, and t-shirts, to videos and books, currently featuring such models as Claudia Schiffer, Niki Taylor, Pamela Anderson and Kathy Ireland.
  • Catwalk: Fashion photos of Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Christy Turlington, Kate Moss, and others.
  • Backstage: Candid photos such as those taken backstage at fashion shows in Paris, New York, and Milan, and spotlighting the likes of Tyra Banks and Linda Evangelista.
  • Interview: Exclusive one-on-one interviews with models such as Karen Mulder and Honor Fraser.
  • Paparazzi: More candid photos but from public appearances such as premieres and parties.
  • Monika Schnarre: The Celebrated supermodel and actress has her own area on the site.
  • Rising Stars: Bios, scrapbook photos, portfolio photos, e-mail, and contests for up-and-coming models such as Ford Model's Mark Stevens.
  • Newsletter: A free subscription to the monthly on-line modeling newsletter, The Communique.
  • Peter Glenn Publications: A marketplace for the long-time leading publisher of modeling resource guides such as The International Directory of Model and Talent Agencies and Schools.
  • "So... You Want To Be A Model?": A comprehensive resource for aspiring models hosted by Nicolas Schoenlaub, a well-respected talent agent and agency owner who's traveled the world scouting, guiding and managing models since 1979. He conducts a bi-weekly chat session, personally responds to e-mail, and serves as Director of Aspiring Markets for SUPERMODEL.COM.
Please send all comments and suggestions to webmaster@supermodel.com

Copyright 1996 All Rights Reserved. Patxi Entertainment Network All Images & Photographs All Rights Reserved. No content or imagery can be used or duplicated without the express written consent of Patxi Entertainment Network.