Weekly Reporter: Mac Folkes

Mac Folkes is one of the most frequently sought after runway coaches in the world. Having worked in the industry for many years, Folkes has provided development for famed supermodels like Chanel Iman and Coco Rocha. He has also put his skills to work for IMG, Elite and Ford Models.

What do you say to people who want to pursue a career in modeling?
A model is going to need development at some point. If you want to enter and remain in this business, you're going to need to get in front of me or someone like me. It’s not a question of if, but when.

What kind of services do you share with the models?
My development techniques guide models to the runways of couture designers. It’s fulfilling for me as I work with teens. I get girls at funny, awkward ages. They don’t always look or act like models. Sometimes they are not even sure if they can do it, but I have seen it happen so many times. I tell all the girls to hang in there. You never know who’s going to blossom and become the next hit on the runway. Then I see their shows and I say, 'Wow! There she is opening for Calvin Klein or Armani. I knew that talent was there.'

Is it different developing supermodels or first-time models?
When I develop a model through Nijah / New Faces Development or not, it's the same. I have shared my expertise with Iman and Coco Rocha, but I've recently assisted IMG model Christina Staub, who was a reality TV star on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” first. Christina walked for Rebecca Minkoff during New York Fashion Week.

Whether famous or 'ordinary,' development is development.