Protege Competition 2011 Judges
The NZ Protege Competition is all about creating a gorgeous, fashion forward editorial look, so wanted our judges to represent the different aspects of putting together just such a look. Each of our four judges is successful in their field and knows what they would be looking for in choosing a striking editorial look.
Amanda Betts – Red11 Models
Amanda Betts' introduction into the fashion industry came 26 years ago in the form of a modelling course she got as a 17th birthday gift from her grandmother. She built up her knowledge and experience in modelling and television work and started model tutoring in the evenings. Over the next seven years, she continued to juggle modelling and television work with her two roles in PR and as the production and talent co-ordinator for Showads NZ.
Having never booked in her life, Amanda approached JDW Models to become a model booker and agent. After her first day on the job, she set a goal to own her own agency by the time she was 40. Always keen to learn more, over the next five years, Amanda was the head booker and main tutor for Clyne and 62 Models.
In 2005, Amanda was approached by Mandy Jacobsen to start a model agency from scratch. At the age of 37 the pair opened the doors to their own agency, Red11 Management, with one 32-year-old guy on their books.
Six years, a healthy board of models, talent and actors and a full-time-staff-of-seven later, Red11 is one of New Zealand's premier modelling agencies with many successes under its belt.
Michael Beel – Buoy
Michael Beel is the Creative Director at Buoy Hairdressing in Wellington and is passionate about education and passing on his information to the younger generation of stylists. He has educated throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He has been a finalist for Hair Expo New Zealand hairdresser of the year three times and has had work published in Remix, Lucire, Fashion Q, and Culture magazines. He has also worked at fashion weeks both at home, in Australia and New York.
Jackie Meiring – freelance photographer
After 17 years behind the lens, Jackie Meiring has established herself as one of New Zealand's most accomplished fashion photographers. With more than 130 covers and a growing number of awards, she stakes her claim as a top lens woman in her new country. She has vast experience in a wide range of subject matter, specialising in commercial and editorial fashion and beauty, plus affiliated advertising.
Originating from the highly competitive Cape Town scene, she gained aluable international experience shooting for titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, GQ, Men's Health and Marie Claire to name a few, plus for commercial accounts such as Lacost, Cuervo Tequila and Woolworths.
Arriving in New Zealand in 2011, Jackie has shot huge volumes of magazine work and secured prestigious fashion and advertising work, including Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics, Hallensteins, Farmers, Andrew Moore, the High Society labels, 26000 VODKA, SkyCity Gold Class and The Ambler and Co. brands.
jaimee Clapham – TRADE
An award-winning designer, Jaimée has been in the magazine industry for more than six years. Beginning as a designer on New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, she took on the role of Art Director for Creme magazine in 2006 where her redesign contributed to a massive rise in circulation. A year later she was also promoted to Deputy Art Director for NZ Woman’s Weekly. After working full time as a magazine designer in London, Jaimée has returned to New Zealand and now works with a number of publishing houses in a senior capacity.
Jaimée has presided over the look and feel of TRADE magazine since it launched in August 2010. She was one of three judges at the 2010 Protege Competition.
