Savalas’ Terry Costello on running the North East’s top modelling agency.

By Jenny Brownlees

Terry Costello had a vision for his business, to represent diverse modelling talent here in the North East and get them working with world-renowned clients and brands.

In just five years he has achieved his goal — taking Savalas from a start-up agency with a handful of models and expanding it to represent over fifty faces, (the talent roster is increasing by the day.) He aimed to put Newcastle on the map, and boy has he delivered. His models now work with internationally-acclaimed brands including ASOS, Fenwick, Topman, River Island, New Look, Rimmel and more, landing cosmetic campaigns and walking the runways at fashion weeks in New York, Paris, Milan and London. Savalas represented models have featured in editorials for prestigious publications Vogue Italia, Vogue Collections, Fantastic Man, Esquire and Vogue Paris, to name a mere few. Here, Terry chats to HLN about starting a business, the best part of his job and how he’s adapted to the challenges of an industry shut down by Covid-19.           

So many modelling agencies are London-centric – you always wanted to put the North East on the map and showcase local talent from day one. Can you tell us more about this?

When I was considering setting up my business, I had noticed a huge gap in the market for an agency like Savalas. I know every business owner says this about their business, as it’s so important to believe in your idea, but I really did see the possibility. I was seeing so many potential models here in the early stages of my career, and I knew I wanted to put those faces on catwalks and major campaigns around the globe. I understood that the type of clients I wanted to book — large-scale, worldwide-renowned names and brands — were not on my doorstep, but I was determined to introduce direct bookings from Newcastle into the London market.

At the time this wasn’t really happening at all and it’s something I really pushed for. I began getting in touch with the clients I wanted to work with and told them, “Newcastle is only a three-hour train journey away.” Gradually, with a lot of hard work, I steadily grew my clientele in the capital, as well in Manchester, Scotland and overseas. I really do believe that Savalas has been influential in opening up brand’s eyes to the brilliant talent here, and the creative possibilities in the North East.

We love how you have championed diversity from day one, it’s a big part of Savalas Model’s ethos. Can you tell us why this was important to you and the agency? 

Thank you for recognising this, it’s incredibly important for me to have a diverse range of models in all areas —ethnicity, sexuality, body shape and size, gender, height, religion, areas you were raised in and more. All of these factors fall under the umbrella of diversity in my mind, and I am and always have been dedicated to championing and representing people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

I think there have been improvements made in terms of diversity in media over the last five years, but we have all still got a lot of work to do as an industry. The fashion industry, in particular, is known for being wonderfully expressive and breaking boundaries — we need to channel this into making it fully inclusive. Our country is made up of all different ethnicities, we need to remember and acknowledge this at all times, ensuring equality when casting or booking talent for any working assignments in our industry.  

Do you have a favourite part of the job?

Signing a new model to work with a new client definitely sits as one of my top highlights, but I think meeting such a wonderful variety of people and gaining friendships from my work has to be the best bit. 

Do you have pinch yourself moments with Savalas?

Seeing the models you represent on billboards is always a pinch-me moment. I was also so thrilled the first time I worked with ASOS, as I knew how influential it is for models to be associated with the brand. There have been so many brilliant moments though, I’m grateful for every opportunity! 

You have been so successful and expanded your business, moving offices to Baltic 39 and employing staff. Did you feel any nerves about the business growing?

I think people look at large offices and big teams and think wow, that business has made it— and it can seem quite intimidating to people starting out. But I’d say never underestimate small and start-up businesses, as they too can achieve great things. Relocating the agencies office into the Baltic 39 building was a natural move for me, I had been wanting a studio space there for some time. Employing staff definitely comes with its challenges as you need to trust someone to help take your company to the next stage of its legacy, after working alone for so long. However, if you get it right it is so rewarding.

Looking forward, how do you scout the next big modelling talent? And what do you hope for Savalas going forward?

I always keep my eye out for new faces, wherever I go. As many people are still furloughed or not in education at the moment, I may actually spot someone out and about I may not have previously seen. I’m actually planning some trips locally soon, in the hope I discover a new signing. I can pretty much scout anywhere, so in that sense I may find a Savalas New Face at any time! In terms of looking ahead, I always have set goals and ambitions for the agency. I want to continue discovering the best new faces, and growing the careers of the models I represent. I may switch things up and add new divisions to Savalas, that’s something I’m thinking about for the future.

Which North East haunt are you looking forward to getting back to, now things are reopening?

I love going to Vicolo’s in Newcastle, it’s my favourite little spot at any time of day — either for a cup of tea or a very large glass of vino. I can’t wait to visit again.