Irenes Models (Pty) Ltd was established in Pietermaritzburg in 1986 by Irene Olivier, herself a former model and international runway coach with qualifications in skin care, make up and several years in the fashion and corporate industry. Her passion is to help others become the best version of themselves and accept themselves for who they are. Irene herself is a master runway coach and scout and takes pride in coaching models throughout South Africa and has been responsible for coaching some of South Africa's top models. She also specialises in
choreographing and producing fashion shows and events. In 2012 and 2014, Irene received an honorary award for her contribution made towards developing youth and the community of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2018, Irene's Modelling Agency received an award for community development from CDA University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2024, Irene, herself, received The Heroic Women Award from The Sunday World Newspaper for her work with women and self-confidence. Irenes Models has become one of the leading Modelling Schools in South Africa and is the leading and longest running Boutique Agency and Academy in Pietermaritzburg with links to the biggest agencies throughout South Africa. As a well-established Agency we advocate for more diversity in models and insist the fashion industry recognize the beauty in people of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Many graduates of the Model School join the Model Agency and in so doing continue to provide fresh, dynamic faces to our advertising and marketing clients. Many of our models have won prestigious titles including “Miss South Africa” “Miss Universe South Africa” “Man Hunt International” and Year of the Model. Irene is the one who discovered Super Model Candice Swanepoel and was responsible for her initial training. Miss South Africa 2022 runner-up, Ayanda Thabethe did her modelling training with Irene's Models. Irene has also trained and managed numerous models who have had great success in the industry. Our models continue to work successfully in Cape Town, Europe and the USA and appear on many television adverts, fashion shows, magazines, campaigns etc. We have been giving back to our community through developing and sponsoring the youth of Pietermaritzburg and KZN in modelling and fashion design. We are most proud of our students that we have successfully assisted to gain confidence in themselves.
