It’s every little girl’s dream. To become a model and see themselves online or in a magazine. This past summer, juniors Ally and Alex Linsky were able to make their modeling dreams a reality after signing with Kira Alexander (KLA) Management, a mother agency that specializes in developing and preparing models for the industry.
Before starting the actual modeling process, the twins were well aware of the challenges they would be presented. Knowing that modeling would require adjustment not only to their daily schedules but also to their lifestyle, they began texting and calling their friends and families, seeking advice and agency suggestions. After countless conversations, the two decided to sign with KLA due to its flexibility and future opportunities. Not to mention, they also became the first set of identical twins to sign with KLA.
“KLA can help me navigate the big agencies that I would want to sign to. She [Alexander] has so many connections to places like LA and N.Y.C,” Ally said. “Really, it seemed less like a reality and more like a dream. We decided we would contact everyone and anyone we knew that could get our foot in the door.”
The Linsky twins discovered their passion for modeling quite recently. It was just about six months ago that they recognized their potential in the field. The two of them revealed that this was something they would have never even anticipated to do in their lives.
“My most memorable experience was the shoot I did in LA or the multiple shoots in Tampa I have done with Ally. Honestly, they are all amazing. Every experience has taught me something different. All of these experiences are a culmination of our portfolio which continues to grow, which is the most exciting part,” Alex said.
Even though they have only been in the industry for a few months, they have already learned many valuable lessons. Modeling is not just about posing and looking pretty; for Ally and Alex, they both emphasized how the activity has allowed them to grow as individuals and even as a collective group alongside other models.
“I am so passionate and empowered by modeling, almost like an art form. I get to inner channel my most confident self, something rare for me,” Ally said. “There are so many stereotypes surrounding modeling, but the one thing I take away from modeling is that it gives me my self-confidence. When I am shooting, the photographer and the team around me give me the upmost respect.”
Dani Drasin, a photographer based in LA that has worked with the Linksys, emphasize how even though they are new to modeling, the two of them have great ambition, making it always a pleasure to work with them.
“My first shoot with the twins was very simple, I wanted to capture them as they truly are in natural daylight. We shot in LA, while they were on a college tour visiting USC and UCLA. My second shoot with them took place in Tampa, when I was visiting. I was inspired by the back yards and some of the homes in the neighborhood where I was staying and we shot during golden hour. I styled the twins, they wore my vintage dresses that I’d just thrifted on my trip and their own shoes and accessories. We are basically family, so they know me well we feel comfortable together. I make sure they are dressed appropriately and posed quite naturally, embracing their youthfulness and distinctive looks,” Drasin highlighted.
However, modeling has also presented itself with challenges for the twins. At the beginning, they often felt uncomfortable in their own body, especially with the beauty standards that are currently present in the modeling industry.
“I didn’t feel like I was conventionally pretty,” Ally said. “However, I realized my most valuable assets were the things I was most insecure about, like my eyebrows, my nose and looking androgynous.”
Many of their friends, such as Savannah Lax (’24), share their enthusiastic support and can’t wait to see all the accomplishments to come for them in the modeling industry.
“It’s really inspiring to see them take charge and pursue their passions and I can’t wait to see where they go with it,” Lax said.
The two of them wish to continue modeling in the near future. Their final message for anyone who are interested in modeling is to just give it a shot.
“We would love to continue modeling after high school, hopefully to help pay the way for college,” Ally and Alex said. “If you want to get into modeling, don’t be discouraged. It might seem difficult at first, but if you are ready to adjust your focus, then modeling is amazing. It is such a fun time to bond and learn and cultivate a connection with the people surrounding you.”
