GoSee presents Louis Mariette, Judge in Season 5 of Britain’s Next Top Model

Couture milliner Louis Mariette is one of the judges in the fifth season of Britain’s Next Top Model. The observant GoSee reader will recall him from the BOOKLET home story with photographer KARIN BERNDL (repr. by GUNDA PATZKE).

Since 20 April, Louis has been one of the three judges on the new series of Britain’s Next Top Model. He is joined by hostess Lisa Snowden and Huggy Ragnarsson from Iceland. Louis is the couture fashion expert in the panel. The judges will consider 20 participants, but only one girl can be crowned at the end and win the exclusive modelling contract with Models 1, the UK’s most renowned modelling agency. We wanted to find out more:

What was your first thought when you were asked?
How faaabulous, I predict tears, tantrums, glamour, style, failure, catfighting and only one can be number one.... all in a days work in fashion !!!!

How did it happen?
I was spotted doing a hat casting on a show called Britain’s Missing Model. The models were handicapped in various ways. I was there to give them confidence and to bring out the best in themselves. Mind you I was impressed how they were ready to conquer the world already. Although one of the girls in a wheelchair was arrogant to complain to me that one of the deaf girls hadn’t got a disability....I would like to see her cope with a catwalk show not being able to hear the music or go on castings not being able to communicate very well. Needless to say I didn’t choose her !!!

Do you know the original format of Tyra and the German version by Heidi?
It was quite funny as I am so busy with my workload as I am stitching hats, running my own business from 5am to late, I hardly have time to watch TV, so I hadn’t watched the German, American or British versions and was thrown in the deep end. However casting models, their looks, skills is part of what I do in my job already.

One sentence on each of your colleagues Lisa and Huggy?
Lisa Snowdon is the main host, she was a dazzling star on "Strictly come dancing", also she is on Capital radio. She is a darling, gorgeous looks and in total control of the show. She has a soft compassionate side to her, however will tell off the girls if need be. She is a delight to work with.

Huggy Ragnarsson is the other judge. I affectionately call her the Icelandic Viking warrior !!! She is strong, bold, does not mess around with her words. We occasionally disagreed with views, however adore each other. She is an amazing photographer and does some shoots with the models on the show. She is so passionate about the models when she works with them....she is a true diamond.

And finally : Who is responsible for your hair-do (we could not resist asking)?
I style it myself, sometimes Tony and Guy do the cut.

And here is a short summary of charming Louis : Having designed a collection for a Milanese fashion label, he set up his own successful “Bespoke hat couture“ label. His “Chapeau d’Amour“ is famous as the world’s most expensive hat, worth 1.5 million Pounds.

His creations are loved by stars including Jerry Hall, Alek Wek, Jodie Kiss and Sophie Dahl. Magazines such as Vogue, ID, Harper’s Bazaar, BOOKLET and many more constantly request his accessories for photo shoots. He received the Tanzanite Foundation Award in 2006. GoSee presents some of his latest masterpieces, for more information, go to www.louismariette.com.