Model Mogul Irene Marie Celebrates 25 Years in Business

BY DEBRA K. LEIBOWITZ
adsetcinc@the-beach.net

Irene Marie, the grand dame of modeling, will celebrate her agency's 25th anniversary alongside her 1,000 models, staff members (past and present), close friends and business associates at an invita- tion-only gala Dec. 13 in Miami Beach. The VIP soiree -- featuring a rock & roll concert and fashion show -- will kick off the launch of the new state-of-the-art venue at LIV Nightlife at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, part of the historic landmark's $1 billion renovation.

A former international fashion model, Marie founded her agency in 1983 in Fort Lauderdale. Five years later, she moved it to 728 Ocean Dr. in South Beach, where it remains today. Marie purchased the building, formerly the Sun Ray apartments, made famous by the chain saw scene in the movie Scarface.

Marie became known for campaigns including Versace, Guess and Calvin Klein -- and the discovery and development of supermodels Niki Taylor and Cindy Taylor. In 2006, MTV launched 8th & Ocean, a television series chronicling the lives of models and staff at the modeling agency.

Cindy Taylor (Wild on E! host) will host the 25th anniversary celebration, which will feature a presentation by television journalist and Women of Tomorrow co-founder Jennifer Valoppi to Marie for her years of service to the mentoring organization. Guests slated to attend include: Maxim's ''World's Sexiest Supermodel'' Joanna Krupa, Harry Casey of KC & the Sunshine Band, Latin music superstar Willy Chirino, WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs and supermodel Niki Taylor.

The event will conclude with a fashion show and concert featuring live performances by legendary artists, including Bob Seger's ''Silver Bullet Saxman'' Alto Reed, Eric Clapton's guitarist George Terry and Tico Torres of Bon Jovi. Event producer is Miami Beach resident Patxi Pastor.