Bridget Halanski
Director of Runway, Factor ModelsBridget Halanski wasn’t always sure what she wanted to be when she grew up—she has a background in theatre and also briefly pursued newscasting—but as the director of runway for Factor Model Management, she wakes up every day excited to go to work. And who wouldn’t be, when work means being surrounded by an endless barrage of beautiful people (due credit given to the “copious amounts of coffee, e-mails, phone calls, repeat” that get her through the more stressful aspects). And when Factor partnered with new reality show Caribbean’s Next Top Model (premiering this fall), Bridget flew to the islands to represent the agency as a guest judge for the two-day finale episode. (She also represents some memorable favorites from America’s Next Top Model: McKey Sullivan, Brittany “ShaRaun” Brown, and Jaslene Gonzalez.) Oh, and she even started a book club for once-a-month literary discussions with her girlfriends (right now they’re reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer). We pick her brain for this week’s Spotlight.
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES >> scent: PINK SUGAR // moisturizer: KIEHL’S CRÈME DE CORPS and EPICUREN ACIDOPHILUS PROBIOTIC FACIAL CREAM // concealer: BOBBI BROWN FACE TOUCH UP STICK IN WARM SAND // mascara: MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH IN BLACKEST BLACK and LOTS OF LITTLE LASHES (for lower lash line) // nail polish: ESSIE BALLET SLIPPERS // foundation: ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION mixed with FLUID SHEER
Q: What is your general approach to beauty?
A: How you walk, talk, and carry yourself is so important; whether you’re at the grocery for a quick errand or out for a night on the town, you should look polished. You never know who could be around the corner, so keep it classy.
Q: Okay, so on a similar note, what do you look for in a model?
A: The modeling industry has very strict height and size requirements, [but] eye contact, poise, posture, and confidence are key. Also key: NATURAL hair and makeup. Too many aspiring models think that they need fake nails, dyed hair, extensions, heavy eyeliner—when in reality, we like natural beauty!
Q: Do you have a beauty icon?
A: No one in particular, really. I see beauty every day in each and every one of my models.
Q: We’re so excited to see CNTM. Was choosing a winner for the show much different from casting models at Factor?
A: It was actually very similar—the models were critiqued on their walk, a variety of photoshoots, movement, look, and personality. Choosing a winner was definitely a difficult decision, but she is absolutely stunning!
Q: So exciting! Take us through a regular day back at Factor.
A: I am running around with my headset on, doing five things at once! I’m the middleman between the client and the model, so it’s my job to discuss rates, terms, and all model details. I send packages to clients with comp cards of models available for shows and events, coordinate casting calls, and sometimes, you have to do “damage control.”
Q: And one final question: empty your bag for us. What do you never leave home without?
A: A pair of platforms (for spontaneously teaching a runway walk at the agency), my iPhone (for e-mails and the camera to scout a random guy or girl on the street), business cards, gum, my big round Gucci sunglasses, my planner, and my full makeup bag for touch-ups throughout the day. You would be surprised what I can fit in my bag!