NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wilhelmina International, Inc., (OTCQX Bulletin Board: WHLM:OB) one of the most prominent model and celebrity agencies in the fashion industry with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, announced today a partnership with multi-platinum, iconic Latin pop-music superstar, Gloria Estefan. The Wilhelmina team will explore and develop endorsement, editorial and licensing opportunities for the 7-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, actress and humanitarian.
Estefan recently released her 26th album, Miss Little Havana. The album is an exciting new sound for Estefan, who co-produced 9 tracks with hit-maker Pharrell Williams. Specializing in entertainment and music, Wilhelmina Artist Management continues to represent some of the music, film and television industry's leading stars including Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Estelle, Nervo, The Veronicas, and Olivia Palermo among others. Wilhelmina's modeling division represents models such as Mark Vanderloo, Coco Rocha, Alexandra and Theodora Richards, and Gabriel Aubry.
"Gloria Estefan is one of the most recognized international talents in the world today. She is a timeless beauty and an icon," said Sean Patterson, President of Wilhelmina Models. "Her current album is modern and sexy; and we see many opportunities for her in fashion and beauty."
Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide, Estefan, also known as the "Queen of Latin Pop," is one of the best selling music artists of all time. Her first single from the current album, "WEPA," was co-written with Pharrell and husband/producer Emilio, and went to the Number One spot on Billboard Magazine's Dance Chart.
"I'm thrilled about this new partnership with Wilhelmina, a company that has proven themselves to be leaders in the fashion and beauty industry," said Estefan, "I am excited about adding a new dimension to my career, one that compliments my lifelong passion of art and music."
"Gloria has the resilience to effortlessly balance her role as a mother and wife, to that of an international superstar. Her outward beauty is a mere representation of the inner confidence, strength and energy for which she bases her personal life and career. Wilhemina encompasses the same qualities and we are excited to have them represent her," said Frank Amadeo, President of Estefan Enterprises, Inc.
Working with many Fortune 500 companies and brands, The Wilhelmina Artist Management (WAM) division, exclusively represents and negotiates deals on behalf of talent, such as advertising, cause-related marketing, sponsorships, licensing and personal appearances.
About Wilhelmina International, Inc. and Wilhelmina Artist Management
Through Wilhelmina Models and its other subsidiaries including Wilhelmina Artist Management, Wilhelmina International, Inc. provides traditional, full-service fashion model and talent management services, specializing in the representation and management of leading models, entertainers, artists, athletes and other talent to various customers and clients including retailers, designers, advertising agencies and catalog companies. Wilhelmina Models was founded in 1967 by Wilhelmina Cooper, a renowned fashion model, and is one of the oldest and largest fashion model management companies in the world. Wilhelmina Models is headquartered in New York and, since its founding, has grown to include operations located in Los Angeles and Miami, as well as a growing network of licensees comprising leading modeling agencies in various local markets across the U.S.