Unearthing the 1991 Look of the Year Modeling Competition: A Deep Dive into Donald Trump's Involvement

Introduction:In a recent revelation by MeidasTouch, a series of unearthed videos and images from the 1991 Look of the Year modeling competition, organized by Elite Model Management, have surfaced, shedding light on Donald Trump's role as a judge in this event. 

This competition, which featured participants as young as 14 years old, has been the subject of a 2020 Guardian investigation that uncovered serious allegations of abuse and exploitation. 

This article explores the details of the event, Trump's involvement, the allegations against Elite Model Management, and the broader implications of these findings.

The 1991 Look of the Year Competition

The Look of the Year competition, established in 1983 by John Casablancas, founder of Elite Model Management, was a prestigious event aimed at discovering new talent in the modeling industry. 

By 1991, it had already launched the careers of notable models such as Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, and Stephanie Seymour. The competition offered a life-changing prize: a $150,000 contract with Elite Model Management, making it a highly coveted opportunity for young aspiring models worldwide.

In 1991, Donald Trump, then 45 years old, played a significant role in the event. He was not only a headline sponsor but also one of the ten judges. The competition was held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, which Trump owned at the time, transforming it into the main venue. The event included various rounds, such as swimwear and evening wear, where young models, some as young as 14, were evaluated by a panel that included Trump and Casablancas.

Trump's Involvement and Public Statements

Footage from the event captures Trump speaking about the competition, describing it as "the ultimate contest for women who want to go all the way in the modeling business." This statement, made in the context of a competition involving underage participants, has raised eyebrows and contributed to the controversy surrounding his involvement. The videos show Trump and other judges seated at a table, assessing the models as they paraded in front of them, often in minimal clothing.

UNEARTHED: Donald Trump judges the 1991 Look of the Year modeling competition organized by Elite Model Management, featuring participants as young at 14-years-old.

A 2020 Guardian investigation into Elite's Look of the Year competition uncovered allegations from former… pic.twitter.com/tgwoMqjf8Y

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 18, 2025

Allegations of Abuse and Exploitation

The 2020 Guardian investigation into the Look of the Year competition revealed disturbing allegations from former contestants and industry insiders. It was claimed that the competition was used by John Casablancas and others, including Gérald Marie, the former European boss of Elite, to engage in sexual relationships with vulnerable young models, some of whom were teenagers. These allegations include instances of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking, painting a grim picture of the environment within Elite Model Management during that period.

Specific claims include those from former models like Carré Sutton, Ebba Karlsson, and Jill Dodd, who alleged sexual assaults by Marie during the 1980s and early 1990s. Additionally, a former BBC journalist, Lisa Brinkworth, claimed that Marie sexually assaulted her while she was undercover investigating the agency. These allegations led to a French prosecutorial investigation into Marie, highlighting the systemic issues within the modeling industry at the time.

Connection to Jeffrey Epstein

Trump's involvement in the 1991 Look of the Year competition is further complicated by his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. John Casablancas, the founder of Elite Model Management, is identified as the person on the far right in a notorious 1989 photo of Trump and Epstein. This connection raises questions about the overlap between Trump's social and business circles and the environment of exploitation alleged within Elite.

Epstein's relationship with Trump spanned decades, and both men were known to frequent events and parties where young models were present. 

The Guardian's investigation into Trump's friendship with Epstein notes instances where Trump and Epstein were seen together at events involving young women, further fueling concerns about the nature of these gatherings.

Implications and Public Reaction

The resurfacing of these videos and the associated allegations have reignited public and media interest in Trump's past behaviors and associations. Critics argue that his role in judging a competition involving underage models, combined with his connections to figures like Epstein and Casablancas, reflects poorly on his character and judgment. Supporters, however, may view his involvement as a typical part of his business and social engagements during that era.

The MeidasTouch post has sparked a broader discussion about the modeling industry's history of exploitation and the need for accountability. It also ties into ongoing narratives about Trump's personal conduct and the environments he has been associated with, particularly in light of his political career and public persona.

Conclusion

The unearthed footage from the 1991 Look of the Year modeling competition provides a window into a controversial chapter of Donald Trump's past. 

His role as a judge in an event marred by allegations of abuse and exploitation, combined with his connections to problematic figures like Jeffrey Epstein and John Casablancas, raises significant ethical and moral questions. 

As these revelations continue to unfold, they contribute to a complex portrait of Trump's history and the environments he navigated, prompting reflection on the responsibilities of public figures and the lasting impact of their actions. 

The modeling industry's darker aspects, as highlighted by the Guardian's investigation, underscore the importance of vigilance and reform to protect vulnerable individuals in such high-stakes environments.