Gail McInnes

Originally published in TFI News, January/February 2011

Canadian fashion pioneer Judy Welch passed away in her sleep on January 19, 2011, at the age of 74. Known by many as a nurturing, vivacious character, Welch was a force in the Canadian industry, guiding and cultivating the careers of many of today’s top fashion professionals. Welch, a dancer by training, entered the pageant world, winning the titles Miss Toronto and Miss Maple Leaf-Canada. She was also the first Miss Canada to compete in the Miss World pageant in 1957. Soon after, Welch ventured into the world of modelling as an agent.

Her namesake company, Judy Welch Agency (JWA), was the first to send models internationally. Her roster boasted the best of the business, including supermodels Linda Evangelista and Monica Schnarre, as well as Naomi Campbell in the early years of her career. In 1999, Welch was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Modelling Association of Canada.

“I remember walking into her house on Roxborough Avenue [where she ran her agency] for the first time. I was a little taken aback by the chaos that greeted me,” says Schnarre. “Her personality was also overwhelming as she greeted me. There were numerous people manning the telephones and a constant flow of people coming through what seemed to be a revolving door. Seeing all this made me turn to my mother and say, ‘I want to sign with Elite.’ But my Mother wanted me to be with Judy and her instincts were right. Judy’s nurturing and flair for the business were exactly what I needed and she is solely responsible for starting my career.”

Not only was Welch responsible for altering the lives of many models who travelled the world, she also guided the careers of photographers, fashion stylists, and hair and makeup artists.

“I was a young, junior stylist in the city when I met Judy for the first time; probably sometime in 1985. I had only known about her through reputation,” says Suzanne Lindsay, owner of SLAM photography agency. “She was a presence like no other. She taught me about casting and what to look for, believing in what you do and how to jump into something with both feet. She was intimidating at first, but once she took you under her wing, she was soft, caring and dedicated to you. Her house was always full of models and she had so many parties. Before my time, her parties were attended by Lee Majors, Burt Reynolds, and all those ’70s hunks! When the Rolling Stones came to town, they partied at Judy’s!”

In her later years Welch could be found selling her own collection of hand-beaded jewellery at the St. Lawrence Market. A private funeral for family and close friends was held on January 27. A public memorial service will be held in February at one of the Liberty Group’s venues in Toronto. Her website, www.judywelch.com, currently being updated by friends and family, has a page for anyone connected to her to leave their condolences and will also have updates on the public memorial.

Image: Ed Goodfellow Photography