The International Modelling Academy & Finishing School of Bermuda is operated by IMA Exective director and trainer, Ms. Diane Whittaker, L.R.A.A.. Ms. Whittaker started her career as a model in the UK at the Ladina School of Modelling and Fashion. Her fashion industry career expanded to include working as a House model and personal shopper for Sak's Fifth Avenue in the US, as Sales promotion coodinator and assistant advertising manager for A.S. Cooper's, Bermuda, as a make up artist for Estee Lauder in London, UK and as an international pageant and fashion show organizer including shows put on for the British Royal Family. Her extensive industry experience has been with major fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabanna, Armani, St. Johns and Yves St. Laurent. She is an international model scout for the International Model and Talent Association of New York.
In Bermuda she is best known for bringing fashion shows onboard the cruise ships and as a regular feature in the hotels in Bermuda in the 1960's and 1970's. However she is still remembered especially by past students for her work as a beauty pageant coach for the Miss Bermuda participants - leading her select few to the Miss Bermuda crown and helping bring a historical moment to Bermuda when her 1979 student Miss Gina Ann Casandra Swainson represented Bermuda and not only took the title of first runner up in the Miss Universe Pageant but brought home the crown as Miss World 1979.
Her return to Bermuda as Executive Director of IMA has reopened that door and once again, she was able to offer coaching and guidance to associate model Miss Rochelle Minors, enabling Miss Minors to win the title of Miss Bermuda 2012 to represent the island in the Miss World competition in China.
Ms. Whittaker owned and operated Creme de la Creme International in Florida placing talent students with such presitigous companies as Disney and securing contracts for models in key international model agencies. Her experience and connections in the fashion and modelling industry are an asset to her students who wish to move beyond the introductory experience and pursue their interests as a career.
As part of its charitable commitment to the community, IMA continues to support numerous local and international organizations such as Make a Wish Foundation, The Rotary Club, Lions Club, KBB and PALS through its participation and coordination of shows and events.
Browse the website to learn more about our courses and experience opportunities and then feel free to contact Diane for further information or registration.
We look forward to welcoming you down the IMA runway of success!
Welcome to I.M.A. Bermuda
A Duke of Edinburgh Awards Approved Programme
