Originally from Staten Island, Perry Lindsay remembers being a child and seeing his dad getting his clothes tailored, with the scent of fresh fabric and the faint hum of a sewing machine greeting him. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting golden light across rows of suits that stood like soldiers—crisp, clean, and ready for inspection. Each jacket and trouser was a canvas, waiting for the right person to bring it to life.
“From a kid, I was into Tom Ford, and my pops was a big fashion guy, too,” said Lindsay. “He used to get his suits tailored because he was a 6’4 guy, and he’d take me with him to places like Bloomingdales. He was into Perry Ellis [and] Polo, and he used to take me to the Ralph Lauren store and he didn’t want me to have the baggy pants with the underwear showing. I used to talk to the buyers [and] talk to the tailors about the customs, and I got into it at a young age. I’d also watch and go to fashion shows with him. I got an education from him and where I am now started with him.”
Following his fashion inspiration since he was a kid, Perry Lindsay worked as a fashion designer in New York. Inspired by fashion designer Virgil Abloh, a pioneer of high-end streetwear and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, Lindsay worked on and created streetwear. During COVID, the bustling streets of New York became quiet and stores closed for quarantine. However, Florida remained open.
“I had a dream that I went down to Florida and started my dream from there,” said Lindsay. “Florida wasn’t closed, and they were still throwing fashion shows and things like that. I took the chance to drive straight down to Florida without even planning anything.”
While in Miami, he started networking within the local fashion industry and in 2020, was introduced to Miami Swim Week. A fashion show where the runway is a pristine white, reflecting the soft lights that were strung overhead like stars ready to burst into brilliance. Against this canvas, the models shimmer, and move with an effortless grace, their bronzed skin glistening under the lights, catching every eye as they strode down the catwalk.
“For that show, I had to create some swim where pretty quickly,” said Lindsay. “A lot of the models at that show had agencies that weren’t booking them. I made connections with models, productions, designers, and that’s how I started my own modeling agency.”
His boutique-style agency features Lindsay helping to book models, work behind the scenes to help find venues, and sponsorships, and assist with productions.
“I’m from New York, so when we go out to places, we talk a lot,” said Lindsay. “I did it the old-fashioned way. Getting to know people, not being afraid to ask people who they are and what they do. I really built this through word of mouth.”
While networking at events, his confidence radiated quietly, like the low hum of a powerful engine. Lindsay’s confidence led him to work at Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week, The Coleman Group, booking models for Miami Fashion Week, Tampa Swim Week, Doral Swim Week, Orlando Swim Week, and even booking talent for Los Angeles shows.
“I’m more into fashion than swimwear,” said Lindsay. “I turn my phone off and take in the sight of the designers, creativity, and I’m a fashion guy. My top two events are Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week and Miami Fashion Week because they have panels and events, and Fort Lauderdale is very classy, too. I always tell people Miami is my second home and it’s helped me so much.”
Whether in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or across the country, Lindsay makes sure that the models have input in the style of clothing, photography, and editorials, and that the images aren’t overly sexual. He works to find each model a fit, for instance, if a model is into the gym, he’ll proceed to find a fitness brand.
He’s also worked with models overseas such as Costa Rica, and Paris, and he helps to get them booked all around the world.
“We establish a personal brand with the models,” said Lindsay. “They tell us what they like, what they don’t like, and we give them guidelines like it’s not professional to have the photographer tell the model to come to his house for a photoshoot. If that happens, then I’ll find a way to handle it professionally and that’s why a lot of people like to work with me.”
As beautiful as it may seem, the modeling industry can be cutthroat. It’s been plagued by allegations of mistreatment of models, lack of diversity, sexual harassment, and promoting unhealthy habits. However, Lindsay works on equality and constantly helping models, designers, photographers, and those in the business.
“I’m looking to make opportunities for others,” said Lindsay. “And not all fashion brands do that, especially, for their models.”
Even with his agency, Lindsay’s creative and designer roots come back. While most agencies stick to corporate or trending methods, he looks to be more unique. For instance, @AlfbyPL, the Instagram page for his business, shows all the models in black and white photography.
“If you remember, all the Calvin Klein ads used to be in black and white,” said Lindsay. “I used to love his ads, and someone actually realized that it was like Calvin Klein and really appreciated that.”
Lindsay also loves the Miami Art Basel season. Neon pinks, electric blues, and luminous greens bathe the streets, as art lovers and fashion connoisseurs collide. This December, he plans on working with models for a mansion photoshoot.
“It’ll help the models who need content,” said Lindsay. “We’re bringing down photographers from New York and here in Miami. We’ll network with a mixer after and since it’s during Art Basel, that’s more eyes on all of us.”
Lindsay also plans on having an in-person model casting for his agency this November and helping book models for Miami Fashion Week. He also is currently working on booking artists for Art Basel.
“I saw a lot of people helping my dad with his fashion and I’m glad I did,” said Lindsay. “It helped me, and one thing I’ve learned about the fashion industry is that it’s more than getting invited to nightclubs and popping bottles. Long-term, I want to help people in this industry, and at the root of it all, the fashion industry and my business is about bringing the world to light and helping others.”
