Elite Model Management is a chain modeling agency that originated in Paris, France, in 1972 and expanded to numerous locations throughout the globe. It is a subsidiary of Elite World S.A. It is owned by Italian billionaire Silvio Scaglia’s holding company Pacific Global ManagementElite Model Management was founded in Paris in 1972 by John Casablancas (1942–2013) and Alain Kittler.^[1][2] Casablancas was inspired by his then-wife Jeanette Christiansen, former model and Miss Universe from Denmark, to open a model agency. Casablancas founded the model agency with his savings.

Elite Model opened with several high-profile models including Ingmari Lamy; Ann Schaufuss, Clive Arrowsmith's girlfriend; Barry Lategna's wife, Lynn Kohlman; Paula Brenken; and Paris Plannings Emanuelle Dano