Obituary: Doreen Morrison

Doreen Morrison

* Doreen Morrison, fashion model agent. Died aged 68

Doreen Morrison, who ran Morrison Models in Auckland for 20 years, had definite ideas on what made a good model. Apart from her figure and general appearance, a girl must have brains.

"Intelligence must shine through the face. A girl should look as if she knows where she's going, but not as if she's been there and done it."

Miss Morrison died of cancer in Melbourne.

Classes at her modelling school lasted eight weeks, and included instruction in nail care, fashion co-ordination, makeup and deportment.

A model needed regular features "that could be made to look glamorous", hair that could be swept into several different styles - and enough money to pay for training, makeup and a reasonable wardrobe. A model also needed to be polite.

"Good manners are basically a matter of putting other people at their ease, by showing consideration for their feelings," said Miss Morrison.

Even in the late 1980s, when it was unfashionable, young men at her modelling classes were taught to hold doors open for women, and to walk on the outside of the footpath.

The agency supplied models for television advertisements, photographers and fashion shoots. Fashion designers Kevin Berkahn and Patrick Steel had the highest praise for Morrison-trained models.

"They would arrive at the job well-groomed and well-equipped," the men agreed. "They were ready to start work the moment they walked in the door."

The agency also ran classes for members of the public who needed grooming advice.

Clients of all ages attended, from those needing help to prepare for job interviews, to the middle-aged needing a fresh look.

Doreen Morrison came to New Zealand in the early 1970s from Melbourne, her home city.

She travelled the country as a consultant for Steiner beauty products, training pharmacy and beauty counter assistants. She settled in Auckland and opened her modelling agency in 1975.

In 1997 the modelling agency closed, and Miss Morrison used her business experience to organise and compere fund-raising fashion shows.

She returned to Melbourne in 2000.

She is survived by her sister Lorraine in Canada and brother Ray in Perth.