Model Agent Tedge hoping to launch TV show with ethical fashion mission
Tom Edge hopes to be a role model in more ways than one – because this model is on a mission to get more of us shopping more thrifty and ethically.
Tom is now operating under the alias of Agent Tedge, with the aim of taking the fashion industry by storm, and holding it to account.
Wolverhampton-born Tom, aged 20, is currently a branding ambassador and model for global brand Mangosta, but will only model "affordable" fashions and accessories.
Having spent thousands on expensive clothing and brands in the past, he has is now embarking on a mission to bring budget-friendly fashion back to the masses.
The former amateur footballer, who played for Wolverhampton Casuals, is hoping to launch a new TV series, having held talks with the likes of Channel 4.
In the meantime, Tom, who attended Wolgarston High School, in Penkridge, Staffordshire, will be screening shows online via YouTube.
It all forms part of his Agent Tedge Campaign, which will look at the modern world of the 'influencer', people who can influence future fashions using the power of their celebrity status on the likes of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Talking with supermodels and those working behind the scenes at Harrods, Tom will take an in depth look at the 'Instagram world', where he says many of us are all programmed into buying new clothes, sometimes on a weekly basis.
"I could spend a thousand pounds a month on tops and shoes – just going for the Instagram look," said Tom.
"My new series aims is to bring budget fashion sexy again and we are in production at the moment.
"We've sent out pitch to Channel 4, which started off as possible one-off episode but we keep adding to it.
"We'll also be streaming a live show and we have been in contact with venues in Wolverhampton, such as KK's Steel Mill, which is the perfect sort of venue for us.
"Even if the show eventually picks up we'll still keep doing the live show online."
Tom believes the rise of the influencer, promoting luxury brands at unaffordable prices, has to stop.
His goal is to show fashion followers it is possible to shop well on a realistic budget, without breaking the bank – all while being more ethically minded.
And his work has caught the attention of Harrods, in London, where he has been invited for the day to explain his vision and concerns.
Tom will also be chatting to current 'influencers' on a regular basis, going behind the scenes of the online fashion industry, as part of his campaign.
"A lot of the influencers don't even like the brands they are advertising, and many just wants as many 'clicks' as possible," he said.
"The more followers they get online the more free clothes and money that gets thrown at them.
"It's important influencers and the fashion industry start taking responsibility for what they're doing.
"It is a little bit of 50-50 – we're not just going after everyone and it's not about attacking anyone, it's more about having a conversation about it."
Tom released his first live video as Agent Tedge on February 1.
For further information, go to his website agenttedge.co.uk