I just got back from Columbia Style Week (or at least I feel like I just got back, but it was actually a week ago) and it was awesome! For first timers, they really knew how to put a show together, and, minus a few hiccups, I felt really taken care of as a designer. My only complaints were that they seemed more worried about quantity over quality when it came to the clothing - but it may have been that they had trouble attracting regional talent because of their newness - and the lack of communication with models - but that's nothing new.
This is something I've noticed every time I do a show. There are models who are very professional and organized, and then there is the other 90%. This is not to say that these other women can't become professional, or that they are not trying, but many models just don't know what a designer needs from them or what they need to get from the designer. So that's what I'm going to tell you. I'm not a model and I know it is a difficult business, so I'm not trying to make an all-inclusive guide to professional modeling (this is just a blog post anyway), but I can give you tips from a designer's perspective.
1. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS. This is very important. If you loose weight, or you start lifting, you'll need to update your measurements. Buy a measuring tape; they are very inexpensive. Take your measurements and have them on hand. When you contact a designer that you want to work with, send your measurements along with your photos. If you have an online portfolio (i.e. modelmayhem), put your measurements on your profile page. Designers will choose you based on measurements above your "look" because as cool or pretty or interesting as you may be, we need you to fit in the clothing.
5. Ask questions. Sometimes the designer is very busy and forgets to give you what you need, so you'll have to ask. Here are some suggestions: How should I walk (peppy, slow, moody, sexy...)? What shoes should I wear (you can let them know what you have)? Should I do my nails? Do you need models for a related photoshoot? What kind of event is this (buyers and press, nightclub party etc)? Who will be photographing/videographing the event and how can I get ahold of them?
6. Practice different walks and moods. Sometimes the collection is light an airy and you need a floating walk. Sometimes it is dark and moody and you need a tough walk. Sometimes you need sexy or fun or funny. Take an acting class if you have time. It will help you find different characters you can use and it will help you learn to control your expression.
7. This is for underage models - don't let your parents do the talking for you. For safety, you should always make sure your parents know your bookings and do bring them to your fittings and meetings, but tell them to keep their mouth closed (but maybe be nicer than that). If a designer emails you and gets a response from a parent, it is frustrating, and it makes you seem less responsible. Remember, this is your job and your future career and you want to be in charge of it. The designer chose to work with you, not your mom.
8. Look to the designer for the level or professionalism. I'm very relaxed and like to have a good time, but we are doing business, not hanging out. It's always important to be on time and courteous.
That's it. If you have something to add, please feel free to comment.
Have a good weekend!
Belinda
This is something I've noticed every time I do a show. There are models who are very professional and organized, and then there is the other 90%. This is not to say that these other women can't become professional, or that they are not trying, but many models just don't know what a designer needs from them or what they need to get from the designer. So that's what I'm going to tell you. I'm not a model and I know it is a difficult business, so I'm not trying to make an all-inclusive guide to professional modeling (this is just a blog post anyway), but I can give you tips from a designer's perspective.
1. KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS. This is very important. If you loose weight, or you start lifting, you'll need to update your measurements. Buy a measuring tape; they are very inexpensive. Take your measurements and have them on hand. When you contact a designer that you want to work with, send your measurements along with your photos. If you have an online portfolio (i.e. modelmayhem), put your measurements on your profile page. Designers will choose you based on measurements above your "look" because as cool or pretty or interesting as you may be, we need you to fit in the clothing.
2. COMMUNICATE! I can't stress this enough. If you correspond via email, check it everyday. If you correspond via ModelMayham, check it everyday. If you give out your phone number, answer your phone. Especially if you have already been booked for a show/photoshoot, you need to remain in touch. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to drop a model because I can't get ahold of her when it's important. On a related note, don't plan to do anything else on the day of a fashion show; you may not be needed until the afternoon, but you need to be available in case something comes up. Plus, you don't want to loose track of time and be replaced by a back up model because you are late.
3. Know the designer's work. At least look at their website once. This is especially important if you are going to a casting call. Get an idea of the mood of the collection. If you like the work, tell the designer. You'll do better on the runway or in a photo shoot if you enjoy wearing their clothing.
4. Have lots of shoes. Everyone can get behind this, right? You should have a pair of black pumps and a pair of nude pumps. On top of that you can add black, white, and nude sandals, low heels, stilettos that you can walk in, and I would recommend one super cool pair of brightly colored or patterned heels.
5. Ask questions. Sometimes the designer is very busy and forgets to give you what you need, so you'll have to ask. Here are some suggestions: How should I walk (peppy, slow, moody, sexy...)? What shoes should I wear (you can let them know what you have)? Should I do my nails? Do you need models for a related photoshoot? What kind of event is this (buyers and press, nightclub party etc)? Who will be photographing/videographing the event and how can I get ahold of them?
6. Practice different walks and moods. Sometimes the collection is light an airy and you need a floating walk. Sometimes it is dark and moody and you need a tough walk. Sometimes you need sexy or fun or funny. Take an acting class if you have time. It will help you find different characters you can use and it will help you learn to control your expression.
7. This is for underage models - don't let your parents do the talking for you. For safety, you should always make sure your parents know your bookings and do bring them to your fittings and meetings, but tell them to keep their mouth closed (but maybe be nicer than that). If a designer emails you and gets a response from a parent, it is frustrating, and it makes you seem less responsible. Remember, this is your job and your future career and you want to be in charge of it. The designer chose to work with you, not your mom.
8. Look to the designer for the level or professionalism. I'm very relaxed and like to have a good time, but we are doing business, not hanging out. It's always important to be on time and courteous.
That's it. If you have something to add, please feel free to comment.
Have a good weekend!
Belinda
