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Glove Love
I have always been into gloves. Since childhood, I have always had freezing cold hands and feet. This "problem" is known for anyone who has a poor blood circulation... getting more to the point... Back home, whenever I shook hands with someone I knew 9 times out of 10 a comment would be made about the coldness of my hands!!!
I loved when I first moved to London, it was around September, getting a little chill and my hands were frozen, sooner than never I heard the saying " Cold hands, warm heart". I liked it, I was extremely surprised to hear a positive comment about my hands. Yes, they were cold but so what. I finally felt understood by people. Smiles.
Nevertheless, when winter comes, oh goodness, it feels like my poor little fingers are about to suffer from frostbite(!!!)LOL
So gloves are essential and they must be fabulous too! I shall never be seen wearing anything but leather, all types, but I am not so keen on suede as it does not last very long (my opinion) the weather can be very harsh on them.
A girlfriend of mine has the most beautiful pairs I have seen!!!! I almost had a heart attack when I saw her with an amazing fingerless pair, in python and leather, sooooo chick rock...
Ohhh to die for...
They are from Nina Peter .
Please take a look on her website,www.ninapeter.com , as you can also buy online if you feel like splurging this New Year.
They are also available at Harvey Nichols!
So hurry...In my opinion they are definitely a must have... I would better start saving up as from now!
I am a Virgin: Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima, who's one of the world's best paid supermodels, insists that she is a virgin.
The 27-year-old beauty, who has been a Victoria's Secret Angel for eight years, is planning to marry Serbian basketball player Marko Jaric, who plays for US team the Memphis Grizzlies, next June, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The stunner's first fashion show for Victoria's Secret was in 1998 and since being contracted as an Angel in 2000, she has appeared on subsequent shows ever since.
She starred alongside Mickey Rourke in 2001 film The Follow and played herself in an episode of Ugly Betty this year.
Meanwhile, Adriana was also in news for being the face of world's most expensive bra costing 5 million dollar.
The 27-year-old beauty, who has been a Victoria's Secret Angel for eight years, is planning to marry Serbian basketball player Marko Jaric, who plays for US team the Memphis Grizzlies, next June, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The stunner's first fashion show for Victoria's Secret was in 1998 and since being contracted as an Angel in 2000, she has appeared on subsequent shows ever since.
She starred alongside Mickey Rourke in 2001 film The Follow and played herself in an episode of Ugly Betty this year.
Meanwhile, Adriana was also in news for being the face of world's most expensive bra costing 5 million dollar.
Thinking ahead
This is my last post before Xmas, I will be off to the country and will be back soon after boxing day.
When back in town, I shall be ready to hit the sales! Oh... the sales... Always a time of celebration! When most of the stuff you dream of is half price. Or sometimes even the stuff you didn't know you wanted is there with a shine big 1/2 price sign on it and straightway it becomes kind of somehow needed. I'm sure you know that feeling.
So, normally at this time of the year I would have already browsed thru the previous months around the shops, for anything interesting, for sizes, for colours and ect...
It might be a mission sometimes to brave the shops at Xmas time and at normal times, depending of the shop, anything like Topshop or Primark is always a mission - Isn't it? - and also at the sales but honestly it just makes it so much easier if you do go before hand and prepare yourself with a list... you may not have time to try things on or, the queues for the changing rooms can be far too long, anything can happen. So, being prepared just avoids all the hassle.
Unfortunately, this year I don't intend to spend money -HA! or much if I must- on the sales. I have already been very naughty with some other buys before hand not leaving me with much cash to spend now ...
A place where I normally would enjoy the deductions is at Selfridges. Good choice, variety, all under one roof. Urban Outfitters is always very good for all sorts of funky bits and bobs, I love all their Religion and Lux stuff and as a whole I find their stock very rock chic, cool. I like Gap for the basics. Some boutiques around Notting Hill/ Portobello area are also on sale with unique finds.
Ahhhh! Must mention any SHOE shop on sale will be part of my list...
Well, let' s see on this one... I have to face the facts that I have no room, or running out of room -as I say- for more shoes still, I would love to have a pair of suede flat boots over the knee (panto style). Topshop has a really nice one I shall keep my eyes on it.
Shoes are always a MAJOR danger when it comes to the sales time... 2 pairs for the price one if we were to pay full retail prices in most of the cases!!! How can you resist?!?!?!?!? Often, I just remember the Girls Aloud song..."The promise I made started to fade babe..."
I'll try to resist but it so hard!
Note: Whilst searching pictures for this post I came across the most cute ankle boots which I had my eye on for a while... Oh God... What is a girl supposed to do?
Promise I made, promise I made started to fade ...
I'll avoid Westfield at all costs as I'm sure it will be a nightmare !
I hope you have a wonderful Xmas!
x
And we are still talking about X mas...
As we are getting closer, many of us are probably wondering what are we getting for Xmas ?
Are we getting those fabulous things we are all posting in our wish list or is it gonna be more like that advert where everyone goes to the garage store at 12:00 AM Xmas Eve to buy whatever is left?
I supposed I have been an extra good girl this year (not) as I already got my prezzie really early.
I saw a picture of this amazing coat on a magazine, shortly after I had a clear out and ended up throwing the magazine away (so not like me). It wasn't until a few days later when I saw a girl wearing it I suddenly remembered it and all I could think all night was I WANT ONE!
Next day a girlfriend from work goes to Westfields and I gave her fully instructions -LOL-to go and search for the coat for me. I gave her the option to go to Mango or Zara and she came back empty handed not even knowing from which shop it was from for sure. I kind of decided to ask around in the hope that someone at work would have seen it and sometimes it pays off to work in a place full of girls with few shopholics mates!
I reckon it was my lucky day. I found out the coat was from Zara and luckily for me I live next door to one! I had to call my boyfriend and do the begging thing over the phone sometimes it takes a little convincing, you guys know, especially if is a football day...Finally, he was going there to have look for me and he did the best. I had never seen this coat in there before...It was the last one and just my size!!!!!!! It was in the storage room completely hidden from everyone's eyes!!! So, snap! My beloved goes and gets it for me!
Are we getting those fabulous things we are all posting in our wish list or is it gonna be more like that advert where everyone goes to the garage store at 12:00 AM Xmas Eve to buy whatever is left?
I supposed I have been an extra good girl this year (not) as I already got my prezzie really early.
I saw a picture of this amazing coat on a magazine, shortly after I had a clear out and ended up throwing the magazine away (so not like me). It wasn't until a few days later when I saw a girl wearing it I suddenly remembered it and all I could think all night was I WANT ONE!
Next day a girlfriend from work goes to Westfields and I gave her fully instructions -LOL-to go and search for the coat for me. I gave her the option to go to Mango or Zara and she came back empty handed not even knowing from which shop it was from for sure. I kind of decided to ask around in the hope that someone at work would have seen it and sometimes it pays off to work in a place full of girls with few shopholics mates!
I reckon it was my lucky day. I found out the coat was from Zara and luckily for me I live next door to one! I had to call my boyfriend and do the begging thing over the phone sometimes it takes a little convincing, you guys know, especially if is a football day...Finally, he was going there to have look for me and he did the best. I had never seen this coat in there before...It was the last one and just my size!!!!!!! It was in the storage room completely hidden from everyone's eyes!!! So, snap! My beloved goes and gets it for me!
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I love the versatility of this coat open or closed with a big waist clinching belt, teamed with my pirate Vivienne Westwood boot.
It was a great winter buy. Bearing in mind I had never tried the coat before, just seen it on a magazine, it was love at first sight and I'm ever so happy.
So thanks my dear Santa !
I hope you all get what you want , there is nothing nicer than to enjoy a good present.
Eri
Coat:Zara, Belt: Primark, Cardigan: Benneton, Hat: Xmas prezzie, thanks Babs! , Jeans: River Island, Boots: Vivienne Westwood.
And we are almost there...
And once more it's again that time of the year where everyone says: "OMG I cant believe it has gone so quickly ..."
I enjoy Xmas and especially when it comes to putting the decorations and Xmas tree up!
At first, it always seems that is going to be a hell of a lot of work , I have a huge tree which I bought at Argos few years back, it is 7 ft long!!!
...The difference in price between a big one and a small one was nothing and I had always dreamed of having a big one. 'So, why not?', I thought at the store... It was all good until I had to get on a bus with it and carry it a few floors upstairs...
One of my favourite tree decorations is a Vivienne Westwood shoe which a I bought at the V&A exhibition in 2004.
This shoe alone inspired and gave me the go ahead to buy a huge tree...
Whilst in Brazil a few months back my mum gave me all the decorations from her tree... I was so happy to be reunited with some oldies which brought back so many nice memories. All my candy cane string and some bits that i had made myself when I was 6 or 7. Stuff that had to travel 5000 miles and took up (precious) room in my suitcase - but all well worth it.
All and all I love all the musical snowman and reindeers and it always makes my tree a mixture of bears and snowman, sweets and toys.
So sad when all has to go in January :(
Happy holidays!
Eri
Types of Modeling
The market determines what models are needed. These needs tend to cluster into market segments and allow us to look at types of models. It is important to understand the type of model you want to be. By understanding the type of modeling you are interested in you can learn what the requirements are and if you can meet them. This also helps in avoiding getting ripped off (more about this on the scam page). I have seen the greatest number of rip-offs and bad business decision happen when a wannabe model is thinking of one type of modeling (usually high fashion) and a scout, agent, photographer, etc. is recruiting for another (life style, Playboy glamour). So it is very important you understand what type of modeling you are interested in.
So what are some of the major markets and types of modeling?
Fashion Modeling
The Garment and Beauty product industries are large users of models. People want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on somebody. Your high-fashion, designer-label garments, are designed for what fashion designers view as the "ideal woman." This is someone tall and slender, somewhat leggy, with a swan like neck and very young. In major markets like New York, this is someone who is 5'9" to 6' tall and from a size 8 to a size 0 depending on what is in. (How Rare) For men it is at least 6 foot tall and a 40 regular - of course, you have to have that "look" to go with the clothes. In secondary markets we would like to have this but often work with fashion models that don't meet these measurements. It is more important you just have a look of being tall and slender and that the sample clothes will fit you. The "look" can run from classic beauty to some extreme looks for fashion magazine editorial.
If you are going to work in front of the camera you need to be photogenic, and this you won't know until you do a test shoot. Usually the face is oval shape, with symmetry to the facial features. Eyes are almond shape. The cheekbones should be strong and nose straight and proportioned. Lips should be full. (more details) All of this just puts you in the general category; from there it is a matter of what the market demands are.
On the money - Top New York High Fashion models (there are just a handful of these folks) make more money then any other models (I have seen incomes as high as eight million a year). By contrast a model doing a fashion show at a local mall may get paid nothing. This shows the wide range of income one might expect in fashion modeling. Most folks who try to make it as fashion models will earn almost nothing so don't quit your day job.
Types of Fashion modeling:
FASHION EDITORIAL MODELING - Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Cosmo, etc. - these and many other magazines today that focus on fashion have lots of editorial pages they must fill each month. Many of these editorial pages feature models wearing what the magazine thinks will be the next trend in fashion. Editorial work does not pay as well as other types of high fashion modeling but it is great for building a model's reputation and getting tear sheets for one's portfolio. Also, because fashion magazines are not as constrained as advertising work, they can use more 'extreme' and 'special beauty' models in their pages.
FASHION RUNWAY MODELING - Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections twice a year (Fall and Spring) to perspective (store) buyers. (buyers is a key word here, if some one is putting on a fashion show without buyer then it is entertainment) As an example, the New York Ready Wear shows just finished with 110 designers presenting collections for Fall 2000 (post 9/11 the number of designers has fallen 30%). Designers present these collections to a gathering of buyers by sending models down a walkway or runway. How well a model brings the clothes to life and shows important features of the garments can determine how well they sell. So it is worth it to a designer to have the most ideal models show these collections. This leads to why models have to meet very strict requirements and why they get such high fees for this type of work (modeling agencies have also forced up fees). These young models tend to be very tall, slender and move very well in clothes.
FASHION CATALOG MODELING - There are a lot of clothing catalogs produced. (I know because my significant other gets most of them and tries to keep them all in business by constantly buying from them.) These catalogs, whether business-to-business, store, or direct marketing, require models to pose in the clothes they are trying to sell. (Except for Coldwater Creek who has done a brilliant job of styling their Spring clothing catalog without using any models.) Generally, catalog models are picked for a project because they represent the ideal of the market segment for which that catalog is targeted (not many 20 year olds in J. Jill catalog). Often times this is the classic beauty - tall, slender, healthy, and beautiful. The marketing idea is for transference, i.e. if you buy these clothes you will look as nice as the person pictured in the catalog. Catalog modeling usually pays well because of the volume of photos that must be taken. When I was sharing space with a couple of photographers who shot for a department store chain they could be shooting for weeks with models to produce one catalog. That is a lot of billable hours.
FASHION PRINT MODELING - This is fashion and beauty for print advertising. It can be display ads or collateral print materials. This is the most demanding work to get but pays the best because of usage and exclusives. These are the ads that can make or break a designer's reputation. With these ads it is very important that the concept, photo, and model work perfectly to convey the 'image' that is wanted.
FASHION SHOW ROOM MODELING - Modeling for buyers in the designer's show room.
FASHION LINGERIE MODELING - Because this type of modeling may be more revealing it requires very good body tone and proportions.
FASHION BATHING SUIT MODELING - Again, more revealing requires excellent body tone and a healthy look. A number of years ago (like 30, boy am I getting old) we had Jantzen and White Stag here in Portland. Back then I was a competitive swimmer and they would come around the pool and hire models from the swim team - in this case the models were very fit.
FASHION FITNESS MODELING - As health and fitness has moved more into the public consciousness a greater demand has grown in this type of modeling. Of course being in the city with the corporate headquarters for Nike, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear makes it very noticeable here. Where once everyone exercised in baggy gray sweats, fitness attire continues to evolve and become more everyday wear. Add to this all of the fitness, health, and outdoor lifestyle magazines that are on the newsstands and you have a fast growing category for modeling.
FASHION FIT MODELING - Fit models have the perfect proportions for a given clothing size. Garment manufactures and designers hire fit models to use to piece together new creations, see how they move, and develop their patterns. The key for a fit model is to never gain or loose an inch. A clothing manufacturer may hire a fit model as a permanent salary position. It is one type of legitimate modeling that you can see advertised in the classified section of the newspaper. I used to see ads for fit models in our local newspaper for Jantzen and Pendleton.
FASHION TEAROOM MODELING - This once was very popular (the '80s) in smaller markets. Usually it would be at ladies' luncheons where models would wander between tables wearing designer clothes from local fashion boutiques. The models would describe the outfit they wore and where to buy it. Not big bucks, but a place to start and gain confidence in a small market.
FURTHER DIVISIONS - These categories can have further sub-categories for size - petite and plus, and for age - children, preteen, and mature. Petite size models usually are 5'2" to 5'6". Plus size is the same height as standard size models but size 14 -16. Main stream models usually start in around 14 years of age and go to their early twenties. Obviously pre-teen is before this age and mature is everything after it.
A category of modeling will only be found where there are clients to support it. Since almost all of the fashion magazines are based in New York, that is where you will find work in the fashion editorial modeling category.
A category of modeling will only be found where there are clients to support it. Since almost all of the fashion magazines are based in New York, that is where you will find work in the fashion editorial modeling category.
Body Part Modeling
Body part modeling is a special category that belongs in both fashion and commercial modeling. This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Often standard models that look great in full-length shots or headshots don't look so good close up. Their hands or feet may look horrible. This is where the body parts model comes in. We will set up a shoot using the standard model's face but the body part model's hands and it looks like it is just one person. Usually body part models will specialize in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck.
Hand models are one type of body part model that I have had more call for. With hand models we look for long slender graceful hand and fingers. We also look for smooth (no wrinkles, hair or large pours), clear (no blemishes or irregular color) skin, and very good nails. The ability to pose the hand in a relaxed graceful fashion is very important. This is like a hula dancer that can tell a story with their hands and avoid what I call "the claw" that most folks produce when put in front of the camera.
Body parts model follow a similar path as regular models with finding modeling agencies, building portfolios and having comp cards. They simply pursue a very special niche market.
Commercial Modeling
Commercial modeling is sort of the catch all for everything that isn't fashion and isn't glamour. It is vast and diverse. The physical requirements can vary greatly. The 'look' can be mom, business executive, scientist, glamorous beauty, etc. The pay can be good but not to the level of the top fashion model and commercial models tend to find work less often. But it can be an area on can work part time at their whole life. Again, the purpose is to sell something - a product, service, or idea.
Some Categories of Commercial Modeling are:
COMMERCIAL PRODUCT MODELING - Generally we are generating a photo to sell a product and the model is used to show how the product is used. Also, model may be used to convey an image about a product. An example would be a model dressed like a doctor holding a blood pressure device. This gives an image of medical authority being behind the product. There is also the old Madison Avenue technique of selling a product by putting someone attractive by it. Although it may not be politically correct to do this, it still is done and it works. People stop to look at a pretty face, not at another vanilla computer box. The physical requirements and look for commercial product modeling can vary a great deal. It all depends on the image or story you are trying to tell. This is where character models are used.
COMMERCIAL LIFESTYLE MODELING - Models are used in photos showing a period of life or doing something in life. The photo might be an older couple walking on the beach and the photo is used in the advertising materials for a new retirement resort. Or a photo of a young couple playing in a park with their children and the photo is used in an ad for a life insurance company. The models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. The physical requirements, age, size, etc. can vary greatly. But most often they use the "beautiful people" in these photos rather then real folks off the street.
COMMERCIAL CORPORATE MODELING - Corporate modeling is like Lifestyle but it always has a business theme. Again physical requirements can vary greatly, but usually attractive people are used - although sometimes character models are used.
PRODUCT DEMO - In smaller markets this seems to be a favorite area to start models. Models stand in front of, or in a store or mall, and hand out free samples of something. The idea is they want someone attractive that people will be drawn to and will work for just a few hours or a few days. When you are young and starting out this pays better then any regular job and it can really build your confidence around people.
TRADE SHOW MODELING - Once again attractive people are attention getters. When a trade show comes to town some exhibitors may hire models to hand out literature at their booths. One of the classics examples of this is the auto show. Again, it gives some income when you are starting out and gets you in front of the public.
SPORTS/ATHETICALLY PROFICIENT/FITNESS - This is kind of lumping a lot together but this has been a growing area in modeling. With sport attire companies like Nike and the increase number of personal sports, fitness and outdoor magazines the need for models that look like they actually know what they are doing has grown. The idea is to look good and actual be proficient at the activity being photographed.
HOBBY MODELING - This is modeling for the fun of it, to help out a cause or a place to get started. Some folks may never make a living at modeling but enjoy being in front of the camera or being on the runway. It also ties in with organization that might put on a fashion show as a fundraiser. There have also been cases where some one may start modeling just for fun and this may some day lead to a career.
ALTERNATIVE MODELING - This term has been coined for the whole gothic/punk modeling. This is a very specialize niche
WARM BODY MODELING - This is may own term (unflattering as it is) . This is where you just need someone to put in a photo. When doing an outdoor tourist bureau type photos you often find you need someone hiking a trail or standing at an overlook, this is where you need a warm body to help animate the photo. This type of modeling does not pay much and may even be done on spec, but if you like doing outdoors or tourist activities it is a chance to make a dollar while having fun. This type of modeling can be open to all ages and sizes.
Glamour Modeling
I am getting a lot of young visitors (under 18) to this site so I won't go into this too deeply. Glamour modeling is modeling for photos with a sexual theme. This might be a simple cheesecake or beefcake photo. They can include bikini, sexy outfits and lingerie modeling. On the cheesecake level, photos can be used for calendars, posters, and other pin-up girl products. You can't pick up a car magazine without seeing a babe by the car or truck. As one moves to greater states of undress you move to the adult entertainment industry with high-end men's magazines like Playboy and then on down to the low-end back-ally magazines. But it is the Internet that dominates this field and is now loaded with all levels of sexual model photos. Glamour modeling and its triple X component is a very big industry. Top glamour models can make as much as top fashion models. But what is different from other types of modeling is all grade levels in glamour modeling can make good money. There are no height or size requirements as in fashion modeling. Where fashion modeling wants you to look like a beanstalk, glamour modeling wants you to have curves like a young Pamela Anderson. Where fashion may want a 'special beauty look', glamour modeling wants traditional drop dead gorgeous; where fashion really only happens in New York, glamour can happen anywhere and does.
You have to be over 18 to do glamour modeling even cheesecake. With the way the laws are today a photographer runs a real risk doing any kind of sexy photo with someone under 18. With news story reporting mothers are being thrown in jail for photographing their own children taking a bath and putting the photo in a family album, I think the risk is too great and the return too small to do any glamour work with someone under 18. But this field is wide open once one is of legal age. Unlike fashion modeling where you career is over by the time you are 30 with glamour your career could be just getting started. There is even demand good looking grandmothers in their 50's and 60’s.
This field is easy to get started in, as there are a lot of photographers who would love to do test shoots and photo assignments on spec. Finding work and getting test shoots has been made easy with several web sites that cater to this field, although getting top high paying work can take as much effort as becoming a high fashion model. I will leave details and how this is all done to some other web sites. But a couple of references are Teezemagazine.com that covers the bikini, lingerie market and adultmodelingbook.com for a how to book on success as an adult internet model.
A model personality
Besides needing the physical requirement to be a model you also need a personality for it. Professional modeling is a tough business. Only certain people can stand up to the hard work schedule and stress that modeling demands. So what are some good traits for a model?
1) Love the Show - When you hear, 'It's show time' or 'Time for magic' do you come alive? If you love performing and being in front of an audience, whether it's a room full of people or the eye of the camera, you will enjoy modeling. If it is something you enjoy you are more apt to work hard at it, take greater risk, and work through the hardships that come along. If you love the work, you will love your life. If you hate the work, you'll be miserable.
2) Hard Working - Modeling takes a lot of hard work and stamina. A photo shoot can run as long as 16 hours and at all times of the day & night. Just getting a job can have you running all over town. And at the end of the day you still have to do all the stuff needed to keep you in shape and looking beautiful.
3) Projection - You need to be able to project your personality, your charisma, your charm, and your sex appeal. You need to be able to sell yourself to be able to sell the product.
4) Intelligent - There is a lot to learn about modeling, being an independent business person, about yourself and about surviving in a big world of sharks. If you can't learn it fast you could get eaten alive.
5) Extrovert - You will be constantly meeting new people and walking into new situations. You will be performing before strangers every day. You need to like new experiences, challenges, and meeting new people. If you are shy and reserved you will forever be uncomfortable modeling.
6) Good Self Esteem - Ok, so it doesn't hurt to be a little bit of an egomaniac. This industry is a real ego bruiser. Good self-esteem can help pick you up and get you through those tough times.
7) Ambition - For most, careers in modeling won't come easy. You will have to go through trials and tribulations before you achieve success. The ambition and desire to succeed and achieve your goals in modeling will help you over the temporary set backs that come along.
8) Self-Starter - As a model you are an independent businessperson in charge of your own career. You must be able to take charge of you. This includes your training, your physical upkeep, your professional practices, your finances, and your life.
9) In Control - You need to be able to control your health (size and fitness), your body for posing, your emotions for acting them out, and your life so you show up on time.
10) Organized - You have to keep track of your schedule, your finances, your modeling materials, and your body's up keep.
OK, so you have to be a bubbly Polly Anna that everyone loves, who is a rocket scientist, and has just finished SEAL team training. Is this a problem?
Stage Mom
One thing that can be a great help for one's modeling career is a good stage mom. This can actually be a mom, dad or grandparent. I lump them all together as 'stage mom' and as far as I am concerned if you have a good one they are worth their weight in gold. One of the best things a young wannabe model can have is a parent who can help you develop your career. A good stage mom learns the business, helps keep things organized, watches out for scams, helps avoid dangerous situations, provides transportation, helps with training, encourages practice, provides emotional support, and at the start of a career provides the financing. And for all of this, stage moms get to melt into the background and let their son or daughter move into center stage and become a star.
Of course you always hear about the bad stage moms - the bossy, interfering, and overbearing stage moms - the ones trying to live the life they never had through their children. You never hear about the good stage moms - the ones the photographer turns to when the model has forgotten something and mom is right there with it: the stage mom who works tirelessly in the background so her daughter or son, the model, is on time and ready for the task at hand. Well, let me say I appreciate a good stage mom as the professional she is.
What Next
So you know what kind of modeling you want to do and you're the right height and size, but you may not be sure if you have the "look" or are beautiful enough or are photogenic enough. What is the next step? That is what is covered in the next section - How to Find Work.
Where to Learn More
Big modeling agencies will teach you what they want you to know for the type of work that they want you to do. Just run off and become a super model and don't worry about any of this. For the rest of you, here are some suggestions
Books, Magazines and other Media
There are always new books coming on the market about modeling and how to be a model. Some I have seen relate only to the top fashion market, some are just gossip books and some have good starting information. Add to this specialty areas, like makeup books, and there is quite a base of knowledge available on modeling. If one wants to learn about the modeling industry all you need to do is take time to read. I have book reviews and a list of modeling related books on the Book page. Can you learn to be a model from just reading a book? Well no, but it will give you some understanding of the industry, what it will take to be a model, and help you avoid some of the scams. I checked with my local library for books on modeling and found they had only nine books and only one of those was published in the last ten years. You may want to start with your school or local library, but you may have to purchase a book to get current information.
There are magazine and newspaper articles popping up on modeling all of the time. Most relate to the top level of fashion modeling and being a super model but sometimes other things will slip through. These articles do not teach you the how-to of modeling. They do, however, give some insight into the industry. I understand there are programs on cable TV about the modeling world. I have seen references to these shows and comments that they give some good insight into the world of fashion modeling. Sorry, I have not seen them. My MTV was 15 years ago.
Modeling Schools
I have worked with some modeling schools and I found most of them were harmless. One I worked with was more of a finishing school than a 'how to be a model' school. If you could find a school that really knew what a working model needs to know (in secondary market there is a lot to know) and could teach it to you quickly, it might be a good investment. All of the ones I have seen are better at teaching their model wannabes how to look and move well in public rather than how to work in front of a camera or on a cat walk. Remember, a school that promises you work when you graduate is giving you a "come-on" line.
The only way you will learn to model is to get in front of the camera. Any school that is teaching modeling and does not spend 50 to 75% of your training time in front of the camera is questionable. This time in front of the camera can be dry shooting (shooting without film) while video taping, digital shooting, or best, actual test photo shoots.
Now with that said, here is how I am view the current state of the modeling school market.
Franchise Schools
Many of the modeling schools around are franchise operations. Local operators buys into a franchise just like a hamburger joint. They may have no experience in the modeling industry, but after putting down a good chunk of change, they are now experts teaching classes. Chain operations include Barbizon Modeling Schools, John Casablancan Modeling, John Robert Powers Modeling and there are others. These chain schools can vary in quality just as independent schools can. Some operators do have extensive knowledge of the industry and can give students good insight into the industry - many don't. Although what these schools teach may not lead to a career in modeling, what one learns in their "image enhancement" or finishing school classes can be useful for later life. If you can afford one (these schools are very expensive), they can be a lot of fun and can improve one's self-esteem and confidence. A few of these school's students, and I do mean a very few, may even go on to a career in modeling. The main point is that these schools rarely lead to modeling careers and people who do go on to careers probably would have been accepted into agencies anyway had they never attended the school.
Schools tend to do a fair amount of advertising to attract new students, so they generally have high visibility with the general public. One of their favorite recruitment methods is to go to malls where they will tie in with a fashion show. They also advertise for model screening where any one who has money for tuition will look good to them. They often use pressure sales tactics like ‘there are only two spots left for our class so sign up now' or ‘when you complete our modeling classes you can be part of our modeling agency.' Don't get pressured into one of their contracts and no one in a major market hires models out of these schools.
Competition Schools
There has been a new aspect added to modeling schools recently. This deals with the model competitions and conventions. Twenty years ago modeling schools were tied into the whole beauty pageant system. Back then part of the school's program was getting young women ready for these competitions. It seems these days the pageant system has fallen out of favor with the general public, but the market demand for the beauty contest has continued and now the modeling contest is filling that demand. As with the pageant system, the wannabes pour lots of money and time into the process of trying to make it to the top as they hope that some type of excellent career is waiting if they win; and it's Ok if thousands of others spend lots of money and end up with just an interesting (hopefully, personally rewarding) experience. It seems there are now a number of the chain schools and local schools that focus on the model competition path. Does this have much to do with modeling on the runways of Paris? Well, about as much as becoming Miss America has to do with becoming a famous Hollywood actress. It might lead to it but it is no guarantee. If your desire is to be a top fashion model and you have what it takes, there are more direct routes to a career then going through modeling schools, conventions, and competitions.
Local Schools
Local modeling schools can vary a great deal in quality. Many are like the chain schools and are better as finishing schools than teaching what you need to know to model. Others are run by individuals who are former models and really have worked at the top rungs of the fashion modeling industry. You would need to study carefully the qualifications of the instructors, what the classes cover, how much actual in-front-of camera time you get, and the biggest part, how many of the graduates go on to actual careers in modeling. These schools strive to get one or two graduates out working as professional models and use this as the hook saying "yes, you too could be a successful, high paid model" (top schools or agencies will have dozens of working models). A lot of these school, however, are run by individuals with no real experience in the modeling industry (maybe even as a hobby) and the classes are more finishing school oriented (how to stand up straight, put on street make-up, coordinate your wardrobe, and go to a job interview).
Modeling Coaches & Camps
Modeling coaches and camps are a very special form of schooling and there are very few around. A modeling coach is someone who has extensive knowledge in one aspect of modeling and works one on one with a model in that area. An example is a runway coach who might work with a model for just a couple of hours of intense training. Another example is a photography coach who will photograph and teach in a short session how to work in front of a camera. Of course there are acting and voice coaches that we all hear so much about, too. A coach might be used if a model is weak in one curtain area or is having difficulty breaking through to a new skill level. Modeling coaches have many years of experience in their areas of expertise, are normally located in larger markets, and are expensive. A coach comes into a model's career after she/he is already signed with an agency and is starting to work. You do not start a career with a coach; they are more for improving your skills after you have started working.
Modeling camps, often tied in with acting camps, provide another short but intense learning situation. There are only a few of these around and they tend to be very selective and are fairly expensive. Modeling camps tend to be hard to find and you have to be "in the know" to locate one. So far, the scam artist and bad business folks have not reached into this area. I am sure it won't be long before they will.
Web Sites
I have found a lot of web sites on the net either have bad info or have hidden agendas (scams) behind them. There are a few sites that do have good information and will give you another perspective on becoming a model. You can find these sites on the Site with More Information Page.
Experience
The number one teacher in this business is doing. Once you have been through a photo shoot things start to make more sense. And as you work with other professionals you can learn from them. But getting photo shoots when you are starting out can be hard to impossible. If a photographer has a job, he or she won't want to risk it on a wannabe model. And if you can't find a photographer to do test shoots, you may be left out. If you have to pay for shoots, that can truly be expensive and with no guarantee of ever earning your money back. Hopefully, a good agency can find test shoots, shoot where they want a new face or shoots where they want a less expensive model for you. Getting shoots, gaining experience and building your portfolio are the greatest challenges a new model faces
Models Jesse Randhawa and Tapur Chatterjee talk about what it takes to walk the ramp
OPENING UP Jesse and Tapur feel that the Indian fashion industry has evolved and now wears a global look Photo: Makes
Their names figure on the list of top 10 models in the country. Jesse Randhawa and Tapur Chatterjee effortlessly carry off the "look" created by leading fashion designers on the catwalk. After another stylish lap at designer Ashish Soni's show, the duo was game for a chat. And for a change, they went beyond their fashion fixation and discussed a range of topics — from fitness and films to discipline and exploitation in their field.
Jesse: You know Tapur, it's a decade since I entered modelling. There must be something in it for me to stick around. It's great to be on the ramp. To be where the action is. It's nice to wear different outfits and be so deeply involved in style.
Tapur: For me too, it's been quite a journey. I've seen style evolve so beautifully. Now our outlook is global. We are witnessing styles that blend seamlessly on international catwalks. Look at Ashish's clothes. You can wear them casually with jeans or as ensembles.
Jesse: And look at how the ramp world has changed. When I started out, we hardly had any shows. Now, there's a surge, what with the fashion industry looking up. Competition has improved the creative output of designers. Besides, the visibility factor counts. So shows are inevitable. It's for us models to pick and choose...
Tapur: I think it's practical for us to take up one thing at a time. People think modelling is easy — just walking up and down the ramp. They don't realise it's a tough profession. Don't we have to take care of so many things — from skin and fitness to trends and personal-professional discipline? Modelling is a difficult package. You have to stay focussed.
Jesse: And people think models starve themselves to maintain their figure. In reality, we eat right, don't miss much. And we squeeze in some time for workouts. Today, there are so many workout options. You just have to go for something that suits your lifestyle.
Tapur: True Jesse, fitness doesn't mean skipping meals. In fact, one shouldn't miss out on meals — instead eat in moderation. Fitness to me is about making an effort — and investing time... Okay Jesse, how do you manage those expressions on the ramp?
Jesse: When you step onto the ramp, it's not easy facing so many people and bringing out the expression that the designer desires. I learnt to improve my performance gradually. And I guess, experience matters. You have to have a feel for the clothes, the music and the mood to get the right expression.
Tapur: Above all, one must be willing to give one's best. I've come across models who don't pay much attention to detail. For them, it's just another show. Okay, let's talk about Indian models making it internationally. To me, it doesn't make sense to move out of India. I'm well settled here, there's no need for me to uproot myself and knock at the doors of agencies abroad. But young aspirants must try the global ramps. They stand a fair chance.
Jesse: Yes, Indian complexion and hair tones are appreciated abroad. But honestly, I don't see the need for us to go there. It's boom time for our fashion industry. There are so many opportunities. Everyone can be fitted in so well. But for those who are keen, there's Milan or Paris. But watch out, height does matter.
Tapur: I think we must support our own industry and maintain our independence. See what Ashish has done. He has taken India abroad, not followed Western trends. He's making sure his trend works there. What about films? When is yours coming up?
Jesse: For me ramp to films has been an easy transition. I'm at home in the acting department too (smiles). Right now, I'm doing Gulab, a film by Anurag Kashyap. It's based on college politics in Rajasthan. What about you?
Tapur: Never say never. As far as films go, I'm not keeping my options closed. But as I said earlier, I'd like to do one thing at a time. I'm waiting for the best offer. (Hastens to add) If at all.
Jesse: Aren't you a painter?
Tapur: Yes, a commercial painter. Won a national award too. But modelling has gradually taken over my other passions. Now, there simply is no time. What about your interests?
Jesse: I love the outdoors — travelling. That too within the country. I don't skip a beat when it comes to dancing and I'm active in martial arts too.
Tapur: So how did you get that fabulous body? (Laughs merrily) It's looks sculpted (With action).
Jesse: (Smiling timidly) Look who's talking. Hmmm... you've stolen my question. How did you get that amazing face?
Tapur: I can't take much credit for that. (Laughs)
Jesse: Tell me Tapur, don't people get you and your twin sister and model Tupur mixed up?
Tapur: Getting us mixed up is okay. But some people take advantage of our identical looks. There aren't always good people around, you know? But we have learnt to deal with it. But it irks me when people talk to me about exploitation. Isn't it there in every field? Sadly, it's hyped when it comes to showbiz. Exploitation happens only when you give it a chance.
Jesse: True, you get exploited when you want to. So it depends on what you want. Okay Tapur, doesn't travel tire you?
Tapur: No, as long as you maintain discipline and balance things out — physically and mentally. I don't want to get caught in the rat race. I take time off and do some introspection. Even do simple things like sudoku. At some point you have to shut the door to everything else. That renews your interest in the next day's work.
Jesse: Sometimes, so many shows come together. We miss out on sleep and have to make early morning trips to the airport. But the frenetic pace excites me. A regular nine-to-nine jobs are boring. I enjoy it this way. Totally.
Jesse Randhawa: Danseuse, Gourmet and Humanist
India's Supermodel talks to Shaaditimes on life, love, and...
India's Supermodel talks to Shaaditimes on life, love, and dance.
Jesse Randhawa wouldn't mind dating Jet Li although she's seeing Bollywood choreographer Sandip Sopparkar and both are good-looking, amazing martial arts experts, and wonderful human-beings. Both Jesse and Sandip (a professional Latin American dancer) are famous for their dance sizzle and panache and will launch pop icon Madonna's big 50-birthday party with a waltz.
It is believed that the party will open with their performance at an exclusive country estate in England. Hailed as the event of the year, the guest list includes international luminaries and movers and shakers including: Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCarney, Britney Spears and Justin Timerlake. Also invited are the Maharaja of Jaipur and the Royal Family of Neemrana Palace and officials of the Malawian government.
If not salsa it's films and modeling for one of India's most successful supermodels and Bollywood actress. Described by designers as the synthesis of beauty, brains and passion, she stands at a statuesque and willowy 5 ft 10 inches in height and epitomizes the look of a generation of Indian woman. Considered a style icon amongst her contemporaries, fashionistas, divas and young Indian girls throughout India, she exudes an extraordinary mix of modern and classism. Jesse was one of the first models to crop her hair to the nape along with Ruby Bhatia in the early 90's.
This Femina Miss India 94' alumnus and 2nd runner-up in the Ford Supermodel India 1994 Pageant has seen her career graph steadily climb in the past decade. After notching an enviable and admirable 5th place in one of the most glorious pageants in Femina history where today's Bollywood superstars, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan placed second to Sushmita Sen (later Miss Universe 94'), Jesse has definitely created her own style and aura. She has just completed Anurag Kashyap's forthcoming film Gulal, and is adding finishing touches to a political thriller Chot.
Shaaditimes caught up with star during her hectic schedule as she prepares for the Madonna party and a Manish Malhotra fashion show.
Did she know then she would rule India's ramp for over decade?
"No, I really didn't think I would survive so long," she says and clarifies, "I don't think its just physical beauty though it is an important part of modeling. A top model also has to be alert, current and intelligent," she believes. A Jaipuri punjaban, Jesse, studied at the Maharani Gayatri Devi College in Jaipur where she obtained a degree in Arts.
According to Jesse her parents have been her most vocal supporters.
"My father is no more and was once in the Navy and my mother stays with me in Mumbai." Modeling to her is more than work. "It absorbs me and challenges me to be my best." A humanist Jesse can be seen as the force behind serious causes such as cruelty to animals. She also enjoys being a gourmet. "I just made besan ke ladoos today," she says. On her down time when she's not sashaying down the ramp she enjoys music. "I am musical. I tried playing the flute and I love to dance."
A salsa enthusiast in large part to choreographer Sandip Sopparkar, Jesse says, "It's a discipline which allows you to create and to keep fit. I love any type of dancing and enjoyed dancing at raves as a teenager."
What does she love the most about Sandip?
"As a teacher he listens to you. He makes you pay attention to your posture and always listens to your point of view." She adds, "His most important quality is his ability to forget and forgive. He is good to most everyone in his life."
Has she been compared to anyone in the industry or in Hollywood?
"I have been compared to Halle Berry," she laughs. "Although I don't believe there is a resemblance. I don't like to admire or copy anyone. I think it's better to be yourself. Also I think it's the hair. I cut my locks on the recommendation of Fashion Designer Jatin Kochar. It was during Femina Miss India (1994) and he suggested it would give me a totally different look and a chance to get noticed. And I think it worked."
Is her physique God's gift?
"I am naturally tall and lean though I believe everyone has to take care of their metabolism. My heredity allows me not to have to worry so much about consuming calories, but I feel one needs to exercise to stay toned and fit. I think it's most important for each woman to understand her own body and try to optimize her physique to look her best."
Her close friends include fellow models, Sheetal Mallar and Kiran Rao. "We enjoy traveling together." They have enjoyed treks in the forests and Kashmir. Her favorite designer is Gavin Miguel. "I love his gowns and wear them when I dance." Also on the list are awarding winning designers Wendell Roddericks and Rohit Verma. "They have simple and flowing cuts and shapes in their garments." Jesse will be wearing Wendell Roddericks at the ritzy Madonna celebration.
Jesse Randhawa
Attitude, attitude and more attiude makes this super model a delight to watch as she sashays down the ramp.
This Miss India runner up carries the clothes with panache and makes even a simple outfit look cool!
A favourite with designers and with us as well!
Photographs: Dominic Xavier
About Yana Gupta
Yana Gupta (born Jana Synková, on April 23, 1979 at Brno, height 5'8" - 1.73 m) is a Czech model-actress currently working in India. She was married to Indian painter Satyakam Gupta, although they formally separated on 18th May 2005. She has appeared on numerous magazine covers, including ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Femina, and now on Maxim. Gupta modeled for the premier Kingfisher's calendar and has performed dance numbers in three films including the remix of babuji zara dheere chalo. Before her career in Bollywood, she modeled for international clients like Calvin Klein and Victoria's Secret.
Yana made her big screen debut in the Bollywood movie "dum" for the song 'Babuji' which made her famous for cameo item numbers.She was named the new face for Lakme cosmetics in 2001. She is a vegetarian, and a member of PETA, and has also been featured in its campaigns. She has also appeared in a Kannada movie named Jogi. She played the role of a TV anchor on the countdown show "Mirch Masala" on ZoomTV where she danced to famous dance numbers, however the show is currently off the air. She spends her free time in the gym. Now she is planning to launch her own music album, and she will write, compose the music and sing the songs as well. All the songs will be in English.
Yana recently signed up with a leading mobile and PC games company Indiagames as brand ambassador and will be featured in several interesting games and applications related to fitness, puzzles etc. She is currently dating actor and model, Kelly Dorji. Yana has featured on the Dr Zeus album, Back Unda Da Influence, which was released in 2007.She featured in a cameo role in the video for the song, Chargai, released on Aman Hayer's 2008 release 'Groundshaker 2'. The song features vocals from Jazzy B & Apache Indian
Yana Gupta heart beats to Tamil tunes
She is one of Bollywood's original item girls, but now Czech born Yana Gupta has set her sights beyond the camera as well.
In Chennai for the launch of Tommy Hilfiger's Spring Summer collection, Yana talked about her upcoming debut as a singer and writer.
"I have been making a music album and throughout last year I have been busy with some recordings. It's almost ready to be released abroad," says she.
"I am also writing a book on nutrition and fitness and I am starting to represent some new brands, which is also fitness related. Apart from that I am also shooting some music videos," she adds.
And if music be the food of love, music is what Yana loves to feast on. "My album is in English and the music is jazz and blues," she explains.
And that's not all that Yana is doing. She is also thinking of an idea that might go a long way in securing her career in the world of films even more.
Having done a few dance numbers in Tamil cinema, Yana is no stranger to the language, and the brave girl would like to try her hand at something different.
"I am even thinking that I should sing a song in Tamil and I think it'll sound really cute what with my accent and all," says she.
Well let's hope that her tunes off screen are as good as her moves on screen, and if they are, then they are sure to attract a lot of attention.
How to Get Angelina Jolie's Lips
With natural matte lips like Angelina Jolie's, you'll be signing autographs in no time!
STEP:
1. Exfoliate your lips with a warm and wet wash cloth by wiping back and forth gently for no more than 30 seconds. If you do it for longer than 30 seconds, or 30 swipes, it will cause your lips to become rough and unmanagable! Be carefull not to burn yourself or irritate your skin.
2. Apply lip balm. Keeping your lips moist and healthy comes first. Cracked lips won't plump well.
3. Apply a good lip plumper (the most recent in lip enhancing technology). There are a few good brands sold in department stores and beauty supply stores. They literally plump up, smooth out and moisten the lips. For a natural alternative, cayenne pepper or salt can be used. Apply a very small amount of the powder across the lips, and top with your favorite lip gloss. The cayenne will plump and color the lips by making the blood flow increase (the same action the lip plumpers create), and the gloss will provide shine and moisture.
4. Line and fill in your lips with a light brown or nude lip liner pencil (match your skin tone as closely as you can).
5. Apply a matte flesh-toned lipstick.
6. Blot the lipstick by gently pressing your lips closed with a tissue in-between.
7. Lip plumpers only last for a given time (depends on brand). Take note!
TIPS:
Alternatively, some lip glosses(like Lip Venom) use ginger and cinnamon to increase circulation in your lips to create fuller "bee-stung" looking lips. The cost of this beauty might be a slight burning feeling in your lips. However there is danger of an allergic reaction, so don't lick your lips or your throat may swell up which is extremely dangerous.
Reduce shine and make your lipstick last longer by adding an ever-so-thin layer of baby powder with a brush.
If the look is a bit harsh for your taste, try adding some shine with clear gloss.
Make-up artists like this trick, too. Add dimension by taking a liner about 2 shades darker than the lipstick and drawing in a "shadow line" under the middle of the bottom lip. This can be very tricky to master, so make sure you practice before you wear it out. Study pictures of celebrities who have similar lip shapes to your own and try to copy the shadow line found on them.
Another way to make your lips appear fuller is to use a dark lip liner. Make your mouth into an "O" and apply to the corners of your mouth. Blend up and down with your finger.
Try to constantly use a lip gloss that has peppermint, spearmint, or cinnamon in it, preferably Mentha shine from Bath and Body Works.
Using medicated lip balms, such as Carmex is great for keeping your lips soft and beautiful. Also, they're more receptive to treatments, such as plumping and infused lip glosses.
If you have full lips, don't use lip plumper
Nigar Khan ready for a comeback!
After a long sabbatical, Bollywood siren Nigar Khan looks poised for a comeback.
Ever since she was deported from India in February 2005, Nigar has been hitting the headlines for wrong reasons. In the June of the same year her top came off on catwalk in a fashion show in Norway. And a month later, her marriage with actor Sahil Khan came to an end. And to top it all, she was spotted topless on a beach with Italian actor Luigi Cassandra in November.
It appeared that movie career had taken a backseat for this sexy lady.
However, even though she was away from Bollywood, Nigar kept dabbling in few small projects.
Now she is ready to return to silver screen with Rakesh Sawant’s movie Jaanleva , which was earlier titled ‘Hello Kaun Hai’.
The movie is a suspense thriller with lots of hot stuff from Nigar.
For instance, one sequence in the film shows Nigar taking bath in a tub when suddenly the place is filled with creepy sounds. A frightened Nigar comes out of the bathroom and tells her male companion Adam Bedi that there is someone in the bathroom who wants to kill her.
The film also stars Kabir Bedi , Meera Vasudevan and Rati Agnihotri .
Nigar is also supposed to be part of two more Bollywood movies : ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘Do Chehre’. Sadly, both the films are stuck on the floors. However, there is a strong chance that she will start working on another film called Shortcut in the coming months.
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