Introduction to Modelling

February 1, 2020

Models are one of the most important components of the fashion industry. They serve a crucial purpose; to display and sell products and services. There are multiple facets of Fashion Modelling and the three main categories include:

• Commercial Modelling

• E-commerce Modelling

• High Fashion Editorial/Runway Modelling

All three of these categories require a different set of skills, artistry, and look. Commercial modelling does not usually demand the same strict requirements specified for high fashion models. Commercial models are generally given more leeway in terms of height, body type, and hair colour, etc. Commercial models can be featured on television, magazines, billboards, websites and newspapers.

E-commerce models are strictly your models featured on a fashion labels website. This style of modelling is a lot more fast-paced and generally includes a multitude of collections and pieces to shoot in one day. It requires a more experienced model who understands and grasps the concept of working with garments, featuring the best angles to showcase the product.

Finally, High Fashion Editorial/Runway Modelling is known as the most prestigious category of modelling and these models are commonly the highest paid and work for the biggest and most sought-after brands in the fashion industry. High Fashion Models have a strict height requirement of 175cm and over for females and 180cm and over for males. They also have specified measurements and looks. High fashion models are featured on runways, billboards, magazines and campaign imagery. They can certainly be described as the all-rounders of the industry and are expected to have perfected each of their skill sets, as well as a more complex set of skills.

Hashtag Strategies and gaining followers organically

February 1, 2020

Hashtags help users and brands to discover your content and optimises the reach of your post(s).

Every time you include a hashtag in your caption or posts comments, it becomes discoverable in the hashtags search results along with anyone else using the same hashtag.

For example, if you are an influencer with pets or run a pet store and use #petstore, #lovemypet, or any other pet related hashtag, people will see your post in the most recent posts section, resulting in more discovery (likes, comments and followers).

If the post(s) receives a lot of engagement, it gets featured in the top posts section anywhere between 1 to 12 hours!

The strategy for using hashtags is always changing due to the algorithm changing so frequently, but this next method is a foolproof way to ensure you get some extra discoverability and engagement.

Skyscraper Hashtag Strategy:

On Instagram, you want to find a list of 15 niche related hashtags which you can pull from each time you want to post. Let’s break these 15 hashtags down into groups of 5.

Group 1 - Popular Niche Hashtags x 5

These should be 5 big hashtags which have 100x the amount of followers you have in uploaded posts. Don’t get these confused with popular hashtags such as #love and #fitness which have a ton of spam and won’t bring any results.

For example, if you have 2,000 followers, you are looking for hashtags that have over 200,000+ post uploads. If you are a female travel blogger, a great hashtag would be https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sheisnotlost/

The idea with these hashtags is to rank in the top posts, which will drive a lot of traffic as they are frequently searched.

Group 2 - Niche Hashtags x 5

Next up you want to find 5 hashtags with 50x the amount of followers you have. With the hashtags you find, they will be used primarily for ranking in top posts more easily, but also optimising your reach through being found in the hashtags recent posts section.

Group 3 - Niche-Specific Hashtags x 5

Finally, find 5 hashtags which have 25x the amount of followers you have.

These are your really niche specific hashtags and will take the longest to find. But are totally worth the engagement they will return as they are less populated and give your posts more time to be found.

You should find that you easily will rank for the top post positions here and also remain in the recent posts for longer periods of time, as fewer users will be uploading content with these hashtags.

Introduction to Catwalk

January 1, 2020

Runway is a complete league of its own. Talents require mastering other forms of modelling and also a completely different set of expertise. Models will also be required to have a specific set of physical attributes, one of course being the height requirement and another interesting one being facial symmetry.

Female high fashion runway models are usually between 175cm–188cm. Runway models particularly require height as they need to remain visible to the public on the catwalk during the shows. Runway models are also restricted to defined measurements as they are usually wearing sample pieces, therefore the same garment will need to fit a multitude of bodies.

With every model maintaining the same measurements, it makes it much more feasible for brands to shoot the same dress in a magazine as well as use the same dress on the runway. Catwalk can take years and years to perfect. Some important tips to take note of would be to firstly perfect your posture. This begins with activating your core and the muscles that surround your spine. Shoulders must be down at all times as well as slightly pulled back. The lines and angles studied for photoshoots must also be implemented into your catwalk. Over crossing your legs as you walk will give a more favourable, longer, leaner line to the garments. Understanding the features of the garment and how to display them, as mentioned previously is also essential when walking.

Please feel free to research your favourite supermodels walks. Once you find a walk you would like to resemble, continue to examine the details of the movement. Practice imitating the walk and be sure to make it your own!

Handling & Understanding The Pressures of The Industry

April 1, 2020

The modelling industry is one of the most competitive industries to work in. Models may deal with pressure to conform to a specific body type or look. In these circumstances, it is common for men and women to develop eating disorders as well as depression and low self-esteem.

It is important for models in the industry to maintain a strong support group throughout their career. Whilst dealing with pressures and struggles, continuing open discussions with friends and family may prevent these feelings from escalating and individuals from feeling overwhelmed.

Another essential and possibly one of the most important skills for a model to have is handling rejection. A large portion of a model’s career is spent attending castings, go-sees, and open calls. Unfortunately, most models will not be successful with every job they seek, therefore a thick skin will take you far in the industry.

Models must understand that if you do not get booked for a job to not take the decision personally as you simply were not what the client was looking for for that particular job – And that’s okay.

If you’re a model who is struggling with any disorders or feeling down to the pressures of the industry, please make sure to talk to your agent as soon as possible. Your agent will be able to help you through many different concerns and point you in the right direction.

Continuing to work in the industry without seeking help or being open for discussion could make your feelings worse over time.

Industry Etiquette

March 1, 2020

The professionalism and etiquette of a model is vital to a long and successful career. Working on a set with a large group of people will occur often for a model so being easy to work with, efficient, and respectful are key.

One of the most important practices as a model is to arrive on time and be prepared. Arriving to shoots at least 10 -15 minutes early will always give you ample room for error. A tip for new models; putting yourself in the brands shoes and realise that their photographer, hair and makeup, stylist, and marketing team are all being paid, too, so coming late can often mean the difference to whether a brand will work with you again, even if the shoot went well. Don’t waste their time and money.

When working with creatives on set, always be ready to give your all in front of the camera and be sure to follow instructions from the photographer. Hair and makeup won’t always align with your personal style, however, please remember to have trust in the team you are working with as they have a specific look they are required to achieve.

That being said, models must always feel free to stand up for themselves in situations they feel uncomfortable with.

There are certain ways to respond to such circumstances. For one, always contact your agent first. Your agents first priority is the safety and wellbeing of their models.

Once a situation is brought to their attention, they should respond right away to resolve the problem. Secondly and most importantly, responding to such a circumstance with authority and sensibility is of the upmost importance. Remaining calm and if need be removing yourself from the situation is most likely your best option in the event of a complication.

There are also industry blacklists that exist publicly and privately. These lists contain the names and contact details of any models, photographers, and other people in the industry who have showcased and given bad experiences to other people.

Keeping up your professionalism will keep you out of these blacklists.

Presentation & Grooming

March 1, 2020

Maintenance of your look as a model in the industry is another important element of modelling. As a model, you are representing yourself and therefore it is crucial to maintain a professional yet practical look at all times.

Both female and male models must arrive at every set, show, or event with clean hair, skin, and nails, as well as being cleanly shaven. Models may also be asked to follow guidelines indicated on their booking sheet. These may include “no chipped nail polish, arriving on set with little to no makeup, or please arrive with light day makeup”.

If you do have any questions in regards to your booking sheet and the instructions given, always be sure to contact your agent to enquire first.

The way you come across and portray yourself towards others in terms of body language as a model is also vital. Please be sure to exert a positive and diligent attitude at all times as this will set a tone to the team that’s working with you once you arrive on set.

Remember to constantly be aware of posture, facial expression and your tone of voice. Don’t forget that having a personal grooming routine will help with keeping yourself in check. Always be diligent when looking after yourself.

For some, this is the most difficult technique to master. Really listening to what your photographer or director are saying is harder than you think. So don’t just hear them, but listen and digest. By focusing on what the brand has to say, it shows that you care about their needs and shows a genuine interest in the products.

How to properly introduce yourself at a casting or job

June 1, 2020

When arriving at a casting, as a rule always ensure to arrive at least 10 - 15 minutes early. Arriving on time is the first and easiest step to a great first impression. Be aware of body language when walking into the casting - you want to portray confidence and positivity.

Castings are known to be extremely nerve-racking and intimidating, therefore, learning how to control and channel your nerves in a constructive way is a great advantage. Managing nerves however does take practice and will continue to develop throughout your career.

Don’t be too quiet! If you’re a model who stays silent for almost the whole duration of the casting or job, it shows the brand that you may not be confident enough for future work. Start conversing with the other models and the rest of the team. This helps make yourself memorable and will give out a positive vibe.

Be prepared to take direction in a casting from photographers, casting agents, and designers. Remember, brands are always looking for someone who is easy to work with first and foremost. Once the casting has concluded, be sure to let everyone involved know that you are thankful for the opportunity and their time. Remember to always leave the room with a smile no matter how the casting went!

Another tip; if at the end of the day the brand offers you any of the products to take home and keep, do it! This shows a willingness and openness to their products, as well as an interest in working with them again. Not accepting these gifts can be seen as you not liking their products and will decrease the chances of these brands working with you again.

What is a Casting and What to Expect

May 1, 2020

Castings are held for clients to meet the models they are interested in booking for a runway show, event, or shoot.

Firstly, always ensure to have thoroughly read through the casting brief given. The brief will inform you of all the details you’ll need to arrive at the casting prepared and confident.

It is also important for models to have researched the brand they are being cast for. Studying the brands themes, style, past campaigns, and the look of past models they have used will certainly give you the upper hand. Models must wear form-fitting, simple, non- distracting clothing to castings e.g. skinny jeans, pants, t-shirt or tank top.

It is also best for models to refrain from wearing heavy makeup to castings. As clients are wanting to look at their features it is best to attend bare-faced or with very light day makeup.

Models are always required to bring their portfolio and comp cards to every casting. It is imperative to do so as casting agents will usually keep cards and images to use as a reference when selecting a model for the job. If models do not arrive with any images or cards, there will be no evidence of them attending the casting, therefore, they will have wasted their time as well as the clients time.

Once they enter the casting, they may be asked a few questions as well as have a few images taken of them. If the casting is for a runway show they may also ask for the model to complete a walk.

Janhvi Kapoor for the cover of Grazia Magazine

April 11, 2020

In this day and age, it’s all about sustainability and recycling what we use. Every industry around the world is slowly coming to peace with this idea that recycling is the way of the future. The fashion industry has been known to be the exception but now things are changing, the decision makers now feel that fashion should be sustainable too.

Grazia magazine was getting ready to put together its march issue it was all about sustainability and recycled clothing. It was the fashion editors vision to create a relaxed fun shoot with our cover star Janhvi Kapoor, a well know actresses in bollywood. She was perfect for this cover as it would reflect her easy going fun personality that not many have seen off screen. The idea was to create something organic, natural, effortless and undone proving to the readers that fashion can be still stylist without it being over the top and most importantly hurting the environment.

We shot at the beautiful resort called The Matchan in Lonavala just outside of Mumbai city. It was the most perfect spot for the shoot as it was tucked away between the hills, surrounded by nature and its tranquillity. The shoot was a lot of fun and we laughed non- stop through it. It was more of a few mates hanging out clicking some pictures kinda vibe and thats exactly the energy we wanted for the shoot.

I had already worked with Janhvi before for ELLE magazine so we where familier with each other so it made getting along all the more easier. Here is the final result ………