[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Beyond the clicking cameras, beautiful clothes and glamourous lifestyle, we talk to nine models who tell us what it’s really like to live life as a model. ” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Arimo%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The human eye is naturally drawn to things of beauty, be it human, nature or appealing composition. As people, we are generally more aware of beauty in human form and we often find ourselves appreciating beautiful people like models. That’s why our surroundings are peppered with people with the perfect physique and features in commercials, and that’s the reason why people make an effort to dress up and look good in order to stand out with their own personal brand of beauty.
Models are often seen and generally not heard, and people have the perception that their main job is to look good and nothing else. Models are also associated with glamour and wealth as their purpose is to wear and present fashion in the most appealing light. Due to this association, models tend to be adopted by many as role models or idols of style and beauty, or go so far as to become an influential style icon with religious followers.
Overseas, models become ‘it girls’ and trendsetters and are cast with unwavering attention by the media. Thanks to their stylish appearance, models have the power to make or break a new trend with potential to affect the rest of the fashion world. Today, we have ‘fashion darlings’like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin who inspire millions with their off-duty looks and modelling campaigns.
However, models often don’t get to be heard and known for their own personalities. In fact, that’s the last thing the world care about – what a model has to say, think or truly feel about real-life issues, or even her own ideas and experiences on her path in life. Instead of subjecting models to mere style mavens, it’s about time to acknowledge that they are just like any of us, with minds of their own and the ability to express their opinion. A model’s personality and character is just as important as his or her looks – it makes up their unique and singular personality when they pose for the camera.
GETTING TO KNOW THE MODELLING INDUSTRY
Contrary to popular belief that all models look like supermodels – think tall, slim, genetically gifted features – the modelling industry is bigger and more versatile than meets the eye. There is also a demand for different types of people catered to specific projects. They may not receive as much attention as runway and fashion models, but these models play an important role in their own right. Here, we break down the four top modelling categories.
Fashion model
Also known as editorial models, fashion models star in high fashion campaigns and appear in fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. They also work fpr top designers like Giorgio Armani, Mar Jacobs, Gucci, and Prada. Female models must be at least 5’9” in height and adhere to very strict body measurement statistics. These models also work on the runway showcasing clothes and accessories at fashion week events. Besides editorial modelling, fashion models also appear in catalogue photoshoots for high-end brands and luxury retail booklets. Another lesser known model type under this category is known as a fit model, who possess ideal body sizes to help designers observe their clothing looks and moves on a person. They might be the least visible but they are usually the best paid models.
Promotional spokesmodel
Promotional models are much more common than fashion models. You see them at the shopping malls, events and tradeshows – they are also known as live models who are designed to pull consumers by representing a company or brand by handing our samples of products. To be a spokesmodel is to act as the face of a brand, and they need to be enthusiastic and friendly. There are some requirements for physical appearance but generally, a pleasant attitude is prized.
Plus size/petite models
To capture the general public, normal sized models are employed to represent to target the majority in the fashion and commercial modelling industry. Petite models are commonly 5’7” and under and are often booked to model swimwear and lingerie, besides clothing. They also make excellent foot and hand models. Plus size models are increasingly important in the fashion and commercial industry and are typically size 12 and beyond.
Commercial and print models
Models from this division lend their physique, face and personality to advertise for products, companies and service. As long as one is attractive and in proportioned shape, one stands a chance at acting and playing roles for commercials in advertisements, banners and magazines. Commercial models are divided into a few types, such as casual/lifestyle, corporate, fitness, glamour and lingeries, for example.
Parts model
Some models lend their body parts for advertisements. As long as their specific body part is the industry’s standard of perfection, that qualifies them for a job. The more common parts model would be hair models, who have healthy and shiny locks that work for hair styling or hair shows. Another good example is hands modelling – many advertisements require some form of hand expressions and some need close up of hands in action. For this purpose, hands must be slender, graceful and long, with healthy nails to boot, in order to model for jewellery brands.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Proceed to Part 2″ color=”pink” size=”lg” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2cents.my%2F2017%2F01%2F11%2Fmodel-citizens-part-2%2F||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]