From Runway to Glamour: The Possibilities of Modeling
Though it is a competitive industry in every aspect, a fashion design college will teach you that there are several different approaches to a professional career in the fashion industry. Aside from accessories and apparel designers, there are people that specialize in merchandising, marketing, public relations, event coordinating, brand development, trend prediction, editing and fashion journalism, photography and of course, modeling. Though modeling is just one niche in the larger-than-life fashion industry, the inner-workings of the modeling world have proven to be complex, with multiple specialized niches of their own. There are several different types of models, and different purposes of modeling. Listed below are several examples of the varying types of of modeling, what the requirements are and if you can meet them.
High Fashion Modeling: This fashion modeling is often the basis for the stereotypical view of a model that most people have in their heads. Fashion models usually work with elite, fashion designers, or very upscale makeup and beauty companies. Perhaps what has created the stereotype is that these fashion models have a very specific look which top-labels consider the "ideal woman". They are usually a minimum of 5'9 and are extremely thin (size 0's are not uncommon). They model the most expensive, well-made clothes and beauty products, and top designers often design clothes with the specific high fashion model's body in mind. High fashion modeling is cutthroat and competitive, however these models make the most money out of all models in the industry, and some even revolutionize the fashion world to the point where they become studied subjects in fashion school classrooms.
Runway Modeling: Runway modeling often coincides with high fashion modeling, though the focus is obviously on the model's ability to travel gracefully down a runway, rather than just to pose in still photos. Once again, runway models are almost always tall, leggy and extremely slender. They also must feel comfortable walking, dancing (or even running) and just moving in general in very high heels and in all types of clothes, often including lingerie. During their runway shows, designers rely heavily on their runway models' ability to showcase their garments, so models working for top designers are also extremely well-paid for their work.
Tips for Runway Modeling
The minute you say the word 'fashion' you can see in your mind glamorous models sashaying on the ramp one behind the other, and you can hear the shutterbug go "click click click!" The fashion industry in New york City alone is responsible for the employment of over 150,000 people, representing more than 5% of the working people of NYC. The fashion industry is responsible for a turnover of almost $9 billion as wage yearly. The tax revenue generated by the fashion industry totals to more than $1.5 billion. More than 200,000 people flock to NYC every year for the Fashion Week to see models walk down the ramp wearing creations of designers.
Now just imagine being a part of all this... better still, being one of those girls wearing those designer creations and having all those shutterbugs go "click click click!" at. Feeling dizzy? Get a grip! Being a runway model is awesome! But not everyone who dares to enter this field makes it big. Find out in this article, what it takes to be good... and to leave every single person in the audience with his/her mouth wide open!
5 Point Plan to Make It Big as a Runway Model
The Walk
It is the one thing that can make or break your career as a runway model. You have got to walk the walk - and from your very first walk too! That does not mean you strut in through the doors like a model right when you go for your auditions. But when you are out there on the ramp, you have to walk like you rule the world. Do it in style, do it with confidence and do it like you've been doing it for years. A good way to improve your walk would be to practice at a gym or a dance studio. The advantage of doing this is you can view your walk from every angle and know exactly how you are going to look to every person sitting in the audience. To get an even better perspective, have your friends sit around and give you feedback.
The Attitude
You are not walking into a room full of family and friends. When you walk the ramp, you are out there, where millions of girls aspire to be everyday. How many of them actually make it? Only a few. Does that make you feel happy? NO. It should make you feel proud. That is where your attitude will come from. Keep it drastic. Walk with your shoulder back, chest out and stomach in. As for your expressions - remember Miranda Priestly? Devil Wears Prada? That is who you have to be. Only remember one important thing - Miranda Priestly could speak, you can't on the ramp. Your face and your body language has got to do all the talking for you.
Fashion Tips From Runway Models
I've been working with runway models for just over six years. From all the hustle and bustle back stage I got to learn a lot of fun and unexpected fashion tips and tricks from my model friends. These are quick fixes for a fashion emergency.
Slip Proof Heels
Runway models often have to wear crazy shoes that usually do not fit their actual size. To ensure a safe walk that will prevent the ankle bender on the runway, models will often pat the bottom of the heels with a paper towel soaked in soda, so when it dries, the bottom of the shoe becomes a little sticky, hence preventing the slippery cow move on the runway. I've also seen models scratch the bottom of the heel with a key or a knife; this makes ridges that help to prevent slipping as well. Stuffing shoes and heels is big thing in runway fashion. Your shoe is too big? Stuff it with some tissue, either in back or front, until you feel more secure in the shoe. Some models bring little inserts that keep their feet from slipping forward when wearing heels. You can get those in any shoe store or drugstores.
Bloat Free Stomach
Runway models often have to bare more skin then the average woman. Since they never know when their midriff is going to be on display, they have some tricks for a flatter and bloat free stomach. Papaya supplements or fresh papaya fruit is popular among the models to help prevent water retention and bloating. Named " fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus, papaya contains papain that helps to digest protein as well as reduce swelling, bloating, gas, acid reflux and indigestion.
Zit Zapper
Nothing could be a bigger bummer then getting a zit the morning of an event or the day before. Because models have to be camera ready at all times, they have a trick for zapping the annoying break out. Take of a couple of ibuprofen and crush it to a white powder. You can mix this powder with toothpaste or water and set it on the break out. The ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps to reduce swelling and redness. A girlfriend of mine is a runway model and she always carries a little container of crushed advil at all times as an emergency zit zapper. You can also buy packets of aspirin powder and mix with water or toothpaste, see what works best for your skin.