Guide and tips to help start a modelling career

 

 

Whether you’re a starting model looking to be represented by an agency or you’re a freelance model, you have to know about the industry and tips on helping you individually to become a model.

Modelling divisions

High fashion models

Are tall, thin and have a typical model face. They do catwalk, magazine and big designer campaigns. They normally are over 5’7. Their career aims at being younger the better. High fashion models career span is between ages 16-25. Any good model has a limited time frame to pursue modelling.

Commercial models

Are classed as smaller models and can be anywhere in-between 5’2 to 5’6. They can be curvier and do catalogue, adverts and commercial type of modelling.

Glamour models

 Are glamour and lingerie models. They appear in newspapers and glamour magazines and also men’s magazines. They are smaller and are curvier rather than being stick thin.

Plus sized models

 Are models who model for heavier women’s designs and brands. They have beautiful faces but are heavier. There model sizes start from UK size 12-22.

Parts models- hair, feet hands models

They are used for nail brands, hair and feet products.

Classic models

 They are older models 35+. They can get work in magazines, catalogues, commercials and various campaigns.

Fitness

Men and women fit into this category. They do a lot of health and fitness magazines and campaigns.

Teen

Some of the biggest models on the world started as teen models such as Cara Delavigne, Elle McPherson, Kendall Jenner, Barbara Palvin, and Cindy Crawford.  Teen models do runway, magazine, and can be classed in the high fashion and commercial model divisions.

 

 

 

Get a good portfolio

Most big modelling agencies such as storm, BMA, and models1 don’t require a professional portfolio for application. They want to see you in a natural state wearing no makeup with your hair off your face and seeing your natural potential.  They require head, length and mid body shots.

Commercial modelling agencies and small modelling agencies do require good photos when you apply on your application. A great portfolio consists of 6-12 different, high quality photos. Models should wear different clothes and show different hair and makeup styles to show your various model potentials. If you are tall focus on a high fashion look. If you are short focus on a commercial modelling look.  General photographer’s charge a high amount for a shoot and to purchase the final photos. A shoot with a photographer costs anywhere from £200-£800 and most of them won’t do a portfolio the way a modelling agency prefers. Some model advice websites offer free shoots to test your potential. Every starting model must know their suitable category and what and what not type of modelling work they are restricted too and able to pursue.

A High fashion look shoot requires heavy makeup, big hair and high fashion clothing. It consists of posing properly in high fashion poses. Big fashion magazines such as vogue, Elle and leading designer advertisements use high fashion models.

A commercial model shoot can require a natural look. They can have different looks such as fashion and classic looks. A commercial model does commercial’s, catalogue’s, hair, lingerie, makeup and fashion modelling.

Seeking modelling advice

Before you pursue getting a shoot done and chasing your dream it is a must to seek modelling advice first. They will tell you and advise you category’s you could be suitable for. You might think you have potential but in reality a modelling agency might not see any.

Free modelling advice websites that will help you and give you advice are:

www.Luxemodels.co.uk

This modelling advice website is a great one for advice for helping starting models. They offer you valuable and free advice. If they think you have potential they will give you a free photo shoot with industry professionals with a high fashion look and shoot. You have to pay for photos but they are at a cheap price. If they think the photos are good and you have serious potential after the shoot they will approach suitable modelling agencies to try and get you signed. This is a brilliant way of getting the right type of industry standard shoot and the shoot is free of charge.

www.modeladvice.info

This is a website that offers a free model consultation. They offer a casting workshop, Christmas special, model advice day and free open days. The website gives you many tips from different types of modelling from travel to safety tips.

www.modelsconnect.net

This website allows you to register online and the website will evaluate your photos. A talent scout will contact you and discuss your registration. If they think you have potential they can arrange a shoot. The shoot and photos are to be paid for but are at a reasonable price. The company will then approach lots of modelling companies to try and get you signed with a suitable agency. The company can make you visible to over 80 modelling agencies. It is a great way of getting help and getting a professional shoot tailored to you.

Becoming a freelance model

You can source your own modelling jobs through online networks, model mayhem and adverts. A lot of people can get paid work this way and get plenty of work without being signed with a modelling agency.

Remember not reputable company charges a joining fee

A legit and professional company will never ask you to pay any joining fees. A real company wants you to get work and then they will take some money for commission from your modelling jobs. There are a lot of scams and fake websites who want you to pay them to join. Never believe or pay a company that offers this. It is a ploy to make money and they would give you nothing back in return.

Try entering modelling competitions

Britain and Ireland’s next top model

Regional auditions are held throughout the country for a place in the national competition. This competition is for a model who is 5’7 and over. This is a televised competition and is for serious model candidates to win a model contract.

Top model UK

Is a nationwide modelling competition to find the best model in Britain. They accept different types of models such as high fashion and commercial models who have no height restrictions. The winner wins a modelling contract.  A lot of the contestants have gone on to do modelling as it is a great platform for starting or expanding your career.

Model mayhem

Is a worldwide modelling network in which models meet photographer’s. Be careful on model mayhem as people can pose as freelance photographers who aren’t. Never go to meet a photographer by yourself. You should only accept work from a professional photographer who has his own studio. A lot of modelling work can be found on this website and you can get a lot of interest in your career. It is free to join and can be a great way of building your portfolio. A lot of photographers ask models to do shoots for them – in return they give you free photo images which are worth hundreds of pounds to add to your portfolio.

Model scouts

A model scout can scout models anywhere. Models can be scouted from shopping centres, to restaurants to just walking down the street. A model scout is from a modelling agency and most new models are scouted this way. If a scout sees a girl or boy who has that model look they will approach them straight away and ask if they would be interested in modelling. A person can be signed to a model agency straight away if they have the right look, attitude and can pose well. Many big models have been scouted this way. A scout is always on the prowl for the new “It” model.

Having the look

Good hair

You need to have great hair. It needs to look great on camera and look shiny and healthy looking. Every model has nice hair that can be styled and changed to different looks.

Good skin

Great skin is a necessity. Having healthy glowing skin is what all models own.

Photogenic

Being photogenic is what makes a great model. If you look stunning in real life but you can’t photograph well that means modelling isn’t for you. It is all about how you look in photos as that is what you are promoting and selling.

Pose

Being able to pose is essential as the right pose and face pose brings the photos and clothes to life. If you stand there with no expression it brings no character to the photos.

Model Figure

Every girl has a different shape and look. If you are a high fashion model you need to be tall. You need to be thin and skinny. If you are commercial you need to be thin but can be of a smaller height.

Salary

Modelling salary varies from each model dependant on a models agency, their demand from clients and what type of model you are. Supermodels earn millions of pounds from doing high fashion magazine shoots, runway and higher paid jobs. A freelance model will rely on lesser jobs and not frequent jobs so they would earn around £50-£100 for a modelling job. Glamour and commercial models earn £50-£300 a day for shoots. A model will earn more due to experience and providing a good portfolio to clients.

I hope you can find the most suitable route to follow from this article and seek help before you pursue a career in modelling. There are so many models out there that have endless potential and haven’t found the right way of approaching a modelling career. Some maybe need a better portfolio or more helpful guidance. Whatever the reason I hope I have helped out a few new potential models. Give it a try. You never know you could be the next Cara Delavigne!

Investment handbags

 

Are you a dedicated fashion lover? Investing in an expensive handbag will cost you a lot but it is an essential fashion investment if you’re into fashion. A high end designer bag never goes out of fashion. By investing in it, you will own it for a long time- maybe even the rest of your life. The biggest designer’s in the world never have sales or reductions on their stock as millions of people endlessly buy their products. Remember investing in a designer handbag will cost you a lot of money so you need to make sure you love the bag enough to keep using it for years to come. By owning an expensive designer handbag you will never lose money on it as it is an investment and you can always resell it. You can resell it gaining just under the price value you paid for it. Online pre owned designer websites sell authentic pre owned designer handbags and luggage.  Some good pre owned websites are:

www.fashionphile.com

www.labelsmostwanted.co.uk

www.lovehandbags.co.uk

www.hardlyeverwornit.com

EBay sell used designer handbags. Even when used they still auction and sell for hundreds of pounds close to the original buying price. By keeping your receipt it will increase the value of the bag when selling and you can get very near the price you paid for it this way. You will also keep the value by keeping the bag in mint condition.

Best investments designer handbags: Top 5

Louis Vuitton speedy

An investment handbag such as a Louis Vuitton handbag is a classic and a timeless designer piece to own. Louis Vuitton handbags never lose their value or prestige. Throughout the worlds recession high end designer handbags are the only thing that haven’t lost value or depreciated. Louis Vuitton actually increases its profits by increasing its price of their handbags every year. A Louis Vuitton speedy has been a designer “it” bag to own for the past couple of years. Many people in the UK and abroad are spotted wearing the speedy bag. The speedy comes in different styles from a plain lv pattern, to a white and brown Damier Azur canvas.  The speedy comes in different sizes from a

(Small) speedy 25- £535

(Medium) speedy 30- £550

(Bigger) speedy 35 - £565

 

 

Gucci Boston bag

A Gucci vintage web original GG canvas Boston bag can be accessorised with many clothes and mainly looks good for using casually. From wearing out to the shops to wearing for meals the Boston bag is a definite keeper and looks good with jacket’s and smart apparel. It costs £700.

Hermes Birkin tote bag

The rewind vintage cobalt Birkin bag comes in different colours such as pink, orange, black, red, and blue. It has been made the IT bag to own as it has been seen on Victoria Beckham and other celebrities. It is big and comfortable to wear with most things. This birkin costs a heavy £22,000.

 

Chanel

The timeless and classic Chanel matelassé shoulder bag has been around for decades. It never goes out of fashion and its popularity soared again as it was in the public eye in 2006 on the hills TV show. Hills stars Lauren Conrad, and Audrina patridge wore the matelassé shoulder bag everywhere on the show, making the vintage bag appealing again. During airtime the bag was watched and reached by the millions of young viewers all over the world. Louis Vuitton had a soar in sales of the matelassé handbag from the hills show popularity. Chanel handbags have been worn by Hollywood starlets such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe in the old Hollywood era. This classic bag costs £2045.

 

Dior

Lady Dior black patent bag was a favourite of Princess Diana’s back in the 90’s. It is an iconic Dior handbag and is one of Dior’s nicest handbag treasures. It has a lovely Dior pattern on the patent and comes with a cute Dior bag charm. A Lady Dior bag costs £2104.

 

 

Union J Super-cool style

Those gorgeous boys from the new pop sensation boy band union j have it all don’t they?  Charming boyish good looks, sultry locks and dreamy faces, and not to mention they have an inspiring fashion sense.  Since they started on the X factor in 2012 they haven’t really looked back. They graced our TV’s with their talent, good looks and eye catching fashion sense. Not only do I love what they wear but how they wear it! From glamming it up wearing cool suits to film premieres to dressing casual in leather jackets, snapbacks and trainers -every spec of their fashion image is what makes them a cooler boy band than the rest.  Get union J’s  cool fashion look with my top 14 picks of similar apparel  to what Josh, George, JJ and Jaymi have been spotted wearing!

 

 

 

1. Plectrum Iridescent Twill Blazer – Ben Sherman

2. Tommy Oxford Shirt – Tommy Hilfiger

3. Leather Look Biker Jacket – Boohoo

4. Keaton Brogue Military Boot – Office Shoes

 

 

1. USCNew EraMLB LA Dodgers 59fifty Fitted Cap – USC

2. Light Bleach Slim Jeans -  Boohoo

3.  Acid Wash Denim Jacket – Boohoo

 

 1. Star and Stripe Jumper – Topman

2. Mens Denim Jumpsuit

3. Tommy Oxford Shirt - Tommy Hilfiger

4. Charcoal Textured a Badge Varsity Jersey Bomber Jacket  - Topman

 

 

1. Lambswool Reindeer Crew Neck Christmas Jumper – Gant

2. Lambswool Snowflake Crew Neck Christmas Jumper – Gant

3. All Star Crew Neck Jumper – Boohoo

4.  Lambswool Snowflake Crew Neck Christmas Jumper – Gant

 

1.  Patterned Crew Neck Knit – Levi`s

2. Martingale Fairisle Lambswool Christmas Jumper – Barbour

3. Keaton Brogue Military Boot - Office Shoes

4. Boy London Boy Eagle T-shirt (BB) – BoyLondon

 

Timberland boots

The casual and super fly timberland “builder style” boots have made a fresh return in the end of 2013 and are looking to be a major fashion statement in 2014 for both men and women. They graced our closets back in 2004/2005 and have now reintroduced themselves again as a must have boot to wear with any casual outfits. Way back in 2005 you could wear the timberlands with any pair of jeans and were worn laced up, now the timberlands are worn with the laces untied and messy creating an edgy and cool fashion look. The boots are currently preferred to be worn with leather jackets, leggings and tight fitted trousers. The comfort of the boot and the wear quality makes timberlands a desired and popular boot to add to your shoe collection this year and a must have for any fashion addict. Celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding and Rihanna have been seen rocking some fabulous beige timberlands. The timberland boot craze is catching on fast so make sure you purchase a pair quickly. A beige pair of waterproof timberlands will cost £160… but it’s worth it to look like a cool trendy fashionista … right?

 

 

Riding boot trend

A classic riding boot used to be thought of as a basic riding boot, the main boot that is suitable for riding a horse. Like many fashion trends around, the boots have developed from being seen as a normal item that has been around for years that no one thought could ever be fashionable, to the latest trend. The riding boot has now been glamorised into a major fashion trend, a far cry from the old traditional riding boot that endures mud and country use. It has hit the high fashion runways with a vengeance and different styles of the riding boots are for sale in most high street retailers. River Island and Topshop offer some fabulous riding boots at a good price. Riding boots look dynamic with leggings and a dress or blouse; they are casual enough to be an everyday boot to wear stylishly with a parka jacket. The riding boot has been designed into a higher class boot design by a lot of leading designers such as alexander McQueen and Moschino. Instead of paying a fortune for high end designer riding boots, I have put together the best riding boots that are available in high street’s stores, that are a must have for your boot collection this year.  Go grab some !

Dorothy Perkins black riding boots

 

 

£45

www.dorothyperkins.com

Next quilted riding boots

 

£46

www.next.com

River island dark brown quilted panel riding boots

 

£30

www.riverisland.com

River island black and tan riding boots

 

£50

www.riverisland.com

Topshop dancer riding boots

 

                                                                                       £50

www.topshop.com

 

Victoria Secret

The global iconic underwear line “Victoria secret” has its finger print in most countries around the world. It owns stores in many countries and has now brought its first UK superstore to London’s bond street. Victoria secret are globally known for their tasty underwear concepts and ultra girly brand. Their original underwear line has expanded into offering their own Victoria Secret beauty, cosmetics, makeup and apparel ranges.

Victoria Secret Catwalk Show

 

The spectacle that is the Victoria secret runway show is held every year and is a high profile catwalk show and televised event. It is one of the biggest runway shows of the year consisting of supermodels modelling Victoria secret’s latest underwear collections- which is emphasised with amazing costumes and angel wings. It includes the biggest models in the world whom are labelled as “Victoria secret angels”. They strut their stuff down the glitter infested catwalk wearing super glam underwear in front of a global audience. The most famous supermodels that have graced the prestigious Victoria secret runway have included the likes of Gisele Butchen, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Cara Delavigne, and Miranda Kerr. With their super shiny hair, slim tall frames, and their iconic model walk- they leave every girl wanting to be a Victoria’s secret angel. 

 

The runway extravaganza proclaims sparkle, diamantes, beauty, bling and angel wings. On December 2nd 2014 the first ever London Victoria Secret catwalk show will be showcased in earl’s court centre, London. It is an event that is not to be missed on your fashion calendar.

 

 

Victoria Secret London Superstore

Victoria secret opened their first ever UK superstore on the 29^th august 2012 on the prestigious new bond street, London. Having previously opened a smaller store in Westfield Stratford shopping centre London, the highly anticipated bond street store is a celebration of what one can only describe as 21^st century femininity. Everything within the store is girly and pink and the store contains masses of glitter. The store is a shrine to the Victoria secret models, with many pictures of some of the most famous of their models such as Candice Swanepoel and Adriana Lima hanging proudly on every visible wall. The store embodies a hard rock café memorabilia feel to it as it shares and celebrates previous Victoria Secret show costumes that have been previously worn by the models over the years. The pictures are displayed all around the store. The iconic show costumes are present in the stores multiple front windows, which are displayed beside costume descriptive plaques.

 

Central within the store is a huge magnificent glass staircase with a large cinematic TV screen playing constant behind the scenes videos of beautiful supermodels posing with poise, while modelling the brands underwear.

 

The store offers an amazing four floors. The first floor of the superstore offers beauty, cosmetics, and perfume.

 

The second floor has underwear on display laid out on impressive shop fittings. Classic Lingerie fitters are on hand to measure shoppers for the perfect bra fit. The underwear section resembles a big closet, in which the changing rooms wallpaper theme honours the classic Victoria secret pink striped colours.  

 

 

The bottom floor offers a manifest of clothes which include tracksuits, t shirts, tops and loungewear displayed neatly on mannequin’s and opened Chester draws.

 

The fourth floor has its own Victoria secret suite, but is only on access for VIP entries for special shopping, champagne and underwear fittings.

 

The Victoria secret brand is ultra-feminine, sexy, girly, modern and sparkly- and the store embodies that feel. Everything from the sweet smelling perfume, underwear to the makeup and tracksuit’s are simply divine. If you want an excitable shopping experience filled with glitter and eye feasting products be sure to visit the London store.  Here are some luscious girly gifts and clothes for you to peek at from Victoria secret. Check out my best picks of Victoria secret’s sweetest treats!

Victoria Secret Beach Terry Zip Hoodie

$69.95

Victoria Secret Beach Terry Short

$29.95

Victoria's Secret Bombshell Bombshells in Bloom Eau de Parfum

1.7fl- $52

3.4fl- $68

Victoria Secret Makeup- Smokey Exotics Eye Palette

$28

Victoria Secret Underwear

Victoria Secret Rose Lace Bralette- neon red bling

$29.50

Victoria Secret Beach Tote Bag

$34.50

 

 

 

 

 

Marbella’s Puro Beach

The exquisite Purobeach in Marbella, Spain is the perfect place to indulge in food, drink and party whilst overlooking the serene Marbella Sea. Purobeach is home to some great regular DJ party events, terraces, sun lounges, a pool and some great exotic views of the sea and Moroccan Atlas Mountains.

 

The luxurious Purobeach resembles a Hawaiian retreat with its straw huts situated around the pool, tall palm trees on the beach and a great Hawaiian style bar looking onto the sea. Purobeach embodies a tranquil essence  to its customer’s and offers yoga during the day, whilst evening beach parties go on into the night filled with music and drinks enjoyed by Marbella’s elite party people. If you want to soak up the sun Purobeach offers Sunbed’s on the beach or by the pool. Beach sunbeds are reasonably priced for the day and come with a welcome tray which includes a smoothie, after sun, fresh fruit, water and a cold towel. Fancy indulging in some shopping or pampering?  Purobeach offers a full range of massages and treatments to enjoy whilst relaxing in the lap of luxury. Purobeach shops are a great way of taking a break from sun worshiping and offer some neat fashion items to purchase.

 

 The resort has been highly published in the media and it has featured in some of the world’s most prestigious magazines such as Elle magazine, Harper’s bazaar and Instyle. Whether you want to use its relaxing amenities, eat some tasty food in Purobeach’s restaurant, sip fresh cocktails whilst sunbathing on the beach or lounging by the idyllic pool- this luxury haven is a great place to relax and forget your everyday worries.

 

 

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Restaurant

Marco Pierre white’s steakhouse restaurant in Birmingham’s the “cube” boasts exquisite 360 degree skyline views of Birmingham whilst diners can relax in a spacious and luxury setting. The restaurant sits on the 25^th floor of the creatively brilliant building that is dubbed the “cube”.   The design concept behind Marco Pierre white’s restaurant is to offer a new modern dining experience to its customers.  The restaurant is designed with breath-taking views of the city which resembles a view that you could find in one of New York’s skyline buildings. Diners have the opportunity to sit and eat in a formal dining area whilst looking out at the city in a spacious and peaceful den. The dining décor in Marco Pierre whites restaurant in Birmingham is a lot plainer compared to the design of some of Marco Pierre whites other restaurants due to him wanting people to focus on the telescopic views of the city and the dining experience .When night time arrives Marco’s Pierre’s customers can experience a spectacular view when Birmingham’s brightest lights are glistening around the city, creating a picture perfect outlook with beautiful photographic opportunities.

 

The restaurant has a main dining area and a drinks lounging area which gives an option to those customers who just want a drink and enjoy the views. The drink’s seating area consists of padded luxury chairs and plush sofa chairs with neat tables. The restaurant is the perfect way to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. Marco Pierre white’s restaurant is modern, sleek and spacious and also offers a glass balcony to enjoy the high views. The restaurant has a rooftop terrace which is a great way to have a drink and sit and relax whilst looking out upon the city. The restaurant wouldn’t be complete without its own futuristic champagne bar in which celebrities such as Beyoncé and jay z have hired out for the night. The champagne bar named the “Laurent Perrier lounge” comprises an ultra-sleek atmosphere.  The sophisticated champagne bar offers a high gloss black and white theme with black sofa chairs and white glossy tables. The private room has dynamic views of the city. It is the perfect place to celebrate functions or VIP parties. 

 

 The skyline design of the restaurant has sparked a lot of great reviews from the press and it is the “it” restaurant or bar to visit in Birmingham.  The restaurant’s design and tasty menu keeps customers coming back time and time again.