How Apps Are Changing The Way Models Socialize

Posted on August 30, 2019August 30, 2019 by AJR250

It has been an exciting time for models in New York City! Two different apps have launched and are in full swing; Into and Neon Coat. Fashion models can now get heavily discounted dinners, haircuts, work out classes, and much more. These apps help models, who are new in town, connect with fellow models, even make new friendships, and fully enjoy the city.

Into as well as Neon Coat accepts female and male models. Once you’ve downloaded the free apps, follow the application instructions. You will need to prove that you have a social media following, as well as a model agency in town. To use these apps, you claim a featured business, tag them, and then post about your experience with the business on your Instagram.

Both apps have wonderful parties during Fashion Week, and help the models in town by giving goodie bags, food, and work out or meditation sessions. Being billed as a model’s passport to everything, you surely won’t be disappointed checking them out!

Into
During last season’s fashion week, Into had an influencer lounge at the Norwood Club here in New York. The Into App is for influencers around the world, and they also offer a London Fashion Week lounge as well. What makes the app great is that it works in many major fashion cities, and offers really cool deals.

Into hosted two days of events that featured food, fitness, beauty, and wellness. My favorite products they partnered with were Winky Lux, because it is a makeup brand, a new deodorant company called Myro, homesick candles, and Milo face oils.

One of the activities included a lunch offered by a local vegan restaurant called Le Botaniste. The lucky attendees were given great goodie bags to take home, that included delicious food products.

It was a great way to meet people, relax, charge your phone, and get to know new products that are out on the market.

Neon Coat
One of the best things during the craziness of fashion week is that Neon Coat holds different events and parties to go to every day. These are great ways to meet new models and make new friends in the city!

Last season, Neon Coat events lasted for nine days, the season before that was just seven. So there was a lot to see and to do – here are just some of the examples:

*Recharge Lounge and Lunch, which included a special Neon Coat gift bag full of great products and food. It was the perfect swag bag to help us models during fashion week.

*Exclusive Neon Coat Yoga Classes, Chill Day with Mamacha, Meditation at Three Jewels with Kombucha.

*Chill Sunday events with Bumble BFF.

*Sundays nail salon.

*Food events with Beyond Sushi (vegan sushi), ice cream companies and more!

*Neon Coat exclusive workout classes and infrared sauna sessions.

*Recharge lounge time with My/Mo Mochi Shea Terra organics (beauty products).

*Lunch event provided by local restaurant, Hunts and Fish club.

*Evening parties such as the Guardian Angels Charity Party, and the Wrap party for NYFW.

I highly suggest downloading the Neon Coat app when you start working with your agency in New York because they have amazing offers that will make your experience so much more exciting. It will also be very interesting to see what they do this upcoming fashion week!

How To Get Representation In Multiple Markets

Posted on May 1, 2018May 2, 2018 by AJR250

If you are looking to travel, and your mother agent feels that you are ready, there are a few ways your mother agent can get you representation in another city or country. Yes, leave it to your mother agent. The reason being is that not only does he or she have connections with agents around the globe, but also knows which markets are appropriate for you and your success. Not all markets have the same clientele, therefore, the requirements for models will differ too. Furthermore, there can be laws, regulations and age restrictions that might effect your ability to work in certain cities. Below are the ways your mother agent can help you get opportunities to travel. However, keep in mind that they do not guarantee you representation in these other markets, as it remains dependent on the decisions of the agents in those cities:

Submit your materials to agents via email.

Your portfolio and digitals will be sent to the appropriate agents for their feedback

Arrange appointments for you to visit agencies in another market.

Whether you are traveling to a city for vacation or specifically for your career; your mother agent can arrange for you to visit the local model agencies. Your mother agent will usually email your portfolio to the agents in advance before they agree to meet with you in person.

Hold a casting for a visiting agent or scout.

Agents and scouts travel around to many cities, including yours, in search of new faces to represent in their markets. If your mother agent feels that they would consider you for representation, you will be called into your agency to meet with them. On the other hand, the visiting agent or scout may see your portfolio and request to meet you for a go-see.

An agent notices your portfolio online and contacts your mother agent.

Agents regularly browse through each other’s websites. It is not uncommon for an agent to see a new face and call up the model’s mother agent in hopes to represent him or her in their market.

Chargebacks: What Are They And Why Do Models Have Them?

Posted on April 21, 2018April 21, 2018 by AJR250

When your agency issues your checks, based on the compensation received from your clients, you will notice that there are deductions. These deductions are known as “chargebacks.”

Chargebacks are advances the agency makes on your behalf, which could include:

Portfolios
Prints.
Comp cards.
Agency promotional packages.
Test shoots.
Website maintenance fee.
Airline tickets.
Hotels.
Model Apartments
Car Service.
Courier fees.

When your client requires you to travel for a job, or another agency invites you to work in their market, the agency may advance the cost of the flight and accommodation. You should make sure to keep track of all the advanced expenses so that you have a record to compare to the deductions made from your check. The accounting department in any agency, upon request, will give you a list of your chargebacks.

What You Should Have In Your Model Bag

Posted on April 11, 2018April 11, 2018 by AJR250

WHAT MODELS SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR BAG.
PORTFOLIO - Yes, this may be obvious, but you would be surprised by how many models forget their books!
UNDERWEAR- Women should have a matching set of seamless underwear. Including a strapless bra and thong. You can throw in a more 'pretty' or 'sexy' set for any lingerie style castings. Men should have fitted boxer-briefs, briefs, and a tank top as an undershirt. All items should be a solid color, in nude, white, black and grey.
PEN & PAPER - Apart from general note taking, you may need to write down last minute important information, if you, the client, or the agent does not have access to text or email.
COSMETICS- These include makeup remover, face and body moisturizer, and SPF. This is so you can remove makeup whenever needed, and keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy throughout the day.
CHICKEN CUTLETS - Female models should have underwear accessories such as bra fillers 'chicken cutlets', pasties and bra straps. This is so the clothes can fall properly and avoid any bra peekaboo!
HOSIERY & DRESS SOCKS - Women should have nude and black hose. Men should carry brown and black dress socks. Clients do not always provide these items but need them to complete a look.
SWIMWEAR - Female models, in particular, should always have a bathing suit with them. Some clients might prefer that you wear this while measuring you or shooting digitals, rather than being in your underwear. And, it should always be a two-piece. Guys do not use bathing shorts as much, but it's good to keep in the bag just in case. Similarly to underwear, your bathing suit should be well fitted, a dark solid color, and in good condition.
ELECTRIC SHAVER - Especially for guys who are prone to the 5 o'clock shadow. If a client wants you looking the same way at 4 pm as you did at 9 am, you will need to give your face a once over. This will maintain consistency during the shoot, and you can do this right on the spot without cutting yourself. Also, there could be occasions when you are asked to arrive with a few days growth of facial hair, but then the client decides they want you clean shaven.
HAIRBRUSH & HAIR ACCESSORIES - Always carry a hairbrush and hairspray, gel, or whatever product you prefer, to keep your hair looking groomed throughout the day. If you have long hair, you should also have hair ties and kirby grips to pull it back.
FACE & BODY WIPES - Aside from cleaning your hands while on a lunch break during a location shoot, they are also great for wiping off makeup both on your face and body. Additionally, they work wonders for your underarms, when you can't apply deodorant due to wearing your client's clothes.
LINT ROLLER - You'd be amazed by how many models walk around with lint all over their black clothes.
MAKEUP & MAKEUP BRUSHES - This is for any touchups needed while on a booking without a makeup artist on set. However, if there is a makeup artist, this will come in handy should you be allergic to the products. Lastly, you will be able to apply or readjust makeup in between castings and bookings.
MANICURE KIT & CLEAR NAIL POLISH - You never know when you might break a nail! For all bookings, models are required to have neat and tidy nails. Sometimes the client might request that your nails be a certain length or shape. Unless you are expected to have an elaborate mani, it is unlikely that there will be a manicurist on set, so be prepared to do it yourself. Also, clear nail polish works great when applied on to snags in hosiery, to prevent them from running and getting larger.
TRAVEL SEWING KIT - For any wardrobe malfunctions during castings and bookings.
SHOES - Although you will most likely have a whole other bag full of shoes to take with you to bookings, you should also throw a pair or two into your model bag, suitable for last minute castings or digis.
WATER & SNACKS- For when you don't have time to pick up food in between castings and bookings, or if the catering is not your cup of tea. It's important to keep your energy and sugar levels well regulated.
PHONE & WALLET - Just DON'T leave home without them! And, remember to charge your phone.
MAP OR PRINTED DIRECTIONS - In case your phone gets flat and you can't charge it, or you have bad reception, it's always good to have a backup for locating where your bookings and appointments are.

Model Talk: Sarah Gullixson Talks New York and Getting Scouted at a Vogue Event

Posted on April 9, 2018April 9, 2018 by AJR250

Five Safety Tips When Traveling To Other Markets

Posted on April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 by AJR250

Traveling alone can be daunting, especially when you are going to a place for the first time. Inexperience in air travel, navigating your way around a new city, and not understanding the local language, has the potential to put you at risk.

Here are a few tips that will help keep you and your belongings safe. Adopting these, along with your every day common sense, should limit possible incidents of theft/loss of property and personal harm. So, now the only concerns left are; what to pack and how to slay your new market.

Checked luggage can easily get lost, or left for others to help themselves to your belongings. Make sure that you put all your valuables in your carry-on bag, such as:

Mobile phone (don’t forget to fully charge it).
Adapter and chargers for electrical appliances.
Laptop or tablet (with all your portfolio images).
Valid passport.
Visa documentation.
Money/Credit Cards
Contact telephone numbers and addresses of your accommodation and agency.
Portfolio.
Valuable jewelry or watch.
Medication/Prescriptions (make sure you bring more than you need in case you lose some, or stay longer than expected)

Avoid getting sucked into the promises of nightclub promoters; free drinks, food, parties, and even trips. They usually have an ulterior motive. Some promoters will encourage you to attend parties and clubs so that they can draw in more customers to buy alcohol - which may seem harmless. However, a few have allegedly coerced models into very dangerous lifestyles. Promoters not only work the nightlife scene, but they also hang around where most of the castings are held, and even find out the phone numbers and addresses of the model apartments. This is all in hopes to lure models into the clubs and get paid very well doing it. If you are of legal age and want to explore the local nightlife, go with a roommate or a trusted friend. Be careful not to consume a lot of alcohol, or stay out too late. Lastly, and most importantly; don’t walk around at night by yourself.

Study the city or town that you will be visiting. Familiarize yourself with a map of the local area, and pinpoint where your lodgings and model agency is located. They will be easier to find once you are there. If you are traveling to a country that has a different language; it is advisable to learn a few key words and phrases:

“Hello” and “Goodbye”
“Please” and “Thank you”’
“My name is…”
“I am from…..(country)”
"How much is...."
Your birthdate
How to order food and drink
How to ask for directions
Days of the week
Numbers
Emergency words “Help”, “Fire”, “Police”, “Hospital”

Also, be aware of the local customs; whether it is how you greet people, attend public events, or even dress code. Showing respect towards their culture will improve the way the local’s assist and respond towards you.

Interview with STORM’S Noelle Doukas And Christopher Yianoullou

Posted on March 20, 2018April 4, 2018 by AJR250

FMD: What are the key attributes that STORM looks for when scouting for models?
Chris: We look for standards like height and beautiful skin and great bone structure, but our industry has started to celebrate the more unique aspects of the girl – who she is and what she’s about; her style, her personality. There is much more to it, and you can’t just scout by looking at someone, you really need to talk to that person and get a feel for who they are. Clients like ASOS and Urban Outfitters want to do more profile pieces, and they want real people, so it makes it more fun for us because [models] don’t have to be strictly 5’10” minimum anymore. It’s more flexible, and more fun; so yeah it’s about character more than anything really.

FMD: Whenever you bring international models into London; what is your process, and does STORM have specific facilities to accommodate them?
Noelle: It all depends on how long you are bringing girls in for, and also what you are bringing them in for. There are some girls we bring in for periods of time, say two to three months; in which case you set them up in a house. We do have model apartments, but we also have a wide range of people who are like second moms who look after them, because it is quite daunting if they have never been into the territory before. Obviously, if it’s a girl who has never been to the UK, we take a bit of time explaining how to get around, because the girls have go-sees or castings every day. They probably have four to five castings a day. So, they kind of hit the ground running really. Sometimes, we try to set them up with other girls so they get a feel for what they are doing. We do have an assistant on board that goes through everything with them, and gives them a UK phone and tries to introduce them to transport etc. London’s enormous isn’t it, so expecting these girls to go to appointment to appointment is really quite daunting.

FMD: Are the castings based in London or all over the UK?
Noelle: They are completely sporadic. With castings, you can’t dictate what time it is, what area it is, so a girl could be coming from E1 and then having to go to SE11 (London postcodes with a distance of five miles) and she’s got a small amount of time to do it. If you get a bigger international girl, say she’s here for three days, it’s easier to put them in a car. They are doing a ton of appointments a day, back to back. I mean, since Uber’s come around it’s changed things quite a bit. It’s not that expensive to Uber from one place to another.
FMD: Uber’s made a model’s life a lot easier.
Noelle: It makes it probably a lot easier. I do feel for them though. I have done go-sees and castings with one girl once, and I thought, “I do feel sorry for them.”
Chris: It’s not as glamorous as you think.

FMD: Describe the London Market and Clientele.
Noelle: Well, I think first of all we’ve got the best editorial, I would say in the world, because we have the high-end publications like Vogue, Harpers, and Elle, and we also have the really kind of cool magazines like Dazed, and Wonderland. Now, there are a lot of online publications, there’s a pop-up magazine every day.
Chris: It’s a super creative city, with all the great designers and fashion schools. The students’ work is incredible here.
Noelle: It’s a good market to develop a girl because, as I’ve said, when we’ve got such a wide range of editorials; it’s good to develop their books. But, I think another great thing about London is that we have the advertising, the catalogues, and the E-com, and so a girl is pretty much guaranteed to make a nice amount of money. I mean the British pound is pretty shocking at the moment, but prior to that, it was great! No, it’s a great city! Our Fashion week is better than it ever has been before. I think a lot more girls are coming to London to do the shows, it’s a lot more relevant. So, I would say London’s definitely kind of an all-rounder. You know the only other thing is there is not as much competition, because most girls base themselves in New York, at which point you’re competing with x amount of girls, as opposed to a less amount of cool, international new faces.

FMD: How easy is it for new models to acclimate to the London Market?
Chris: I think for the younger girls it’s actually quite nice. We’re an English speaking country; the Tube (Underground) is pretty self-explanatory, and the English culture is very polite, and we like to help!
Noelle: They do get chaperoned though, if they are too young. We’d never let a girl under eighteen go out on her own, ever.
Chris: Yeah, and that also helps when they get settled in, there’s an English person there to teach them the ropes, the underground etc., how it works. We’ve never had any problems.

FMD: You mentioned that STORM has model apartments; are there strict rules enforced for the people staying in them?
Noelle: I wish we did, it’s a nightmare! It’s funny, model apartments are generally there for brand new girls, but sometimes girls end up living there for a couple of years. Some girls are actually messier maybe than boys, from what the cleaners tell us. (laugh)
Chris: Yeah, it’s bad! (laugh)
Noelle: It’s not good! It’s not good! I can’t understand it because I think if you can do this to someone else’s house, would you actually do this in your own house? I don’t think they would. Occasionally, we have to get pest control, painters and decorators coming in, or there are doors being broken off hinges or whatever it is. They’re young kids aren’t they; they’re not at home with their parents. I do get girls specifically saying, “I don’t want to stay in a model apartment”. We have a group of really lovely people who rent out rooms, and you know, I think they like it, the international girls who’ve not been here before, they feel kind of nurtured. It’s actually nice to be in a family environment.

FMD: What would you say are the most important qualities models should have?
Noelle: A voice and a personality for sure. I’ve seen the most beautiful girls in the world that have no personality, and I’m not meaning that in a derogative way, I just mean that, I think it’s like dating actually; you can think ‘oh, you’re fairly attractive’, but it’s the connection you have that actually develops how they come across, how you relate to that person – and actually personalities can make or break someone. You meet someone who’s really arrogant and full of themselves, and all that beauty just completely diminishes, whereas someone with a great personality can win you over in a different way, and you see a totally different side of them.
For me, if I were a casting director, it would be that. And it’s interesting to see how [it affects modeling], say you bring in a girl you don’t know particularly well, and she gets 30 options in a month and not one of them confirms, you start to think ‘there’s something not quite right there’, or you can get a girl that you weren’t entirely sure about but she has an amazing personality and her chart is full of red confirmations.
Chris: It’s true though!

FMD: Is there a common mistake that stands out as something models repeat over and over again?
Noelle: I would probably say approaching things with too much negativity.
Chris: Yeah, I was about to say that – or over thinking.
Noelle: When they start to analyze too much, girls can get very down on themselves, and I think that can come across to people. You can get yourself into a hole and it’s difficult to climb back out of it.
But I think it’s like that for everyone, for everything in life. I always write my Gratitudes down every day, things that I’m grateful for. If you try and make yourself feel more positive, then positivity comes back to you. But, I think when you go into anything with a negative view; it’s not going to turn itself around. You’ve got to be strong, and I think you’ve got to have a strong backbone. But saying this, I personally wouldn’t want to be judged on my looks every day of my life. It takes a certain quality of person.
Chris: Yeah, everyone thinks it’s an easy job, but…
Noelle: It’s one of the hardest. The worst thing a girl could ever do is to have a negative view on the industry, or herself, or whatever it is, you know, unless they’re enjoying it, loving it, I try to discourage them doing it at all. Because I think they’re so young, surely in that age group you’re supposed to be having the time of your life, not scrutinizing every part of yourself.

PFW F/W2018. We’ll Always Have Paris.

Posted on March 13, 2018March 23, 2018 by Katerina Stamatopoulou

February 27, 2018

Christian Dior
First, it was the “We should all be feminists” T-shirt, now the “C’est non, non, non et non!” sweater. It’s been 50 years since the student riots in May 1968, and Maria Grazia Chiuri decided to make another social-political statement. Inspired by the tumultuous protesters of 1968 and Diane Vreeland’s “youthquake”, Chiuri wanted to target younger customers but retain Dior’s high-fashion aesthetic and legacy. A wardrobe that is revolutionary but also highly creative.

February 28, 2018

Maison Margiela
Décortiqué. John Galliano loves to name his collections with French adjectives. In this collection, he stripped down the garments to their essence and just kept their skeletal structure. Unconscious glamour was the collection’s name, but it looked more like ‘Rushed Dressing’ glamour. Coats worn before dresses, blazers before sweaters, holographic coats and a lot of deconstructing garments all over the catwalk. Galliano loves the pair-if-you-dare game of fabrics.

March 3, 2018

Comme des Garçons
Rei Kawakubo always loves to deconstruct the shape of the clothes and create theatrical figures inspired the history, even if she has stated that she doesn’t like to look back. For this season, CAMP was the name of her collection. She referred to Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp”. “I think camp can express something deeper, and give birth to progress,” Kawakubo wrote in her show notes. The progress of thinking and feeling the world around us.

Workout Wednesdays: Three Online Workouts We Love

Posted on February 14, 2018February 20, 2018 by AJR250

YogaGlo is a website where you can customize your own private yoga and meditation classes taught by certified yoga instructors. Whether you have five minutes or two hours to dedicate to a yoga sesh – you can select not only your time frame, but your level of expertise, and any adjustments due to injuries. They offer a 15-day free trial. However, their membership fees are still very affordable compared to the cost of a yoga studio. Plus, you can choose whenever and wherever you wish to take your class.

YogaGlo.com (membership: $18 per month)

Ballet Beautiful is designed to sculpt sleek, lean, and toned muscles as well as improve flexibility and posture. If this isn’t an ideal model workout, we don’t know what is! Developed by Mary Helen Bowers, who after training Natalie Portman for her role in the Black Swan has been coveted by countless A-list celebs and supermodels, including Miranda Kerr and Karlie Kloss. But, don’t worry; you don’t have to be a dancer or gymnast to be able to follow Bowers’ instructions. Ballet Beautiful is for everyone, and you can also customize her workouts to suit your ability and needs.

Neon Coat - Instagram (@neoncoat ) Into App - Instagram (@intoapp)

By Robyn Williamson

Submit your materials to agents via email.

Arrange appointments for you to visit agencies in another market.

Hold a casting for a visiting agent or scout.

An agent notices your portfolio online and contacts your mother agent.

Model Talk with Sarah Gullixson.

Mother Agent: Stars Management

New York: Marilyn

Paris: MP

Milan: Why Not

Germany: M4

*Since this interview, Sarah has also been signed with The.MGMT in Sydney!

AIRPORT

TRAVEL

NIGHTLIFE & PROMOTERS

GETTING

AROUND

MONEY

CONTACTS NUMBERS

FOR EMERGENCIES

By Katerina Stamatopoulou

Workout Wednesday - Three of our favorite workout websites

YogaGlo

Ballet Beautiful

Spartan