Modeling

Calling All Glam Goths: World Goth Day Shopping Guide

Liberty Ross for The Plaza Kivinna by Christopher Schmidt

May 22nd, and it’s World Goth Day! 

We like to express ourselves through our style choices. Although, as a model, you may feel that you are restricted to skinny jeans and a tank or t-shirt. But, there are ways to show your individual personality in model “casting appropriate” outfits. We’ve created goth inspired shopping guides with all the latest Spring Summer arrivals.  It’s body conscious, modern, has just enough detail, and also warm weather friendly.

 

  • Top Shop Lace Bodysuit $55 (www.nordstrom.com)
  • All Saints Teralta Coat $525 (www.allsaints.com)

What Is Informal Modeling?

Katia and Aly (Stars Management) at Neiman Marcus San Francisco for Monique Lhuiller (Photo: Courtesy of @katiacoate)

After launching a new collection, the designer or a representative circulates the department stores and boutiques that sell their brand. They present the new designs to their customers as well as educate the stores’ employees about the collection. It typically takes two or three days of presentations and events per store, which can include product knowledgement meetings, informals, a personal appearance of the designer, trunk shows, or a runway show.

Informal and trunk show bookings require models to have a lot of personality, and the confidence to speak with customers about the clothing he or she is wearing. Models usually stand on podiums or walk around the store with poise and elegance, while interacting with the shoppers or attendees.

Other informal bookings may be for local boutiques or charity fundraisers that showcase a designer’s collection but does not necessarily work with the designer or brand directly.

Although informals are not always as highly paid as catalog and advertising work, they are a great way to meet new clients and make money in between print bookings. If a department store latches onto you, as one of their favorite models, they could potentially book you up to five times per week, depending on the company and location. 

When you get an informal or trunk show booking, be prepared to arrive with your hair and makeup done (female models) or groomed (male models). Because these types of bookings have little production, other than the store manager giving you outfits to walk around in, they rarely have hair and makeup artists. You will also need to bring a selection of undergarments and shoes (which should be permanently in your model bag).  On occasion you might be provided shoes, but in general, you won’t. Your agent will let you know if there are any specific directions for hair, makeup, and items to bring. Should you regularly book informals for a particular department store, expect to follow their guidelines for each booking, unless they let you know otherwise.

But most importantly, arrive at least ten minutes earlier than the call time. It can be time-consuming finding the department or location of the event, or the manager or representative. Live events make clients anxious because it is difficult to work around late models or other challenges that can occur. Be kind, and you never know, the designer might love you and want to book you for another event, like fashion week!

Beauties Of The Cannes Film Festival 2018

By Katerina Stamatopoulou, MA Fashion Journalism Academy of Art University

@katrinst

Cinema and fashion stars turned the red carpet into a catwalk at the Cannes Film Festival.

Naomi Campbell leads fellow supermodels and celebrities onto the Fashion For Relief runway (Photo: ELLE.com)

Cannes, France. –  The Cannes Film Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of the Seventh Art, never fails to highlight the close relationship between cinema and fashion, and this year was exceptional. Once again, the stars won the flash of photographers on the red carpet with their ensembles fit for royalty.


Undoubtedly, Cate Blanchett claimed the primacy of the best dressed. This year’s President wore a stunning custom-made creation by the Greek designer, Mary Katrantzou. The look was completed with Chopard rings and Aquazzura Eclipse gold pumps.


Even some models preferred not to succumb to the temptation of a statement ‘body-con’ dress and chose an elegant creation instead. Bella Hadid was the perfect example in her pink strapless custom-made Dior gown. The only exception was Kendall Jenner who isn’t afraid to take fashion risks, and most of the time she gets many credits for her choices. The 22-year-old model appeared on the red carpet wearing a green dress with gold details which highlighted her toned body. The “leave nothing to the imagination” dress was from Alexandre Vauthier’s fall 2016 collection, the black satin pumps by Christian Louboutin, and the jewelry by Chopard.

 

Cate Blanchett wearing Mary Katrantzou at Cannes Film Festival 2018 (Photo: Getty Images)

Kendall Jenner wearing Alexandre Vauthier at Cannes Film Festival 2018 (Photo: E! Online)

Bella Hadid wearing a custom Dior gown at Cannes Film Festival 2018 (Photo: Getty Images)

A few years ago, the Festival’s protocol was intensely discussed because it required female stars to wear high heels on the red carpet. But, for 2018, Marion Cotillard broke the rules with an unlikely appearance, wearing Nicholas Kirkwood flat boots. She chose to coordinate them with her midi dress, and managed to create a stunning rock outfit. Chanel sunglasses and bracelets completed her look.


However, another movie star partially broke etiquette guidelines. Kristen Stewart arrived on the red carpet for the film BlacKkKlansman, wearing a metallic mini dress and high-heeled Louboutins. Just before she reached the stairs, she decided to release her feet from the high-heels and walk barefoot.

 

Marion Cotillard at Cannes Film Festival 2018 (Photo: )

Kristen Stewart at Cannes Film Festival 2018 (Photo: E! Online)

Every year, Fashion For Relief, the annual charity gala hosted by Naomi Campbell, is high on the list of events for stars who attend Cannes. The famous supermodel invites powerful business moguls, athletes, Hollywood stars and all the models that are at the forefront, for an evening of fashion, and to raise money for environmental and humanitarian organizations around the world. On the catwalk, the hostess of the gala walked with other famous names of the fashion industry and show business. Earlier that day, Naomi announced her “retirement” since, as she said, she is 47 years old and the years she has had on the catwalks are too many.

Denim Shorts For The Summer

Denim Shorts
Lais Ribeiro by Jhonatan Chicaroni for Harper's Bazaar

Denim shorts are staying strong this summer. You can spot them on the beaches, at festivals, on busy city streets, and definitely at castings!

 

You could say that shorts are a summer staple in a model's wardrobe - and even in winter when paired with tights. We have gathered a few of our favorite denim shorts styles for this season. Some of which come from sustainable brands or eco-friendly manufacturing. Not only will they flatter and show off your body, but will express your personality too.  What more would you want from your casting outfit?

 

  • RAG & BONE - Mid-Rise Cutoff Short in Johny. $175 www.rag-bone.com

Academy Of Art Spring 2018 Fashion Show

Photo: Kristin Gerbert/ KG Photography

The Academy of Art Fashion School graduates of 2018 recently had their runway show. An event that not only celebrates the incredible achievements of the students, but it also acknowledges a selection of fashion industry professionals. This year, the University’s President, Elisa Stephens, granted honorary doctorates to; Alexander Fury, a fashion journalist, author, and critic. New York-based fashion designer, Andre Walker, and Lutz Huelle, a fashion designer from Paris.

THE DESIGNERS

The students’ collections were equally varied as they were riveting. A sign that creativity will remain abundant for household and future labels to come.

We wanted to delve into the stories behind their designs and were thrilled to interview the designers of five collections that featured in the show.  

  • Zixuan (Stella) Quan (BFA Fashion Design) Lulu Hui-Ju Tsai (BFA Knitwear Design)

Photos: Kristin Gerbert/ KG Photography

HAIR & MAKEUP

We also went backstage to ask Victor Cembellin, Senior Artist for MAC Cosmetics, and Jon Reyman, hair stylist and founder of Spoke & Weal, about the inspiration for the hair and makeup. The punk-hair mixed with the 90’s matte and glossy makeup created a look made for an amazing night out!

THE MODELS

Of course, we could not leave backstage without talking to some of the models. All were happy to describe the looks they were going to be donning down the runway. We also found out some of their routines for prepping for fashion shows.

FULL VIDEO

Watch the video below to get the full interviews and overview of the Academy Of Art Spring 2018 show.

Special thanks to: Simon Ungless (Executive Director of the School of Fashion), Elena Eberhard (Public Relations & Special Events Manager for the School of Fashion), Victor Cembellin (Senior Artist at MAC Cosmetics), Jon Reyman (Hair Stylist and Founder of Spoke & Weal), Stefanie Jessica (BFA Fashion Design), Luis Guillen G. (BFA Fashion Design), Uchechi Anigbogu (BFA Fashion Design), Jie (Robert) Ren (BFA Textile Design), McKaela Christenson (BFA Knitwear Design), Felix Ryan (BFA Fashion Design), Academy of Art University, Kristin Gerbert (KG Photography), Models: August Gonet, Rachel Heath, Marie, and Olivia Moore.

Happy Cinco De Mayo: Guilt Free Burrito Recipes!

Cooking Light Photo: Johnny Autry

You can still enjoy the celebrations of Cinco De Mayo, and eat clean! Check out these great burrito recipes from Cooking Light!

Healthy Burrito Recipes - Cooking Light

Roll and wrap this Mexican favorite in the comfort of your own home.

Guilt Free Burrito:

Denisa Dvorakova by Nicole Bentley for Marie Claire Australia

Kate Moss by Mario Testino for French Vogue

How To Get Representation In Multiple Markets

How You Get Representation In Another Market

 

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.

 

 

In any of the above circumstances, the agency will ask your mother agent to provide them with:

  • Your current digitals in a bathing suit or underwear.
  • Your current measurements.
  • A video of you introducing yourself and doing a runway walk.

If they feel that you have the right model requirements, confidence, and experience for their market; the agency will offer you representation.

Why Dance Helps Modeling

Jou Bellini by Philip Riches for Attitude

Clients expect models to be able to move well in front of the camera. They hire models because they not only want to create their conceptualized images to a T, but they also want to capture them in the least amount of time, potentially reducing costs of production. Clients do not want further delays, motivating and directing their models into poses. This is why it is helpful for models to have a dance background.

Models should move with fluidity, poise, and coordination. Whether it is an edgy editorial or a smiley e-commerce shoot, it’s important to adjust your poses and expressions with ease. Even the way you hold your hands or position your feet can make or break a shot. Get used to pointing your toes, and connecting your ankles while keeping your feet out or straight ahead. Turning your feet inwards will give you a pigeon toe look. Unless you are asked to create awkward angles, it can project the wrong body language. Hands should look graceful, by keeping the fingers relaxed and close together. If they are too wide apart or stiff, it can make the pose look clumsy. However, some shoots may require the hands to create sharp lines, particularly for editorials.

Valeska @valeska_miller by Oliver Endahl @balletzaida Music by Joshua Piper @heavypiano

Although we suggest adding dance to your extra-curricular activities to help with your posing, there are bookings that require models to physically dance during the shoot. Karlie Kloss and Liu Wen were photographed for Vogue while showing their dance skills, and Joan Smalls was paired up with professional dancer and choreographer, Lil Buck for the Wall Street Journal.  Additionally, more and more athletic wear brands cater to dancers; such as Nike and Reebok. These clients often request models who are, at the very least, amateur or semi-professional dancers for their campaigns.

But, it’s not only your print jobs that will benefit from dance. Runway too! Walking in high heels, making turns on the catwalk, and having the correct posture is all about movement and balance – which are the basics of dance. For instance, to do a full or half-turn without stumbling; you need to find a focal point in the direction of the audience. Staring at this point throughout the turn will force your head to whip around. This is called ‘spotting’, a technique used by dancers to maintain balance.

Applying dance to your modeling will broaden your job opportunities, keep you in shape, and help with your posture, poses, and stamina.

Karlie Kloss by Arthur Elgort for Vogue Australia

Liu Wen by Daniel Jackson for Vogue China

Joan Smalls and Lil Buck for the Wall Street Journal by Daniel Jackson

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

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.

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