Which are the best cities to be a model? Neon Models does a virtual tour of the fashion capitals of the world…

As with many things, location is a key factor in the success or failure of a model. Proximity to jobs means you can get there faster and cheaper, and in the fast moving fashion industry, quick turnaround is often a deal breaker. As a general rule, big cities offer many more opportunities than smaller places, as the clients and agencies are concentrated there. 

 

There are four major fashion capitals in the world: New York, Milan, Paris, London. Neon Models explains what each of them is about.

Modelling in New York

The only recognised fashion capital outside of Europe, New York is a metropolitan city that never sleeps and is home to the cutting edge of innovation is style and culture. New York Fashion Week, branded Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in 2009 is held in February and September every year – and was originally the first ever fashion ‘week’.

Opportunities for modelling in Milan

In 2009 Milan was declared the top economic and media capital of fashion. There are a great many world famous Italian fashion brands which have their main headquarters located in the city, including: Valentino, Gucci, Versace, Prada, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. Milan Fashion Week is held twice a year and is one of the Holy Grails for catwalk models.

Becoming a Model in Paris

Paris has a long standing history as a centre of art and fashion and is home to several prestigious fashion houses. It is known for the classic timeless elegance of the designs that are born there. It has an up market high fashion shopping district where all the most exclusive labels can be found.

A major centre for fashion and modelling - London

London has a long history as a trendsetter and leader in world fashions, and in recent years has been named as the number 1 fashion capital of the world thanks to the ascendency of Kate Middleton and the London Olympics. The vast majority of the international modelling agencies have their main UK offices in London and it is the base for hundreds of fashion photography studios and the supporting teams, including the best photographers for glossy magazines.

Read how to join Modelling Agency! or Visit Neon Models on Facebook!

How to join a modelling agency by Neon Models

Modelling agencies get hundreds of applications from aspiring models, so how can you make sure you give yourself the best chance of being noticed and signed?

Use decent quality photos to apply

All genuine modelling agencies will ask you to send a snapshot that they can assess to see if they want to meet you for an interview to see if they’d like to sign you to their books. While you don’t have to spend a fortune on these pictures, if you send in something in bad light taken on your mobile phone, they’re likely to throw them out without looking properly. So, try to get access to a decent camera (and someone who knows how to use it), and make sure the pictures are taken in good light (preferably natural light) and show you clearly and looking relaxed.

Read the guidelines

You might be surprised how many people don’t read the modelling agencies’ guidelines. This is just a silly mistake that can be easily avoided, and if you’re careful to make sure you follow their guidelines you can save yourself a lot of wasted effort and rejection. Most modelling agencies will specify if they work with males and females and what ages. Also, if they have minimum requirements such as height. Ignore their guidelines at your peril!

Choose your agency carefully

These days there are many different types of modelling and many different types of modelling agencies to meet all those requirements. The largest agencies will cater for everything from fashion shows to catalogues to TV commercials on an international basis, but smaller agencies will specialise and may be a better bet, especially if you don’t have classic model looks, aren’t so tall or are looking for alternative or body part modelling.

Read more how to join Modelling Agency! or Visit Neon Models on Facebook!

Modelling Castings, Go Sees and Callbacks

If modelling agencies had it their way, they would simply recommend a model to a client and the contract would be signed. However, it’s rarely as simple as that, as clients want to see a range of models in the flesh and do test shoots to see how they come across in relation to whatever it is they’re trying to sell before making a decision.

Castings or Go Sees

There are many more models invited to every casting than there are jobs available, so it makes sense that most models go to far more castings than they actually get jobs. Castings can take place at very short notice, and professional models need to be able to drop everything and travel to the location as the job might be decided within hours.

Making a success of a casting

Some people may not take castings seriously as they are not the actual final job, but this is a critical error. If you don’t give it your all at the casting, then you’ll never win the final job, and your modelling career will never get off the ground. So it’s vital to arrive at castings on time or slightly early, smiling and being friendly. Clients are more likely to hire someone who makes them smile and is easy to work with and has a professional attitude, than someone who turns up late and spends the whole time grumbling.

Callbacks and shortlists

If you get called back after a casting, then you should definitely be happy, but it’s not time to celebrate until the actual job itself is secured. There can be several callbacks as the shortlist is whittled down, and each time it becomes even more important to behave professionally and be personable and cheerful. Models are sometimes also put on ‘hold’ meaning they should keep the time of the shoot free in case that are requested. If the model then receives another offer of work or a casting, they should check with the client first to see if they can be ‘released’.

Once the client has made a decision the model will be ‘booked’ and at this point the job is secure. It means that the model is guaranteed the work, and even if the shoot is cancelled for one reason or another – the model will receive some cancellation fees.

Modelling jobs are waiting for you!

Register with Neon Models!

Mother Modelling Agencies explained by Neon Models

What is a mother modelling agency?

You may be surprised to hear that there are many different kinds of modelling agencies, and Neon Models is familiar with all of them.

 

A mother modelling agency is not an agency for mothers! Though their models may well be mothers…

No, a mother modelling agency is basically a middle-man, that acts like an agent for a model to get a contract with a modelling agency. So, if you want to join a modelling agency, you may first try to join a mother modelling agency.

The mother modelling agency will assess you for suitability and then approach their contacts in a range of

agencies to see if they might be interested in signing you. They will work hard to promote you, including creating marketing materials and schmoozing their long standing contacts.

If you go through a mother modelling agency you will have a much better chance of getting your foot in the door than if you try to go directly.

A mother modelling agency may help you get non-exclusive contracts with a number of agencies, that may cover different countries, regions or even types (such as body part, fashion show or catalogue).

They might even help train new models, teaching them what to expect from the industry and from modelling agencies and familiarising them with contracts, their rights and how to stay safe.

Although it’s not their main role, mother modelling agencies may help a model find work while they are seeking a contract with a regular agency. This will help build up the model’s portfolio, experience and skills, which will make them more attractive to the agents.

If you want to learn more about the insider secrets of modelling agencies, then visit the Neon Models website.

Visit Neon Models on Facebook!

A Model’s Essentials - a Neon Models Guide

Just like a boyscout, a model should always be prepared. Obviously, you should always check guidelines and advice when going to a particular casting, shoot or interview and make sure you follow it to the letter, but there are a few things that it’s good to always have prepared, whether you’ve been specifically told or not.

The items listed below can be your lifesavers, showing that you’re prepared and professional. And if you’re the one with the essential missing item just when the photographer or client needs it, while all the other models stand around looking sheepish – well, you can be sure that’s going to give you an edge – and in this business, you need all the advantages you can get.

Here are a model’s essentials

Phone

You should always have your mobile phone on you, because you never know when you’re going to get a call for a last minute casting or shoot. The fashion industry moves fast, and a model who is responsive and flexible is more likely to win the work. If they can’t get hold of you for several hours, then chances are, you’ve missed your shot.

Street map / sat nav

It’s a good idea to have some kind of satellite navigation or map feature on your phone (or you could carry a good old fashioned paper map if you’re so inclined) so that you don’t end up lost in the middle of nowhere.

Something to keep you occupied

Modelling often involves a lot of waiting around, so if you get bored easily, bring something with you to keep yourself entertained. Otherwise you’ll be grumpy and impatient by the time it comes round to you, and bad tempered models don’t last long. Again, with the miracles of modern technology, you can always have some kind of game or access to a magazine on your phone, that you can access unobtrusively.

Your portfolio

Obvious one this – you should always carry your portfolio with you, you never know when someone might ask to see it!

Comp Cards

Make sure you have your comp cards on you, wherever you go. Like any business cards, saying ‘Oh, I left them at home!’ not only sounds unprofessional, but could mean you lose a job, as the potential client or agent has no way of remembering and contacting you.

Make up, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail file, hairbands and mirror

You’re a model! You have to look your best at all times. So keep a small compact mirror and basic make-up on you, in case of emergencies.

Deodorant

Modelling jobs often involve travelling and long hours. They also involve wearing clothes that belong to other people. The last thing you want to do is leave sweat stains in that fancy top, or have a client wrinkle their nose as you walk in.

Emergency bag

It’s a good idea to put together a little bag containing the following emergency items, all of which should be pretty self-explanatory:

·         Spare pair of tights

·         Mints

·         Wet wipes

·         Safety Pins

·         Water

Now you’ve got your kit of modelling essentials – you’re ready to go!

Like this? Check out some of our other blogs...

http://neonmodels.wordpress.com/

http://neonmodelsblog.wordpress.com/

http://neonmodelstestimonials.wordpress.com/

The Most Expensive Lingerie Collection in the World

If you fancy getting a little something special for Christmas, then look no further, though it’s the price tag that might get your heart racing, with only three styles of three pieces, each costing in excess of £3,000.

London-based lingerie label Bordelle has created the ‘capsule’ collection for Selfridges, as they wanted to create something ‘really decadent’ for Christmas. Each piece is handmade and individually numbered, and they make use of gold filigree, Swarovski crystals and the most luxurious fabrics.

The adult toy industry has exploded in the past few years, thanks to the success of the self-published bestseller Shades of Grey, and the founder and designer of Bordelle, Alex Popa, said she wanted to create something seductive and bondage inspired that didn’t have to be trashy or throwaway.

The collection may be pricey, but pale into insignificance compared to possibly the most expensive lingereie item ever – the 2010 Fantasy Diamond Bra released by Victoria’s Secret, worth an eye watering $2.5 million.

Other pricey lingerie brands include Carine Wilson, Agent Provocateur, Jean Yu and Guia La Bruna with items starting in the hundreds and ranging into the thousands of dollars.

 

Visit the Neon Models Website!

 

Ballet Beautiful – the model’s choice of exercise.

Yoga and pilates have long been a popular exercise style for models, as they improve core strength, flexibility and fitness, as well as helping to calm the mind and relieve stress and anxiety.

But a new kid is on the block, in the form of Ballet Beautiful. This is a new system devised by Mary Helen Bowers, and initially aimed at ballet dancers.

The system works through a series of exercises and postures intended to sculpt and tone sleek ballet muscles.

Both models and ballet dancers need to have great strength and fitness, but preferably without bulging muscles, so this kind of tonal exercise is perfect.

Benefits of Ballet Beautiful include improved posture, strong core strength, increased flexibility and natural, easy grace.

Many supermodels, including Victoria’s Secret Angels, including Erin Heatherton and Lindsay Ellingson swear by the system to keep their bodies in perfect shape for the catwalk.

Love fashion and modelling? Visit our main site Neon Models.