Its time to buck up with some makeup tutorials. That’s a real thing to know for you if you really are looking for a runway….
Archives for September 2016
Be Confident in Your Attire
Shopping every school year and picking out outfits every morning shouldn’t feel like chores.
They should be fun!
If you hate getting dressed, because you hate what you look like, then there’s a way for all of that to change.
Here are a few lifesaving fashion tips for women with low self confidence:
- Add Layers to Your Outfit
You don’t have to pass up cute clothes, because you’re uncomfortable showing certain areas of your body.
If there’s a dress you love, but you don’t want to show off your legs, you can always wear leggings underneath.
If there’s a crop top you adore, but you don’t want to expose your stomach, you can put a tank top underneath it or pair it with high waisted jeans.
- Create Your Own Style Instead of Copying Other People
Don’t wear low-cut shirts and mini-skirts, because you think that’s the only way to look sexy.
Don’t wear yoga pants and Uggs, just because it’s what you see everybody else around you wearing.
You can create your own style.
Don’t wear what you think you should wear.
Wear what you’re actually comfortable in, and I’m not talking about physical comfort.
Decide how much skin you’re willing to show and what body parts you prefer showing off.
- Buy Clothing That Actually Fits
The biggest mistake women make is buying clothes that are too big or too small for them.
That’s why you need to get a tape measurer and figure out your actual measurements.
That way, you’ll never end up buying tight jeans that show off your camel toe or oversized shirts that make you look bigger than you actually are.
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Best Blogs On Fashion
Who: Seoul-born London dweller Shini Park
Why: A creative whirlwind, Park’s blog design – clean and graphic – reflects her cool pared-back approach and covers everything from her fashion week outfits to food. She also works as a graphic designer and photographer. The best bit of her blog by far is the DIY section – where she documents style projects galore with lots of easy to follow pictures. From beginner level – rustle yourself up some Faberge-Egg inspired nails with some polish, glitter, a pencil and a pin – to Great British Sewing Bee-worthy: see her step by step guide to sewing together two different coloured cardis to make a duo-toned ‘carduogan’ (yes she did make that up). We’ll totes be putting chains on the backs of our boots for some DIY tasselled heels.
Who: History graduate Stella Kattermann
Why: Finnish/German/Czech/Russian (she’s one quarter each), Kattermann is instantly recognisable for her bleached do and serious fringe. Her kooky fash-clash styling has seen her photographed everywhere. Her blog is suitably personal, from the hand-written font style to the illustrations, and her musings on everything from the fluffy – hot East London burger joint tip-offs – to the serious – thoughts about her father’s death last year and why fashion actually matters.
Who: South West London-born Ella Gregory
Why: Approachable and accessible with a slightly work-focused twist, Gregory’s blog is all about feel-good fashion and interesting features – who doesn’t want to know about the story behind the wedding dresses of four style insiders or what a cool web developer wears to work?
She says: “Coco’s Tea Party is a lifestyle blog dedicated to providing attainable style inspiration for fashion-savvy young professionals. We believe that life is more fun when filled with beautiful things – whether it be a cosy cashmere sweater, glossy coffee table book or new lipstick – and that it shouldn’t cost a fortune to build a stylish, colourful life.”
Who: Finnish native, London-based design graduate Sandra Hagelstam
Why: She covers fashion and beauty but her blog has always focused heavily on the shoe element. We love her new feature: Shoe of the Month, an exhaustive tried-and-tested of the latest heels – so now we know exactly how comfy Saint Laurent’s ‘Candy’ platforms are and whether they run true to size.
She says: “I blog about the things I wear and the shoes I love. My blog is all about high heels and effortless style. Good quality wardrobe basics are what I feel most comfortable in. As long as it’s paired with a 5 inch heel, you will never see me in flats….”
Who: Absurdly gorgeous Australian Nicole Warne
Why: The vintage-obsessed Western Australian started with an Ebay store selling vintage clothes until her blog sideline began garnering serious attention. She now rules the Sydney fashion roost, with a style-icon empire that extends to presenting, modelling (she’s signed to the same agency as Miranda Kerr), consulting and judging – she recently sat alongside Vogue Australia’s editor on the panel for the Australian BT Emerging Fashion Designer Award. Mainly, we just love her glossy, colour-saturated Insta feed. Drool.
Who: Parisienne expat Camille Charriere, now based in London.
Why: The leggy blonde provides a tres chic mix of outfit inspiration – her personal style definitely has that insouciant French vibe – and trend and brand lowdowns. The ‘boutique’ section of her site is a one-stop shop for the pieces she loves – and we also like the fact she has regular wardrobe clearouts via Vestiaire so true Camille-alikes can snap up her actual clothes…
She says: “COTR is a destination for a mixture of emerging and luxury fashion, with a particular emphasis on Scandinavian labels.”
Who: Hilariously laid-back Phil Oh
Why: After an erm, varied career including trashy novel-writer and much-fired restaurant worker, Oh started taking pictures of quirky outfits that caught his eye on the streets of New York. Now his street style pictures cover cities from Warsaw to Jakarta, with an eye that always zooms in on the colourful and cool.
He says: “I started Street Peeper around 2006 as an excuse to travel around, documenting what the kooky kids were wearing. Now it’s evolved to capturing the style, along with the chaos and mayhem that occurs outside shows during fashion weeks. “
Who: London-based fashion stylist Alex Stedman
Why: Thrifty tips and hot high street bargains a-plenty, Stedman’s pearls of wisdom focus on how to live well for less, from sharing how she clears her credit card debts to her favourite stylish cheap-eat restaurants.
She says: “My blog is a fashion and lifestyle website for real people, living on a normal budget. I swear by affordable clothes and offer advice on what to invest in, and what not to. After all – budget or no budget – everyone likes a bargain.”
Elle Macpherson
‘I’m known as one of the most beautiful women in the world… but it’s one thing to be 20 with legs up to your armpits, and another to be 51’: Elle Macpherson on how growing older affected her supermodel confidence
- Elle Macpherson admitted in an interview that she feels less confident
- ‘The Body’ says that not being 20 anymore has made her unsure of herself
- The model, 51, says feeling good inside is now more important to her.
She is one of the original supermodels and has been hailed as ‘The Body’ – the ultimate vision of beauty – for decades.
But even The Body ages eventually.
Elle Macpherson has admitted that, just like the rest of us mere mortals, growing older has affected her confidence.
‘Really not confident and sure of myself’: Elle Macpherson admitted in a revealing interview on Wednesday that growing older has affected her confidence
The Body, now and then: ‘It’s one thing being 20 and gorgeous with legs up to your armpits and beautiful tight skin… and it’s another to be 51,’ she said
‘It’s one thing being 20 and gorgeous with legs up to your armpits and beautiful tight skin… and it’s another to be 51,’ she said during a frank interview with Sunrise on Wednesday.
‘Finally you get to this stage and you say “I’ve been known to be one of the most beautiful women in the world,” and felt really not confident and sure of myself.
‘As I’ve matured I’ve realised that it doesn’t really matter what I look like. The most important thing is how do I feel?
Inner beauty: ‘As I’ve matured I’ve realised that it doesn’t really matter what I look like. The most important thing is how do I feel?’ she added
‘When I started sleeping more and relaxing a bit more in my life and looking after my nutrition… good nutrition can change everything.
‘I hadn’t really understood how deprived my body was.’
Elle appeared on the morning program to spruik her supplement The Super Elixir, which she says has changed her life.
Style Icon. Kate Moss
From the freckled girl sitting on her suitcase in an airport to her glory days as a supermodel, Kate Moss has grown, changed, stirred controversy, envy and admiration. But she has always remained true to her own self, never hiding or pretending to be somebody else. Patrick Demarchelier had a strong feeling about Kate since he saw her in a Dolce & Gabbana photo shoot, naming her ‘the next Twiggy’.
She ruled the 90s fashion scene with her androgynous look, making a name for herself as that tiny not so pretty model but with a certain something that nobody owns. She became the Calvin Klein girl, the grunge poster girl – that every female in London wanted to look like and party with till dawn. Her child like physique awkwardly mixed with her seductive persona, her ability to be unbelievably beautiful or strangely ugly, to be innocent and sinful at the same time, her amazing bone structure – make Kate Moss a perfect face and body. A perfect union of tiny imperfect bits. A bit of crooked teeth in a world of veneers, flat boobs in a reign of silicon, free spirit in a media of PR’s that dictate fake lifestyles. For more on the ’90s fashion – grunge style see my last week’s post.
Her entire rebel, free & careless persona is reflected in a unique fashion that make Kate Moss a Style Icon. When asked about her style she genuinely confesses she dresses according to her moods. No rules. Except she always goes for black when a bit depressed. But other than that she has no interest in trends or how to bring the catwalk styles to the street. Kate wears skinny low waist jeans when everyone else doesn’t, and then she goes for high waist and large ones when everyone else goes for skinny. She loves vintage pieces and altering her clothes – cut offs, shorter hemlines, whatever she feels in the mood for. Always pairing them with what fashion stylists would call a ‘Fashion Don’t’. Her ‘Fashion do’s’ are jewelry (never can have too many) and her mixing of styles.
Kate Moss will be the one wearing a dress when everyone else goes for trousers. And vice versa. She will walk bare foot in a show and never give a damn. She pairs expensive dresses with grunge boots, or tiny stilettos with boyfriend T-shirts. She wears her hair uncombed and tousled on the red carpet, looking gorgeous with no effort. She can go bare or with makeup (charcoal eye pencil apparently applied with no care) and turn heads. She is the definition of glamorously careless, effortlessly cool. A style icon without trying or desiring to be one. I guess all those years of supermodel and mingling with the fashion ones have payed off. Or perhaps it’s in her. After all… clothes can be bought. But style is something you have or you don’t.
Vidisha Pavate – Dusky Super Model to go past Indian Stereotypes
Every Indian Super Model has a great story that inspires one and all, the raise and raise of Vidisha Pavate is no exception, but an exceptional one. The unconventional looks of this Bangalores discovery were often subjected to scrutiny and she has shown the best way to deal with it. Its pretty simple, she went ahead to become the Ford Super Model in 1996. She was nineteen back then and being the first Indian to be crowned the Ford Super Model continued to be her identity. Vidishas, an IAS aspirant was spotted at a party by Prasad Bidappa, a fashion stylist and choreographer who also trained her to pursue new heights in modeling. Today, Vidishas path breaking career is an inspiration to several aspiring models and fashion enthusiasts in India and across the world. All credits to her determination that took the stride and as a result of which fashion & modeling have become a lot more diverse entities in the present days Indian scenario.
Advertizing Endeavors
Vidishas supermodel fame was of little help in getting an early breakthrough into a liner thinking advertizing industry of India. Vidishas perseverance to make the difference paid off with the photographer Prabuddho Dasgupta making a distinctive choice in her favor. The Verma Campaign associated with Prabuddho remained a benchmark for Vidishas success. She could sign up for brands like Deepam Saris and Goa, Indias first perfume launched by Ritu Nanda. It was indeed the TV commercial for Santiago Rum that sealed her fame and fortune. Vidisha reached a platform that defined her identity as she became indispensable in the niche she craved for herself. Her association with the premium IGEDO fair in Dusseldorf for the launch of Longines Watches is well cherished. Events like International Gem & Jewelry Show in Switzerland have promoted Vidisha as a preferred Indian model at an International level.
Fiddling with Life, Career and Business
Vidisha Pavate is also much talked about being a sharp brainer in an industry that has a lot of space for no brainers as beauty alone matters. But, Vidisha takes a different approach. A busy ramp model with elegance, she prefers to stay in business outside Bollywood and Modeling. She founded Pick of the Bunch along with her photographer husband Darren Centofanti. They are into importing premium wines from Australia and she personally takes care of accounts and logistics. Her marriage to Darren Centofanti, an Australian photographer also made a great impact in her life that is mostly about convincingly making unconventional choices.
A diva to be remembered for beauty with virtue and elegance, Vidisha Pavate is under no stress about her work and career. According to her, to remain beautiful and impressive is to do right things with an appropriate balance. Its all about taking care of diet and fitness routines. With modeling commitments that involve travelling around the world, she always believed in a formula that suggests less is more. Vidisha is a fashion statement of her own who has practical outlook in every aspect of her life.
Top Modeling Agencies in India
The very idea of modeling keeps maturing with changing trends of fashion & lifestyle which are interlinked with each other in many ways. Along with these changing or maturing times, the role of a moldering agency would change in terms of taking a transformational approach. It must also facilitate sustainable avenues with an end-to-end mentorship strategy, which is way different from merely leading an aspiring model towards an open door of opportunity. It is also very true that the kind of expectations the industry has from any modeling agency are no less than demanding by a stretch. This present and prevailing scenario would suggest a lot about how modeling agencies in India are living up to the challenge. Therefore one must not be surprised with an idea that there are not many successful agencies that are also consistent in maintaining their brand identity, recognition and value. Given this context, we have worked on presenting some of the most coveted and naturally the top modeling agencies in India.
- INGEA Models –
Models, Talent and Production – these are the three simple things that define INGEA which has a very rich presence in India with over fifteen years of experience. Diversity is the core identity that has been determining its success. INGEA boasts of being a preferred agency sort by premium advertising companies and production houses. With a lot at stake to remain the best, they scale up to the reputation of being the first ever International-Indian Modeling Agency in Mumbai.
- Urban Model Management Agency –
UMM as it is popularly referred, this modeling agency is relatively new player in the market. It has been operating with a lot of passion to being a new approach to the whole phenomenon of modeling in India. Being promoted as a broad-based agency, they are working on multiple platforms that source talents to the fashion, advertizing and film industries in India.
- Auraa Models –
Auraa has a global modeling outlook with a fresh approach, it’s a premium agency based at Delhi also operating in Mumbai. It’s a very unique kind of an agency that showcases international models in the Indian market. It has its own value proposition with growing demand in India with the film and advertizing industries constantly looking for genuine male and female models who can justify playing versatile roles. They are also instrumental in redefining the core idea of modeling in certain select segments.
- Vogati Talent & Entertainment
Spotting new talent and grooming Indian and International models has been the thrust of this very successful modeling agency based at Delhi. Established in 2012, it has reached new heights in a very short span of time and its all thanks to the experienced talent pool behind the curtains. It’s a boutique venture that prepares talents for ramp shows, Ad shoots, TV and movies. Among many things that differentiate this agency and bring it to the spotlight, their vision to create a new brand story stands out. Driven by talent centric attitude eventually maximizes Vogati’s overall visibility.
- Purple Thoughts
Operating through highly diverse segments of events & production with a candid approach towards talent search, Purple Thoughts is definitely an agency with immense creativity. Their approach is truly global and the same is evidently visible in the choices they make for multiple platforms that represent variety, uniqueness and versatility. Young and experienced talent is a unique facet in the world of modeling and it needs an agency like Purple Thoughts to nicely blend them all. From fashion shows to brand launches and weddings, this Delhi based agency has its exceptional take.
- 6th Avenue
Poised to be the Delhi’s hottest modeling agency, 6th Avenue was founded by professional models who knew the ins & outs of modeling and fashion demands. The perspective of agencies operated by models is naturally expected to be more realistic and therefore have a great advantage. They operate through exclusive divisions taking care of Indian and International markets with clear distinction. It is also one of the few agencies that are into in-house casting, which is a unique benchmark in itself for any new generation modeling agency.
- KAD Model Management
An international modeling agency operating from Indian soil, KAD Model Management is known for its unique value quotient. Its identity is driven by creating and showcasing New Fashion Experience, as they call it. There is a lot at stake in terms of bringing together people and concepts from the world of fashion & modeling. Creativity is of little impact unless it is worth implementing flawlessly. KAD has the proven capabilities that make it a reliable agency to handle all the requirements that range across talent requirements, location and production needs.
- Karma Models
Karma derives its passion from its name that suggests revelation in itself. Discovering talent to facilitate exceptional and adorable modeling solutions made Karma what it is today. It’s a popular agency operating from Delhi and Mumbai, noted for uniqueness in its approach and credibility that is built on relentless innovation. Karma Models is surely desirable and hence calling it a One-Stop Agency wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all. They deal with end to end requirements pertaining to production managed by highly experienced production managers. With so many defining moments of managing shoots at exotic global locations, this agency has a lot of credibility to bank upon.
The surge in demand for intelligent and appropriate models would lead to the launch of many new agencies. They ought to work with a clear vision and long term approach. Being open to adapt and transform during challenging times to meet up with multiple demands would be the real formula for success. This applies to every aspiring model as well; there is a lot completion which is indeed created by growing demand for fresh and dynamic talents. This is of course time to explore opportunities with the industry opening up in all fronts. Good news is that careers in modeling are no longer limited to ramp walks and film studios.
Be A Model
The modeling world is one of the most competitive, hardest and possibly dangerous industries to enter into as a career if you don’t know the right steps to take.
Many people are willing to take advantage of young females looking to make it famous with their looks.
On the other hand, there are quality agencies out there that can be hard to get into or accepted to if girls aren’t aware of what steps to becoming a model are necessary.
Check out these essential steps so you can know up front what you need to do if you’re interested in modeling
Know Your Market
One of the most important steps to becoming a model is knowing your market.
What does this mean?
Well, for starters, depending on the area you live in, certain trends and looks are more popular than others.
For instance, if you live in the south as I do, runway modeling and fashion show modeling are not as widespread as commercial modeling for print occasions like magazines, newspapers and store sales papers.
Als,o knowing your market will help you know what look the agencies around you are looking for.
Living in a suburban area as I do, agencies aren’t looking for that sleek, ultra-sexy look with overstated hair or makeup like bigger cities are.
In fact, the more natural look is actually preferred in suburban areas, while more trendy, sleek looks are wanted in the city.
If your look doesn’t fit your market, move to an area that does, or consider traveling back and forth to an area that does.
Also know whether you’re auditioning for a market that advertises petite sizes, plus sizes, certain clothing trends, or for a targeted market like natural living, city trends, cosmetic companies, etc.
Research, research, research!
Find a Good Agency
The best thing you can do for yourself is to find a good agency to work with.
Agencies should not ask for money up front, or be sketchy in terms of signing anyone possible, which could mean that they run off with the models’ earnings later.
Get online and search The Better Business Bureau’s website to find a modeling agency you can trust.
A good agency should understand your personal needs as a model, lift you up, and never take money from you.
They should also never ask you to put yourself in a dangerous or compromising situation.
Be Aware
One of my top tips for becoming a model is to be aware of what youll face.
Know that girls can be cut-throat, the wrong agencies may ask you to sacrifice your morals, integrity or beliefs just to obtain certain photos, and know that it can be a very tiring job.
Also be aware that the idea of modeling is not to give you fame, but instead to create a certain wanted look by photographers and companies.
You may be asked to cut or color your hair, wear an outfit you don’t like, or spend endless hours traveling to the right photo shoot location just for one shot.
You may also be on set for anywhere from 8-12 hours or even more.
Know ahead of time that the point of using a model is to create the right photo.
Many photographers, agencies and product campaigns put the photo goal ahead of the model’s needs.
Keep Your Values
Many girls who don’t intend on compromising their values end up doing so if they don’t know ahead of time just what their values are.
Don’t ever sacrifice yourself to be a model.
The modeling world can be laced with drugs, alcohol, sex-trades, rape, greed and more if you get in with the wrong crowd, which is easy to do when you’re looking for a quick route to fame and fortune.
Never do anything it takes to get to the top.
I can promise you that you’ll regret it later and this is the number one reason I left the industry.
Outside of local modeling gigs, most outlets for modeling lead to sketchy, compromising situations.
Know your values and stick to your guns!
On the other hand, the right agencies will honor your values and can lead you to a great career.
Get Some Practice
Don’t expect to walk into a modeling agency, do a few twirls and expect them to sign you.
Having worked in an agency, I can tell you anywhere from 10-20 people a day walked through the doors unexpectedly asking to meet with the owners of the agency.
Agencies are extremely busy and usually have girls fill out paperwork and submit photos for review.
They almost never see girls by just walking in.
Know this ahead of time and get some practice behind your belt.
If you do get called in for a meet and greet, you need to keep your look casual, yet also have a confident walk and not look fake.
Practice, practice, practice!
Get a Good Headshot
When it comes to the modeling industry, you won’t get anywhere without a good headshot to get you started.
Have someone you know or a photographer take a natural headshot of you.
No photo-touching, hardly any makeup, and simple hair should be the top three key points of your photo.
I’m serious, girls!
Modeling agencies hate Photoshopped pictures, makeup, fancy hair styles, or overdone looks.
They want to see you in the raw to see if you could transformed into a variety of looks.
Remember, you’re pretty just as you are, so let those agencies see you for you!
Most importantly, no Glamour Shot photos!
Know the Odds
The modeling industry is one of the hardest careers to achieve and maintain.
Most models who haven’t been modeling up to age 22 are almost guaranteed they won’t make it in the runway industry unless they seek out commercial modeling options, which I’m actually more fond of anyway.
You don’t need to be a certain size to model, nor do you need to look a certain way.
You just need to know what the odds are in the market you’re in.
If you don’t look like a runway model, that’s fine!
I’m only 5’5” so I was never able to be a runway model and I actually preferred more commercial outlets like cosmetic or clothing shots, or even better, magazine ads and covers, to work in.
Know the odds of what you face in terms of the area you live, what your look has to offer, and how hard each specific outlet for modeling is, such as commercial or runway.
The most important thing you can do to become a model is to be yourself!
Never change who you are on the inside or outside to make someone else happy.
Modeling can be a great way to gain self-confidence and can help you make money on the side of a regular day job.
Never sacrifice yourself, your values or your self-esteem to do so!
These steps will lead you to being a successful and happy model.
Have you ever modeled or wanted to?
Models Vs Celebrities: The Fashion Battle
Over the last few years, celebrity endorsement has become a real fixation for fashion brands and fashion magazines. Models are being almost knocked-out of print works and it seems there is only space for celebs. But why is that?
Brad Pitt, Chanel n°5 campaign 2012
A few months ago, David Ratmoko, Director of swiss modeling agency Metro Models also commented to us in an interview: “There’s an alarming trend of celebrities and movie stars landing so many of the prestigious modeling jobs, primarily due to the recognition value for the consumer. Another challenging trend is that so-called ‘real people’ are increasingly employed, especially for corporate commercials, adding a sense of ‘authenticity’ to a product commercial. To meet these challenges, we can only hope that the entertainment industry begins to appreciate again pure beauty and professionalism, which is ensured only by professional models, fully trained in what they do.”
Natalie Portman, Miss Dior Campaign 2012
In an age where Authenticity is the selling value of all things, it seems the public relates more easily to celebs than models… or at least some models. It is a known fact that actors and actresses emulate a sense of personality, on and off set: They play characters in movies and continue selling their image and personality off set (this also applies to music stars). The audience has a real clear vision of the actor/singer, almost as if they know them. For this reason brands book actors or celebrities, they book the personality and followers that come with them.
Rihanna, Emporio Armani Campaign 2012
David & Victoria Beckham, Armani Underwear Campaign 2010
French actress Marion Cotillard, Lady Dior Campaign 2008
Madonna, Louis Vuitton campaign 2009
On the other hand, Supermodels are working their way back to fashion. In the last few years, models such as Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer have been (re)featured in major campaigns and magazine covers, replacing the many younger models who were the industry’s obsession not too long ago. Girls like Naomi have great recognition in the fashion industry as fashion lovers truly aspire to them. And it’s this sense of aspiration that attracts the audience to the campaign! In a time of crisis, using iconic people in campaigns seams the less risky option for advertisers.
So if you are an aspiring model or a new face, you shouldn’t however feel demoralized as it’s up to you to knock down the competition! Try to think of yourself as a brand, and try to find ways to express your personality! Having a great body is not enough in today’s fashion communication! Acting is a discipline that can help you express your personality in different forms, so try auditioning for commercials as well as print works. As a model you are being constantly scrutinized by the public, therefore you should be coherent with the personality you want to portray. And remember… ALWAYS be authentic and real!