A few months later I was shopping in the mall with my tall, gorgeous Mother. We always fought over trying on clothes and on this day I was a spoiled brat complete with tantrum. An elegant lady walked over to us and introduced herself. She was tall, glamorous and looked famous. She explained that she was visiting her sister who worked as a senior designer. That she lived in New York and was a model scout for a top agency. She asked how long before my braces would be taken off, what size feet I had and my age. She gave me her card and said to call her when my braces came off. That "maybe" I could be a model in Paris or New York. I was shocked and on cloud nine. Ugly me? A model? I couldn't believe my ears.
I ran home to my Father and told him the good news. He basically said "over my dead body"! My Mother felt there wouldn't be any harm in trying and she supported my efforts. There was a modeling school in town that was more for teaching young ladies proper posture, etiquette and style. Promoting confidence and grace. I begged my father to let me try out for the school while my braces were still on my teeth. After I begged for three straight weeks he finally gave in and I called for an appointment. I was immediately accepted to the modeling school on full scholarship. This full scholarship only really covered 50% of the bill and Dad had to fork up the rest. It was expensive but I wanted it more than anything. Later I came to realize that all the girls got full scholarships. It was a ploy to get you signed up so they could take your money.
Modeling school was great for my confidence and I learned a lot about the industry. One of my instructors was a former New York runway model and she told us that most of us would never make it as a high fashion model. Due to the height and weight requirements alone. I was one of the only ones who met all the criteria and she spent a lot of time with me. She shaped my eyebrows, styled my hair, showed me how to apply makeup and took me shopping for clothes. When we went to lunch she explained what good food choices were and how water was her most important beauty secret. She talked about inner beauty, kindness and confidence. I adored her with her beauty, patience and incredible sense of style. She was a fantastic mentor.
By the time I was thirteen my braces were off and the boys started noticing me at school. I had boobs, my skin was clear and I had a flattering hair style. My Mother called Jean (the modeling scout) and she asked us to fly to New York. My Father was totally against it and only agreed for me to do local modeling. I begged and cried for weeks but he was adamant about me not going to New York at such a young age. That my education was the most important aspect in my life. I went to several department stores to try out for the Teen Board. The largest most famous department store hired me as a part time, professional model. They said my look was too mature for teen modeling. All this at 13, my head was in a tailspin. It's funny because at 13 I made more money per hour than I do here in Kuwait.
My life forever changed. I went to school during the day and during the weekends I would pose for photographers, walk the runway or tearoom modeling for designers. It was a positive experience and I loved every minute of it. I became a cheerleader and my boyfriend was a star football player. I had a good family life and all was going well.
Reality bites: New York at 17 years old.
I graduated from high school at seventeen. My entire future was in front of me and all I wanted was to model in New York. At 5'10 I had all the criteria for being a high fashion model. The only exceptions were my large breasts (D cup) which are too big for runway modeling and my feet were a little too long. My Father agreed to let me go for the summer.
The modeling industry is full of scam artists. They prey on girls that want to become models who don't have a prayer. These scam artists make a lot of money off of little girls with big dreams. Dreaming of becoming high fashion models they will do or pay anything. You might be the most beautiful girl in your small town but if you are too short or plain it's never going to happen. In order to be a high fashion model you need to have strong features, high cheekbones, be naturally tall and very skinny. Female runway models must be 5'9" to 6'' (though exceptions are made in either direction on occasion, though only by an inch or so) and meet the measurements of 32-34, 22-24, and 33-35 (bust, waist, hips in inches). You should be naturally attractive, photogenic and unique looking with good posture. Able to strut down the runway in 3 inch heels without busting your ass. Clear skin, good teeth, healthy hair, close to perfect bone structure and extremely confident. Even with all this only a small percentage of girls make it in the industry. If you make it into this small club then only 30% actually get steady work.
When I arrived in New York City I was overwhelmed. I went to open call at Elite, Wilhelmina and then I had an appointment at Ford. I had to show up with my hair clean and tied back, no makeup on and casual clothes. I was photographed with a Polaroid camera at every angle. They took my measurements and contact information. I was overwhelmed, stressed and my confidence began to dwindle. There were beautiful girls everywhere and suddenly I didn't feel like I was even close to being model material. I couldn't eat or sleep as my Mother and I waited for news. I was called back to Ford and Wilhelmina for a second interview.
We chose Ford or should I say Ford chose me. I was instructed to lose 15 lbs. I was already very thin and my Mother was upset at the thought of her seventeen year old on a diet. They also told my Mother that she would have to go back home and how I would live in an apartment with other young models. We would have to hide this from Dad.
The ugly side of the industry
I was homesick, starving myself and exercising like crazy. We would go to clubs at night to party unsupervised and then sleep all day. I was fed endless champagne to loosen up and started smoking cigarettes socially to curve my hunger pains. I was scared and shy when forced to change in large dressing rooms full of strangers that included men. I went to endless photo shoots to have pictures taken for my modeling portfolio. Some photographers were mean and treated us like cattle. They called us nobodies and said we would never become runway models if we didn’t do whatever they said. I went on “go sees” where I was always turned down for work. I didn’t have enough experience in my book, my look wasn’t right for that season, I wasn’t this or that. It was mostly a nightmare for a seventeen year old girl. I did enjoy living in New York and made some lifelong friends.
Returning home
I called my parents one night and asked to come home. I had my ticket the next day. I did get some work but it takes a long time to build up your modeling book so that you have a chance in hell of scoring decent paying jobs. Once I got home I immediately enrolled in University. I wanted nothing to do with modeling. It isn’t for everyone and so I focused on school and being with normal people. I became friends with many international students. My family would have them over on holidays and treat them like their own children.
After my first year of university I made straight A’s and applied for school overseas. First I went to London for the summer on an exchange program. After London, I was accepted on full scholarship to a European University. During my years of study I did model part time in Europe and even the Middle East. That was enough for me and brought me some extra cash and a little publicity.
If you asked me today would I change a thing I would have to say no, it was a good experience and I learned a lot about myself. One thing is for sure in my mind, if I ever have a daughter I would never allow her to be a model. Once she is an adult she can make her own decisions but while she is still under my roof – Hell to the No!
My advice for model wanabees
Nowadays there are so many different types of modeling. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t pay someone to become a model. It’s a job and they pay you. Watch out for the hundreds of scam artists preying on young girls with dreams of becoming a top model. I copied an article I found on the internet that has excellent information. (See below). With reality TV it seems like anyone can have their 15 minutes of fame as a model or actress. I can’t stand reality TV! It turns my stomach in most cases. Just remember that modeling is a cruel business. You are a product and you need a strong stomach with a side of extra confidence to withstand the constant judgment on your appearance.
Different Types of Modeling Within The Industry
High fashion modeling
High fashion modeling consists of mainly fashion runway shows. This is when designers hire models to wear their clothes down the runway to present them for the first time to the public. High fashion will also carry over to fashion magazine spreads, where the models will wear the couture’s of designers as a form of advertisement.
There is a certain look different agencies will look for with this type of modeling. Some years they want really thin models and other years, models with curves. It's all about the look of the season and what the designers are looking for as well.
The high fashion look is usually girls with the high cheekbones, long necks and square jaws. This may change but usually girls with more of an oval shaped face will not do well in the high fashion industry. They are more fit in categories of glamour.
This part of the industry is the most competitive because it is one of the highest paid modeling positions. There is a lot of drugs and partying, and some models make the fall into that and drop out of modeling. So you have to be careful and stay straight.
REQUIREMENTS:
A female model should be 14-19 years old
Mainstream range 5'9"-5'11"
Some exceptions being between 5.8"-6.0"
Weight needs to be between 108-130lbs, in proportion to height
Dress sizes 6-8
Desired measurements around 34B-24-34
Glamour modeling
Glamour modeling really doesn't have any requirements. They have guidelines of what different magazines want. Some like a glamour model to have a more oval face because then the model appears to be sexier, but that is the personal preference of the client or photographer. Mostly it is whatever sells. Most glamour models are at least pretty fit as they show a lot of their body.
Glamour models are models that pose in magazines like Maxim and Stuff magazine. You will see them do a lot of implied shots as well as a lot of lingerie. A lot of glamour models also participate in promotional tradeshows as well as car events.
Petite modeling
Petite models usually work for small boutiques or stores with petite divisions. Petite models can also do makeup ads as size does not matter in those.
REQUIREMENTS:
Height: 5.2"-5.4"
Dress Size: 2-4
Plus size modeling
Plus size models usually work for stores with plus size divisions. Designers are starting to do plus size runway shows because it appeals to a large part of the population, since a lot of women are a size 12 or above. A plus size model usually has broad shoulders and is big boned with beautifully classic features.
REQUIREMENTS:
Height: 5.2"-6.1"
Dress Size: 12-14
These requirements will vary depending on the client. As well as the proportions of the model.
Teen modeling
In this division of modeling you will most likely be doing commercial print work and catalogue; there is other work, like high fashion, if you fit the height and weight requirements, but catalogue and print work make up most of the demographic of work received in this division of modeling.
REQUIREMENTS:
Ages 13-17
Mature modeling
You will see a lot of mature models in print and commercial advertisements. Companies like Viagra and Bayer will tend to use mature models because that's the age group that uses their product the most.
REQUIREMENTS:
Ages 40+
Body Part Modeling (hand, foot, neck modeling, etc.)
Body part modeling is a specialty division. You model your foot, hand, leg, neck, etc. You have to have a perfect body part; that means no veins showing, perfect nails if hand or foot, no scars, no wrinkles, it needs to be clean, without blemishes. With hand models, agencies usually look for hands with long slender fingers.
Models in this division will also follow the same path as a regular model in the terms of finding an agency, building a portfolio and comp card.
Male modeling
Male models can do anything from commercial modeling to high fashion. Male models have a very competitive industry as most male models have to be perfectly fit to get hired on most jobs and because there are so many guys out there competing for the same roles, you have to be able to stand out in front of all them to get the role.
REQUIREMENTS:
Height: 5.10"-6.2"
Age: Late teens into late twenties.
Suit Size: 40 (This is standard size for male models, this size may vary depending on client)
Character or "Real People" modeling
This is also known as commercial modeling. In this part of the industry there are no requirements, just that you fit what the client is looking for. This part of the industry can include commercials, print, just about anything.
Catalogue modeling
Catalogue modeling is very competitive because it gives models a lot of exposure; mostly brands like Victoria's Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch. Because it's so competitive, it is hard to sustain a fulltime income. Catalogue modeling is also specific to where you live, it's very regional. If you live in city where the home office of that brand is located, they will most likely use you depending on the demands of advertising and if they like your look.
There is a lot of catalogue work out there. You might be working a lot for companies like Macys, Robinsons May, etc, but it's there.
REQUIREMENTS:
Height: 5.7"-5.8"
Showroom Modeling
Showroom modeling can be a runway show in a local boutique introducing a new collection, also could be standing and showing their clothing at a fashion party. This kind of modeling you need to have contacts with local boutiques and local fashion designers.
REQUIREMENTS:
The clothes need to look good on you. Mostly calls for women who wear dress sizes 2-6.
Fit Modeling
This industry you are competing with a lot of fitness stars who are very particular about their body. You really have to be in GREAT shape to be in this division. Girls that's right, you got to have a totally flat stomach or forget about this division. You can't be really skinny either; you have to have muscle on you. Normally this is for very athletic boys and girls.
REQUIREMENTS:
Height: No particular height requirement (depends on client or print publication)
Weight: One must be extremely fit and height/weight proportionate.
Promotional (Trade Show) Modeling
In promotional modeling you will go to conventions and trade shows. You will be standing at a merchant's booth greeting customers, handing out product samples and talking to them about the products. Some promotional models travel with the company at their expense from show to show. This can be a great opportunity for a beginning model as you will meet some of the directors and marketing personnel within that company and that can lead to print work later down the road.
There are no specific requirements for this field.
Editorial (Magazine and Newspaper) Modeling
Editorial Models are the best of the best. They are the supermodels you know and love, like Tyra, Rebecca, Giselle and Cindy. They know exactly how to pose in front of a camera, and do just the right expressions for every shot. Editorial models also have the chance to be a little more creative with their work. This is something to strive for.
REQUIREMENTS:
Women Height: 5.8 1/2"-6.0"
Women Dress: 0-5
Men Height: 5.11"-6.1"
Men Size: 32-36
