I wanna be a supermodel, a runway model… What does it take to be able to strut the clothes and accessories of top fashion designers and brands such as Gucci, Armani and Prada? What does it feel to prance along the runways of the fashion houses in fashion capitals like Milan, Paris and New York City. A runway model’s life is filled with glitz and glamour, klieg lights and the sounds of the cameras clicking away and of course, the opportunity to wear high fashion.
Yes, being a runway model is an attractive job, an opportunity that anyone will grab, given the chance. Imagine the life of a high fashion model! It is not just exciting but financially rewarding. However, this kind of job is attained only with talent, the right look and hard work. After all, this type of modeling is about putting the designer’s clothes at the best light.
How To Become A Model Guide – Click Here!
This is not easy. There are a lot of requirements you have to meet, and you should also look the way the designers want their models to look. Since this is a very lucrative job, it really means that the standards and requirements to be a runway model are quite high.
So, what does it take to be a model? How to become runway model?
- First, the designers will look at your bone structure. You have to be pretty slim, since most of the designers clothes are made in very small sizes. This means that not everyone will fit the bill. This is because designers prefer to fold and sew their latest designs to make them smaller, rather than adjusting the clothes because these are too small for the model. Currently, modeling agencies enforce a strict size on their models. With this job, they say that the best age is around sixteen to seventeen. This is a time when your bone structure is still at its growing stage and you are usually at your slimmest.
- Aside from having the right frame, you also have to have the right height. This means that you should be tall. The clothes of fashion designers work best on those who are tall.
- Another aspect that is required in runway models is their facial structure. In this industry, the most beautiful faces are the ones that are symmetrical. An ideal facial structure is necessary since models are always photographed – whether they are on the catwalk or are featured in magazines. Added to this is the necessity to have flawless skin. In modeling, you will always show some skin – clothes are best shown off when the person wearing it has perfect skin. This way, you don’t need to use makeup to hide whatever flaws you have. Also, unsightly blemishes tend to appear under harsh and unforgiving lights.
- Lastly, a runway model has to be professional and have the right attitude. Attitude is the key for success in this industry. For one, you should always be on time. People will not wait for you. Fittings and rehearsals are based on strict schedules. You also have to factor in time spent with make-up artists. Being late for appointments is an absolute no-no. Designers have very little tolerance for those who don’t have the right attitude.
In fact, in the frantic industry that is fashion, you have to have lots of discipline, as well as a strong work ethic. This is also the case for those who have tendencies to act like divas in the runway. You won’t go far if you try to throw your weight around, expecting people to put up with your demands, when there is little weight to start with. You also need to learn how to deal with different kinds of people. As a runway model, you will need to do a lot of traveling and to work with people of different cultures and levels.
- Attitude also has something to do with the way one performs. Attitude is what adds the extra “oomph” as you walk along the runway. This helps to highlight the mood that the designer would like to portray using clothes. Attitude is what will make a top runway model last in her modeling career. Sometimes, jobs will last for as long as 10 to 12 hours, and tempers start flaring when everybody is tired from a long day’s work.
Now, having said that, if you still think you have what it takes, the first step is to learn what it needs to be a model. There are some modeling schools you can look into to help you know how to walk as a model and to strike a pose, as well as how to use tools such as hairstyling and make up to create a good look. In a modeling school, they also teach the different methods of applying makeup in such a way that your best assets are highlighted. One distinct advantage of enrolling in a modeling school is that top modeling agencies are usually scouting for new additions to their roster straight out of the modeling school.
You should also create a portfolio. This involves head shots and full length shots of yourself. Your portfolio will be what the modeling agencies will look at and is key in helping them decide whether to hire you or not. Being hire by a modeling agency is like getting your foot into the business. The modeling agency will be the one to look for booking and will provide you with appointments with prospective design houses and scouts. And with that, you are well on your way to becoming a runway model!
