Because
modeling is all about your body, there are certain
physical requirements
you should be aware of when you’re considering whether not you
want to
become a model. First of all we’re going to tell you the
classic body
requirements or a fashion model. We do not want you to
become
discouraged. In fact we can guarantee that 9 out of 10
people
will not fit into these basic physical requirements.
If these do not apply to most
models, why should you know these?
Because we want you to first become aware of the classic
requirements and demonstrate to you how limited these requirements
are for most people. After that, we want to show you the huge
variety of modeling opportunities available to people who do not
fit into that stringent definition.
Aspiring models often think very narrowly.
If their only measure of success is walking the runway in Fashion
weeks, they are almost always doomed to failure. In the same
sense, it would be like an aspiring movie director saying that he
or she will stand for nothing less than becoming the next Steven
Spielberg. A nice goal to shoot for, yes, but one must be open to
other possibilities.
The 60/20/20 Rule
The 60/20/20 Rule is quite simple. 20% of aspiring models go on to
become models. Of that 20%, only 10% will reach that noteworthy
level of modeling on the catwalks of Cape town & Joburg
fashion week, South African Fashion Week, and Africa Fashion week,
for top designers such as Craig Port or Terrence Bray. Aim for the
top. But understand that modeling, just like all other professions
on Earth, have varying levels of success.
A Model Height
Taller is better. 1.78 inches tall for girls &
1.80 inches for guys is about the minimum height
than a model can have for top fashion modeling careers in
Jo’burg Fashion week, South African fashion week or Cape town
fashion week. In reality, supermodels are taller than at—6 feet
or more. No, there is no discrimination at work here. The simple
fact of the matter is that taller models display clothes better
than shorter models. Fashion designers can cut larger articles of
clothing for larger people, resulting in a better display of their
product on the small screen or in small magazine pictures.
Body Types the Modeling Industry
Prefers
Weight is a very touchy subject for most models. In general,
models need to be quite slim in proportion to their height in
order to fit into the types of clothing that designers want them
to wear. Think: about 5 or 15 kg less than recommended weight for
your height. 35 inches is about the maximum for hip measurements,
and then take it down another 10 inches for waist measurement. For
adult females, breasts also not large, unless the type of modeling
you are intending to do depends on an ample bosom. Do not go out
and begin to lose weight to become a model.
Ultra-Skinny? The Tide is Turning
For decades, “the skinnier, the better” was the motto.
Aspiring models would do anything to lose weight—even
endangering their health with extreme dieting, bulimia, or
anorexia. But slowly attitudes are changing. The fashion industry
has begun to come to grips with the notion that not all women are
6 feet tall and 102 pounds. Not only that, but in 2006 Spain made
the shocking declaration that it would no longer allow overly thin
models on the catwalk. The pronouncement from the government of
Spain caused the modeling industry to re-examine its direction and
its goals. Now, “ultra skinny” is no longer the exclusive body
type preferred in the fashion world.
Preferred Model Clothing Sizes
Fashion models should be no less than a women’s size two to no
larger than women’s size six.
Model Age Range
For high fashion (i.e., the “catwalk ” type of fashion), the
typical age range for fashion models tends to be from age 16 to
28, with the majority of the models being around 16 are 22 years
old.
Model Hair and Skin
The two most important aspects for any model—supermodel or
not—is the hair and skin.
It is hard for us to overstate this fact. In case you aren’t
understanding us, let us repeat: Hair and skin! Your hair must be
flawless and impeccable. Your skin must be flawless and
impeccable. No, there is no preferred skin type or color. But
whatever your type and color, your skin must be smooth, dry, free
of flaws, and taut. Hair must be shiny, healthy-looking, and not
overly long. |
