Hello and welcome to another edition of she she she, your weekly column that deals with issues affecting women and girls within the country and beyond.
Today we will be talking about modeling, which many people think is only limited to cat walk. If you are a model or aspiring to become one, it essential to ask ourselves whether it is only limited to cat walk.
A lot of girls want to be models because it is glamorous and lucrative and also because they want to be famous and recognized in the modeling world.
Modeling, we all know, is one industry that is competitive and as such not all can survive it. Modeling is more like Gambling, you either lose or win.
Not all do it for glamour or fame though; for some it is passion and others do it for fun. The modeling industry is filled with rejection but still there are others that become successful.
In The Gambia we have models too, even though the question of whether we have a modeling industry or not remain unanswered, there are ladies who still do it and are giving it their best.
When you come to the African context of modeling, the way we view it is different from those in the West. May be is because we think our culture has no place in the modeling industry.
However, we have seen our fashion designers proving us wrong lately as they try to put in our African fabrics to give it both our cultural and modern taste.
Modeling may look simple to people because most of the people think it is only about cat walk, putting on sexy clothes, shiny high heel shoes and wearing the best brazilian hair money can buy.
In The Gambia, recently we have seen our young ladies taking part in modeling competition and soon 15 young ladies will be competing for the Miss Tourism Gambia crown.
Fifteen confident ladies aspiring to become tourism Ambassadors through cat walk and they all have an agenda to promote at the end of the day. So modeling sometimes is not just about beauty but brains as well.
We thank God that now the stigma surrounding modeling in Africa and particularly The Gambia is dying out as the modeling industry is as good as any other profession.
Most of these girls who are taking part in these modeling competions have not been to any training school, as such they don’t know what it takes to become a model.
People think if you are slim, beautiful and with a great fashion sense you can be a model.
Well here are some major truths of becoming a model:
Take care of yourself, focus on keeping your skin clear and glowing. Wash your face in the morning and at night, exfoliate once a week, and remember to wash your makeup off before you go to sleep.
Shinny and healthy hair is important. Some agencies and managers prefer “natural and greasy look”; so if you prefer to minimally shower that is okay too.
Fitness is important. Consider working with a trainer who works specifically with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you want to look. Tell them how you feel and your opinions.
Eat right. Contrary to what some people tell you, you should eat healthy foods as well as healthy amount of food. Veggies, fruits, whole grains and proteins should make up the basics of your diet. Sugar, starches, empty carbohydrates and unhealthy fats should be avoided as much as possible.
Decide what type of model you hope to be. A plus size model; if your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model. A runway model; most women on the catwalk are 5’9 and commonly small-breasted. A print model; most editorial female models are at least 5’7 but a beautiful face and with great personality are really inportant for print models.
An underwear models; for women, this requires large breast but snall hips.
A promotional model; some companies want their customer base to interact directly with models who are generally attractive with likeable personalities to promote their brand.
Educate yourself; realize that it is tough. The modelling world is jam packed with pretty faces. Just because you are good looking does not mean that you can succeed as a model.
In the modelling business, it is not just about looking great. You have to fit the need of specific jobs just in order to get a chance.
Modelling is only for serious people who carry unique looks and characteristics.
Realize that a model does not always have to look like a supermodel. With a lot of effort, however, you may reach that supermodel status. One of the most important things to remember is to never be shy and don’t appologize if you mess up!
Yes some models tend to act “stuck up” and “overly confident” but as long as you feel good, go ahead! Be yourself and remember to act. Modeling requires a lot of acting skills.
Are you an aspiring model, if yes, don’t give up, the modeling future is always bright.
