Break into hand modelling

Last week, as part of a body parts modelling series, LUXE Models looked at how to become a foot model. This week we move on to what things to consider when wanting to break into hand modelling. 

Check your hands

If your hands are a standout feature for you then you could make it far by modelling products like rings, nail polishes and hand creams. Think this is you? Start by checking to see whether you have the right kind of hands for this type of modelling. Successful hand models typically have long, slender fingers and great shaped hands, as this gives them the ability to pose their hands so they look relaxed in modelling shots.

Care for your hands

Hand modelling

Other requirements for successful hand models include smooth, blemish-free skin and neat, even nails. This brings us promptly to or next point; you must care for your hands to ensure you make it in this industry. Invest in treatments such as manicures and moisturise your hands regularly. It’s also advisable to wear gloves wherever possible e.g. when cleaning or when it’s cold, so you can keep them in peak condition.

Exercise your hands

By creating a healthy exercise regime, you can cultivate a great body. Take the same logic and apply it to your hands, exercising them regularly so you can ensure that your hands look great when modelling products like nail extensions, bracelets and rings. Common hand model exercises include stretching and bending your hands and fingers, giving them a really great work out!

Create your portfolio

A modelling portfolio is a vital tool for all models. If you aspire to be a hand model, include snaps in your portfolio which show your hands from all angles. Also include both bare snaps of your hands as well as pictures showing them with products such as rings and nail polish, illustrating your versatility. You may want to enlist the help of a professional portfolio firm, like LUXE Models, to ensure you take the kind of pictures which are sure to impress top hand modelling agencies.

Connect with agencies

It's vital that you find and impress the right agencies. Use Google to search for top hand modelling agencies, so you can send your portfolio to a company which specialises in your preferred type of modelling. When contacting these agencies, aim to impress. Strike the right tone and research the agency beforehand. If they contact you for an interview, be prompt, polite and turn up wearing a killer outfit to show them you’d be a wonderful asset to their roster.

Be really enthusiastic

If you have the right kind of hands for modelling beauty products and accessories, you could really make it far in this industry. But no hand model ever made it to the top by taking half-measures. Most importantly of all, tackle your attempt to break into hand modelling with real enthusiasm, to ensure you attract the attention of a top modelling agency! 

How to become a foot model

If you’re looking to get into modelling with no experience, the first thing you should do is decide what kind of model you want to be. It's worth considering body parts modelling, which can allow you to take advantage of one of your best assets to enter a thriving industry.

Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to take a closer look at the most popular body part modelling areas. This week, LUXE Models explains how to become a foot model.

Look after your feet 

Foot models need smooth skin, neat nails and attractive ankles. In other words, you won’t make it far in this industry if you don’t look after your feet. Invest regularly in pedicures and always don appropriate footwear when walking, so you can ensure you take proper care of your best asset!

Exercise your feet

Successful hand and foot model Ellen Sirot says that “feet fitness” is very important. Make sure that you regularly have your feet massaged, rubbed and stretched. By focusing on fitness, you can keep your feet in great shape, ensuring that they help you secure work as a foot model.

Build your portfolio

You need to build a portfolio to attract the attention of a top modelling agency. Make sure that your portfolio showcases your feet in a variety of settings and both with and without shoes. You might want to enlist the services of a professional modelling portfolio company, such as LUXE Models, to ensure you can create a winning foot modelling portfolio!

Find the right agency

It is vital that you sign with a modelling agency which specialises in foot work, to ensure you have the support you need to break into the business. This is where Google can serve as your best friend. A quick search for phrases like “top foot modelling agencies” should present you with the kinds of companies you need to approach, in order to establish yourself as a foot model. Do your research though and make sure you’re contacting reputable agencies.

Look to impress

When dealing with a top modelling agency, strive to really impress them. Make sure you don’t commit any of the common mistakes made by aspiring models when communicating with an agency, such as failing to check out the company first. You want to appear knowledgeable and show them why you would be an asset to their roster.

Enter the industry

If you become a model, a whole new world will open up to you. By establishing yourself as foot model, you will gain the chance to model everything from shoes to jewellery, allowing you to break into a truly dynamic industry. But you have to put the work in; by devoting your energies to becoming a foot model, you can attract the attention of a top modelling agency and begin an amazing career! 

What Type of Photos Should You Send to a Modelling Agency?

As an aspiring model, the pictures you use to put together your portfolio are vital. Top modelling agencies use these snaps to figure out whether you’re right for their roster, so your portfolio needs to be amazing. So, what type of photos should you send to a modelling agency?

Include a headshot

As a bare minimum, modelling agencies will expect you to submit at least one head shot. Without this essential snap, they won’t be able to assess your full potential as a model. But we’d advise you to send two head shots – one smiling and one not – to really grab the attention of top modelling agencies.

Submit a body shot

Modelling agencies will also expect you to submit at least one body shot. If they have this snap, they’ll be able to determine whether you have the right look for the modelling work they do. Again, we’d suggest you include at least two pictures – a front and a back shot. This will ensure that top modelling agencies can view your modelling potential from all possible angles!

Keep it simple

When you send pictures to modelling agencies, they want to see your natural beauty. We’d advise you to keep your hair and makeup simple, while ensuring you appear well groomed. This will present you as a blank canvas to modelling agencies, which they can utilise to serve their purposes.

Consider your clothing

Your portfolio pictures are your chance to shine. By all means submit snaps that depict you wearing a range of fashions, to illustrate your versatility as a model. But don’t venture into the realm of bad taste. Modelling agencies don’t often react well to pictures where models choose to wear items like fur. These pieces are seen as controversial by today’s fashion industry!

Ensure they’re focused

There’s nothing worse than a blurry photo. More to the point, if you send an out-of-focus picture to a top modelling agency, they’ll just place it aside. How can they assess your potential as a model if they can’t even see you? Make sure that any pictures you send to an agency are clear and in-focus.

Use your common sense

Engage your common sense before you submit your portfolio to an agency. They don’t want to be barraged by inappropriate portraits. Don’t send nude pictures to a modelling agency; you’ll appear extremely unprofessional. Also, refrain from including group shots in your portfolio. If your pictures include other people, it’ll make it harder for agents to pick you out of the crowd!

Think about going professional

It may be in your best interest to send professionally photographed portraits to top modelling agencies. LUXE Models has a brilliant creative team that can provide you with a really productive photoshoot. If you prepare for your photoshoot with LUXE Models beforehand, you could have the modelling photographs you need to really impress a top modelling agency!

The importance of a modelling comp card

Are you looking to break into modelling with no experience? If so, you need to do your research so you can get ahead and attract the attention of top modelling agencies. LUXE Models asks; what is a modelling composite card?

First impression

You can’t become a model without building a portfolio. If you utilise the services of professional photographers, stylists etc., you can create a portfolio which displays your versatility as a model. In other words, you can use it to show the best modelling agencies why you’d be an asset to their roster.

You can also use your portfolio pictures for your ‘modelling comp card.’ This is basically a business card that aspiring models give to agencies. When you put together your modelling comp card, you’ll want to make sure it impresses agents from the very first glance, so they’ll want to sign you.

Comp card

In the UK, modelling comp cards are generally two-sided and they have five images, including at least one head shot. We’d advise you to make sure you include a full-sized image, along with your name, on the front of your modelling comp card.

Save the remaining four images for the back of your comp card. The reverse-side should also feature your stats e.g. height and measurements, so agencies have the information they need to determine whether you’re right for the modelling work they do. It should also list your contact details, so an agency can get in touch if they want to work with you.

Handy tips

So how can you create a comp card that’ll help you launch a successful modelling career? We’d suggest you keep the following tips in mind when you put together your modelling comp card:

·        Choose your favourites: Most experts suggest that you save your favourite photos for your comp card and the best for the front. If you love these pictures, there’s a possibility that one of the top modelling agencies in the industry will too.

·        Show versatility: After using the front of the card to grab someone’s attention, utilise the back to illustrate your versatility as a model. The reverse of comp cards typically feature a model in a variety of poses and fashions, to show that they’re capable of adapting their look.

·        Keep it simple: If your pictures aren’t accurate, they won’t impress agencies. When putting together your comp card, opt for photos that haven’t been manipulated digitally through tools such as Instagram filters. If your comp card pictures aren’t natural, the agency may decide not to work with you after meeting you in person.

·        Think of extras: Everything about your comp card needs to impress. Think about the little details. Make sure that your information is printed out in an elegant, yet readable font. Also opt for high quality paper, to show agencies that you want to invest in your future as a model.

Impress agencies

In this business, first impressions carry a lot of weight. If you want to become a model, focus on creating an outstanding comp card. This will help you make a great impression on top modelling agencies and hopefully help you launch an amazing career. 

What to Expect at Paris Fashion Week

Paris is often considered the world’s premier fashion capital. This is the place where historic fashion icon Marie Antoinette lived and died, where legendary designer Coco Chanel invented the little black dress and where haute couture was born. Consequently, Paris Fashion Week is often regarded as the most significant of them all, regularly attracting the biggest names in the industry.

Paris Fashion Week

The latest Paris Fashion Week starts today and runs on for more than a week, ending on Wednesday 9^th March. If you want to get in on the action and see the latest trends literally as they descend onto the runways of France’s capital, you can watch live streams from Paris Fashion Week. You might want to check out the event’s schedule to see every designer who’s appearing. So which shows can’t you afford to miss?

Spectacular shows

Paris Fashion Week

As a fashion enthusiast, you may want to check out the household names – these brands always put on glittering spectacles when they come to Paris Fashion Week. In the first few days, you can catch shows from Lanvin (8pm Thursday 3^rd March), Issey Miyake and Christian Dior (12pm and 2.30pm Friday 4^th March). Meanwhile, iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood will be displaying her innovative collections at 4pm, Saturday 5^th March.

Things are only set to heat up towards the end of Paris Fashion Week. On Sunday you might want to tune into glamorous showcases from some of the world’s top designers including Balenciaga (11.30am), Celine (1pm) and Givenchy (8pm). Meanwhile in the last three days you can expect to see blockbuster shows from the best in fashion including Stella McCartney (10am Monday 7^th March), Chanel (10.30am, Tuesday 8^th March) and Louis Vitton (10am, Wednesday 9^th March).

Modelling masterclass

If you want to become a model, it's certainly a good idea to tune into Paris Fashion Week. Here, you’ll be able to see how things work at the pinnacle of the industry, as the world’s most illustrious designers gather to show everyone what will be the hottest style trends in autumn and winter 2016.

Of course, the most talented designers in the world are only going to hire the best models on the planet to display their creations. According to the Sun Daily, models set to walk the runways of Paris this time around are likely to include famous names like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Lexi Boling and Julia Hafstrom. Watch these women work and they’ll show you how to succeed as a model when you have the eyes of the world on you!

Stay in the loop by following LUXE Models on Twitter.

Five memorable parts to London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is never without its memorable moments, and this show was no different. From the live Burberry broadcast to the celebrity-endorsed Topshop collection, this year didn’t disappoint in style or substance. Here, LUXE Models consider the five most defining moments.

Mulberry is back

It’s been over two years since we saw a Mulberry collection on the runway and its return was most-welcome. New creative director, Johnny Coca has rejuvenated the handbag range, an incredibly important part of the Mulberry brand. He managed to blend the English heritage of the brand with a creative, forward-thinking look. The assortment of bags, alongside a range of outerwear items including some wool felt coats ensured a truly-British feel to the collection.

Christopher Kane’s tribute to his late mother

According to his sister Tammy, Christopher Kane’s mother used to embarrass them when picking them up from school in a plastic rain hat. They suffered the loss of their mother last year, and Christopher Kane’s show this year began with a salute to her – some tied-under-the-chin rain hats. Kane made his debut show in 2006 and, a decade on, continued to use some of the traits in this show. The line between reasonably affordable novelty and luxury was apparent throughout.

Burberry innovation

At the London Fashion Week, Burberry invited Jake Bugg to play for their collection and streamed their show live across the internet. There was an element of David Bowie across the collection too, with the inclusion of Edie Campbell to open the show. As if that’s not innovative enough, Burberry have now claimed that their next show at London Fashion Week will be the start of a new era with clothes set to become available from the moment the show finishes. 

McQueen is still king

The latest Alexander McQueen collection was delivered by eight-month pregnant Sarah Burton, and it was spun out of dreams. The collection had style and substance in abundance, starting with pocket watches, black coats, eyes and butterflies before some beautiful sculpted leather which was painted with flowers by specialist floral artists. McQueen’s tailoring was one of his best abilities, and the late designer’s collection retains that key value. The tenderness and the technical expertise that Burton delivered is commendable, in the place where Alexander McQueen belongs.

Front row of Topshop

Topshop’s casting campaigns are a good place to start when looking for the latest up-and-coming ‘It girls’ and this show was no difference. Suki and Immy Waterhouse, Lottie Moss, GiGi Hadid and Karlie Kloss have been brought into the fold for the brand which has stores in all four corners of the world. The show referenced some British inspiration including Anne Boleyn and the Bard himself. Scenes from A Winter’s Tale showed up on a mini dress, while there were returns for the Chelsea boot and the little lace party dress, to name a few. Keeping a finger on the pulse is something that Topshop take seriously, and it’s expected that they will follow Burberry with the instant-release of fashion from the next show. 

What to Expect at London Autumn/Winter Fashion Week 2016

Fashionistas rejoice! Today marks the beginning of London Fashion Week 2016 (LWF 2016) and we can’t wait to see what some of the hottest designers from around the world have in store for us this time. Here, LUXE Models looks into what you can expect from autumn/winter fashion in 2016.

Seeing the shows

LWF 2016 officially begins today, Friday 19^th February and runs until Tuesday 23^rd February. You’ve only got a few days to enjoy this rare showcase of upcoming trends and wonderful fashions. You can’t book tickets to see these shows, as they’re typically invite-only for industry insiders, buyers and fashion press.

Catching the stream

However, this year industry body the British Fashion Council have decided to stream the shows to the public. They’ve collaborated with Ocean Outdoor – who specialise in large-format digital billboards to stream footage of the runway shows in 60 outdoor locations.

These will be posted in a range of cities in the UK, from Edinburgh to Manchester to Birmingham. You can also catch an online stream of all the latest happenings at this magical fashion occasion!

Best shows

This begs the question, when will you be able to catch live streams of shows from the most talented fashion designers? Check out the event’s schedule for a full list of shows being held at London Autumn/Winter Fashion Week 2016.

We’d suggest you make time to check out the shows from JW Anderson (Saturday 4pm), House of Holland (Saturday 7pm) and Alexander McQueen (Sunday 7pm) to see what’s set to be hot in the world of fashion in late 2016.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Burberry show is scheduled for 1pm on Monday and you’ll want to check that out on live stream, as it’s rumoured to be a game-changer! We’ll be sharing the link on the LUXE Models Twitter so make sure you take a look early Monday afternoon to see what this celebrated fashion house has in store!

Fashion weekend

Meanwhile, if you actually want the live experience you could always check out London Fashion Weekend. Running from Thursday 25^th February – Sunday 28^th February, this is a showcase from four top designers. Tickets are open to anyone and they can be bought for as little as £20.

This year’s designers will be Emilia Wickstead, Mary Katrantzou, Temperley London and Holly Fulton. They’ll use the event as an opportunity to re-stage their runway shows from London Autumn/Winter Fashion Week 2016. Attendees will also be given the chance to shop at more than 150 fashion brands at exclusive prices, so this event is a must for all true fashion lovers!

Learn from the best

Are you looking to become a model? If so, learn from the best and make sure you catch live streams from London Autumn/Winter Fashion Week 2016. The men and women who’ll walk these runways are fashion modelling professionals – watching them will help you start a career in the industry! 

Adele models on front cover of Vogue

Adele is back making us all emotional again with her sensational third album, including hit single Hello, she’s also now trying her hand at some modelling.

After a lengthy break following her last album, the 27-year-old wowed many upon her return after losing more than 12 kilograms.

New look

The London-born singer has previously indicated her hatred for going to the gym, but her new slim figure allows her to not only maintain stamina for her 2016 tour, but also allows her to feel good about herself.

She previously featured on the front cover of Vogue in 2012 at the age of 24, and now she has returned following a strict diet and exercise programme, as well as a break from music to spend time with her family.

Speaking in her Vogue interview, she explained: “I was just shocked that all of a sudden I was 25! But actually I like myself more than ever. I feel so comfortable in my own skin. I really like how I look, I like who I am, I like everyone that I surround myself with. Obviously I have insecurities, but they don’t hold me back.”

Hiatus

Adele spent four years out of the spotlight, giving birth to son Angelo. But she has accepted that she missed the glamorous lifestyle and feared that she may struggle to replicate the success of her first album.

“I didn’t miss being in the spotlight, but I really missed that side of myself. I was happy to be lost in the wilderness for a while, but I was a bit frightened that I was never going to get back. I suppose there was lots riding on what to follow '21' up with. Once ‘Hello’ came out, I felt like I’d got nothing to prove. I’m just going to sing now because I want to, and I’ll make records when I want to and not because someone is forcing me to do it. Not that anyone ever has. I’d fire them if they tried!”

She’s determined to allow her son to have a normal life outside of the celebrity spotlight, though that may not definitely be possible.

 “We need to have some privacy. I think it’s really hard being a famous person’s child. What if he wants to smoke weed or drink underage, or what if he’s gay and doesn’t want to tell me, and then he’s photographed and that’s how I find out?”

Rejuvenated

But in the meantime, Adele will continue to surpass all of our expectations and excel in all fields that she tries her hand to, including modelling. She’s healthier than ever after giving up smoking in order to protect her voice and ensure she’s healthy for when her child grows up. She’s also found that she fits into a much lower size of clothes, which she says is an added bonus.

“Now I fit into normal, off-the-shelf clothes—which is a really big problem for me… I totally intend to share those dresses.” Adele appears in the latest edition of Vogue US in an in-depth interview about her career and future plans. It's due out this coming Tuesday.

LUXE Models has a service for plus size models, so if you have what it takes to break into modelling regardless of your size or shape, register with us for free today.

Who Were The World’s Top Fashion Models in 2015?

What does it take to be one of the top fashion models on the planet? Forbes recently released a list of the highest earning models of 2015, inspiring LUXE Models to consider what it takes to be a top world model.

Gisele Bundchen

Ever since she burst onto the scene in the late 90s, Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen has been wowing the fashion industry. She’s walked more runways, headed more campaigns and featured on more front covers than anyone else on this list. Her total career earnings equal $430 million and she’s made more money than any other model since 2002. Gisele shows no sign of slowing down; 2015 was a big year for the Brazilian and she earned $44 billion, making her the highest paid model of the year.

Cara Delevingne

This mysterious British beauty has fronted a number of campaigns for celebrated fashion houses such as Burberry, Mulberry and Dolce & Gabanna. She’s the ‘it’ girl of the fashion industry right now and has been on numerous covers including most notably American Vogue. Recently, she’s embarked on a successful acting career too. As a result in 2015, she earned an impressive $9 million, tying with Adriana Lima for the second-highest paid model of the year.

Adriana Lima

As we just mentioned, Brazilian style-queen Adrianna Lima managed to rake in $9 million in 2015. We’re not surprised, Lima’s made a name for herself in the industry. Over the years she’s been a Victoria’s Secret Angel, fronted campaigns for brands such as Maybelline, graced the covers of famous fashion magazines like Vogue and served as a runway model for Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and other gifted designers.

Doutzen Kroes

Fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes came fourth on the list, earning a not too shabby $7.5 million last year. The Dutch powerhouse was a relative latecomer to the world of modelling, but shot into the stratosphere in 2013 when she fronted the cover of Vogue’s iconic September issue. Kroes has also featured in a number of fashion campaigns for design houses such as Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Versace and Valentino and engaged in a range of charity work throughout her successful career.

Natalia Vodianova

Last but not least, Russian model Natalia Vodianova managed to net around $7 million last year, thanks to lucrative fragrance deals with Guerlain and Calvin Klein. Nicknamed the ‘Supernova,’ Natalia has walked the runway for over 300 US and European designers including Givenchy, Prada, Chanel and Gucci. She’s also known for appearing on various fashion magazine covers like Elle.

Role models

If you’re wanting to become a model and you need someone to show you how it’s done, look no further than these five women. Over the course of their careers they’ve taken every opportunity thrown their way, allowing them to make huge earnings and establish themselves as some of the most sought after fashion models on earth. 

Child Modelling Laws in the UK

Modelling can change your child’s world. It’ll give them the chance to meet people from all walks of life, front exciting advertising campaigns, learn the modelling trade and save some money for the future. If you want to help your child break into the industry, LUXE Models would encourage you to remember that there are certain child employment laws to be followed.

Hours and pay

Let’s start with the basics. There are certain employment restrictions for children and one of them is the amount of hours they’re allowed to put in. A child model can’t work in school hours, before 7am or after 7pm, for more than one hour after school or for more than four hours without taking a one hour break. Also, child models are only allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours a week in term time and 25 hours a week in holiday time.

As a working model, your child can be paid but they aren’t entitled to the national minimum wage. When they’re aged 16-17 they must receive at least £3.87 per hour for their work and there are other payment issues you may need to consider. Basically, if you want your child to earn a good wage from modelling make sure you have the negotiating skills needed to get them the best contracts!

Licenses and supervision

If your child is younger than the school leaving age (generally 16) and they’re being paid for modelling assignments, they may need a child performance license. In this case, the person who’s in charge of running the event must get this license and they must apply for it from the child’s local council.

We should also note that child models must be supervised when working. Usually, this duty will fall to you as their parent or guardian. If it doesn’t, their supervisor can be a school teacher or even a home tutor. If none of these people are present your child must be supervised by a local council approved chaperone, so learn how someone can become a licensed chaperone for child performers if you cannot accompany them.

Do your research

Before you help your child enter the fast-paced world of modelling, do your research. Look at modelling laws and other issues that could affect your child when they’re out on assignment. Armed with this vital information, you’ll be able to ensure that your child has the leg up they need to really reap the many benefits of child modelling.