How to Wear a Drop Waist Dress

A recent article from the Daily Record reveals that a drop waist dress is one of this summer’s hottest trends. So how can you pull off this bold, daring piece with style over the next few months? LUXE Models explains how to wear a drop waist dress like a boss in summer 2016!

Embrace prints

 Use drop waist dresses to display your flair for fashion by wearing something with a fantastic print. You could go for a classic check print to make it work in the day, before swapping this out for a vibrant floral print to glam up for the evening. If you want to be really exciting, you could also mix patterns with prints, which is really in right now!

Work your accessories

 Accessories are key to getting drop waist dresses right. Find the right accessory to go with your dress and you can ensure it works for all occasions. Let’s say you’re wearing a classic drop waist to go shopping in the day. Team it with a light scarf to create a relaxed vibe. Then you could exchange your scarf for a brilliant statement necklace, so you’re ready for a night on the tiles!

Check out the drop waist dress ideas on the full article with LUXE Models. 

Kylie Jenner Embraces Retro-Chic in New Modelling Campaign

Kylie Jenner's latest Puma range proved a hit on Instagram this month, showing her rocking some really cool retro-chic fashion in her latest modelling campagin. 

Rising star

18-year-old Kylie Jenner, who rose to fame on the TV reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, is fast becoming one of the most powerful celebrities on earth. As of 2016, she is one of the top ten most followed celebrities on Instagram, with 67 million followers.

When Kylie Jenner posts something on Instagram, it almost always goes viral. Jezebel writes that brands reportedly pay $100,000 to $300,000 for a single sponsored Instagram post from Kylie, indicating just how much influence she has with users on the image-driven social media site. She recently used her popular Instagram profile to showcase a photo of her latest modelling range.

A photo posted by King Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Jun 30, 2016 at 9:18am PDT

Going retro

Teen style magazine Seventeen reveals that recently, Kylie posted snaps from her new modelling campaign with clothing brand Puma on her Instagram account. The campaign is inspired by retro-hip hop style, with Kylie throwing major throwback vibes straight from the late ‘80s!

For the campaign, the model sported Puma’s iconic suede trainers. With these shoes, Kylie wore a sports bra and a red bomber jacket draped, as well as denim shorts, tube socks and clear rimmed specs. Other snaps from the campaign showed her rocking more of Puma’s classic sportswear line and she also took it as an opportunity to show off her gorgeous new bobbed haircut!

Puma’s masterstroke

A photo posted by PUMA (@puma) on Jul 3, 2016 at 11:58am PDT

Puma also posted a sneak peak of the campaign on their Instagram account as well. While doing so, they took the chance to share the history of the trainers they are rapidly bringing back into style, with a caption that reads “the Puma Suede started its story in 1968. Worn by athletes, b-boys, and hip hop stars of the day.” Puma also posted a video which showed Kylie sporting this retro look in a graffiti-covered vintage subway, complete with ‘80s style boom box!

The increasingly famous teen model wears sports clothing like a pro and with her really huge follower-base on Instagram, the campaign is sure to get a lot of exposure! Kylie Jenner wearing retro hip hop fashion is big news people!

Jimmy Choo to Launch New Ad Campaign with Top Models

Happy birthday Jimmy Choo! The luxury fashion brand turns 20 years old this year. LUXE Models has just found out that to mark this special occasion, Jimmy Choo will release an innovative new ad campaign featuring some of the world’s top models!

Luxury brand

Jimmy Choo is a British high fashion house which was founded by Malaysian-born fashion designer Jimmy Choo way back in 1996. Based in London, the luxury brand produces luxury shoes, handbags and accessories, but is best known to the general public for making couture women’s shoes.

These days the name ‘Jimmy Choo’ is a synonym for wonderfully luxurious shoes. This didn’t happen by accident, over the years Jimmy Choo has crafted a number of innovative ad campaigns, in order to promote itself as a high fashion house. Who can forget when Jimmy Choo joined forces with Kit Harrington from Game of Thrones to promote their men’s line in 2015!

Birthday celebrations

Jimmy Choo is planning to do something really special to mark its 20^th birthday. Fashion Week Daily writes that the company will feature a number of top models in its autumn/winter 2016 ad campaign. These include Xiao Wen Ju, Jasmine Tookes, Lexi Boling, Milla Jovovich, Taylor Hill, Sasha Pivovarova and Amber Valletta. Meanwhile James Jagger, the son of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, will rock Jimmy’s Choo’s new studded loafers for men in the campaign.

Commenting on this amazing new ad campaign, Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director Sandra Choi said in a statement: “The autumn/winter campaign is a reflection of the characters who embody the Jimmy Choo brand values both during the past 20 years and into the future. It is a modern vision for our woman and signals a bold new chapter.”

September splash

The campaign shoot took place in global fashion capital New York. The models were shot by iconic fashion photographer Craig Dean, while the styling was handled by Sarah Richardson, who is one of the industry’s brightest stars. Jimmy Choo’s campaign is set to feature in the September issues of some of the world’s most celebrated fashion publications.

September is fast becoming the biggest month in fashion. Vogue editor Anna Wintour has started a trend of saving her best for September, crafting editions during this month every year that wow fashion enthusiasts across the world. Elle is really planning on making a splash this time around, releasing multiple September front covers featuring the likes of Zayn Malik and Kristen Stewart!

Wait and see

We can’t wait to see what Jimmy Choo have in store for us with this campaign. They’re working with major models and releasing the campaign in fashion’s biggest month, so you just know Jimmy Choo’s 20^th birthday anniversary campaign is bound to be out of this world! 

How to Wear a Swimsuit Away From the Pool

With summer in full-swing, it’s time to break out your swimsuits. It’s increasingly acceptable to wear swimsuits beyond the water, with celebrities from Selena Gomez to Elle Fanning fast-embracing this cool new trend. LUXE Models tells you how to wear a swimsuit away from the pool.

Dress for the streets

With a good-one piece, you can throw together a look that’s great for the streets. For pointers on how to pull this off, look to Selena Gomez. In Style points out that recently, the American popstar teamed a one-piece with cut-offs and a gold-velvet blaze, creating a really casual, yet cool outfit!

Glam it up

Swimsuits can work just as well in the evening. To cultivate the perfect look, glam up a one-piece with statement jewellery, breath-taking stiletto heels and a bold-printed skirt and you’ll soon be ready to hit the pubs and clubs. Team with tights and a tailored-blazer if you want to get really sophisticated!

Go beach-ready

When you’re heading to the beach, you might want to put your swimsuit on beforehand, so you can get in the water as soon as possible. Just add a sarong, some leather sandals and a killer pair of sunglasses to develop a great look that you can shed easily the minute you hit the sand!

Find great swimwear

You’re never going to rock this trend right, without first making sure that you have some awesome swimwear in your wardrobe. When shopping for a bikini or a one-piece, choose the right size and cut for your body, so you can layer it up easily away from the pool! Experiment in the changing room with other clothes, so you can see how your chosen piece will look as part of an outfit!

Really experiment

Swimsuits are really versatile, so you can really play around when you wear them beyond the pool. Experiment with different skirts, jeans, tops, accessories, jewellery and shoes to find a style that really works for you. By doing this, you can gain the confidence you need to own this fabulous trend! 

LUXE Models picks five top male modelling success stories

Break into male modelling and the world’s your oyster. You’ll have the opportunity to travel and see exotic places, work with some of the most talented people in fashion and front innovative campaigns. If you don’t believe us keep reading, as LUXE Models picks out five of the top male modelling success stories of all time…

David Gandy

David Gandy, who is currently signed to Select Model Management, became a male model after winning a television competition way back in 2001. David has since seen his career shoot into the stratosphere and now he’s a globally-recognised male model. He’s especially known for working with celebrated designers Dolce & Gabbana and he’s even produced a calendar for them!

Tyson Beckford

Bronx-born Tyson Beckford is a model of all trades. He’s primarily known as a Ralph Model Polo model, but he has also worked with iconic names such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger and was even once named one of People Magazine’s ‘50 Most Beautiful People.’ Tyson is also an actor and a bona fide celebrity, having served as the host of both seasons of US television channel Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel and appeared in the video for Britney Spears’ classic single ‘Toxic’ over the years.

Jon Kortajarena

Vogue magazine writes that Jon Kortajarena is “the closest thing male modelling has to a sex symbol.” Thanks to his smouldering good looks, the Spanish model and actor got his big break in 2004 when he appeared in Milan for Emporio Armani and Paris for John Galliano.  Since his debut, Jon has worked on campaigns for Guess, Versace, Zara, Giorgio Armani and more, even being named one of the 10 most successful male models in the world by Forbes magazine in 2009.

Marcus Schenkenberg

The career of Swedish male model Marcus Schenkenberg shows that you can be discovered by a top male modelling agency at any time. Marcus was scouted while roller-skating in Los Angeles’ iconic Venice Beach and this led to the now-legendary mostly-nude Calvin Klein ad campaign of the early 90s, which he fronted. Marcus has gone on to model for the likes of Donna Karan and Versace and has also carved out a career as an actor, singer, writer and TV personality, showing that going into male modelling can open up a world of opportunities!

Sean O’Pry

Boy-next-door Sean O’Pry shows that in the modern age, you can use social media to start a career in male modelling. The Georgia native was scouted at the tender age of 18, when a top modelling agent saw his prom pictures on Myspace. One of the industry’s fasting rising stars, Sean has since worked with an army of major designers from Yves Saint Laurent to Giorgia Armani and was also named one of the 10 most successful male models in the world by Forbes in 2009. But Sean isn’t just a model, he’s also appeared in music videos, most notably starring as Taylor Swift’s love interest in ‘Blank Space.’ 

How to Become a Fitness Model

With the rise of the healthy living trend, fitness modelling is getting really big right now. If you break into this field of modelling, you can start out on an amazing career path. LUXE Models explains how to become a fitness model.

Fitness modelling

As a fitness model, you’ll spend your time posing in front of cameras, while promoting a range of fitness-related products such as fitness magazines, sports clothes, health shakes and protein bars.

Fitness modelling is really competitive. There are tonnes of people who want to make a career out of their fit, toned bodies. To make it into this industry you have to commit 100% to getting yourself into the best shape and to promoting yourself to top modelling agencies, so you stand out from the crowd.

Getting the look

If you want to make it in this industry, make getting in shape your full-time job. You will need to develop good muscular tone, so you look good in gym wear and inspire ordinary people to buy fitness products. Make sure you avoid unhealthy food and drink, and take care of your hair, nails and skin so you have the right look for a good fitness model.

But being a fitness model is about more than just your appearance. You will also need to learn to pose like a fitness model to succeed in this field. You may want to scour fitness magazines and look at how the pros pose in fitness modelling shoots. That way, you can learn how to arrange your body in front of the camera. Good magazines to look at include Women’s Fitness and Men’s Health.

Stand out from the crowd

When it comes to promoting yourself, you basically need to do what anyone else would when breaking into modelling with no experience. Put together a portfolio of your modelling shots, which you can then send to a top modelling agency. 

As an aspiring fitness model, your portfolio snaps should show you wearing fitness gear and striking gym-ready poses. That's where LUXE Models can come in with services as portfolio experts which can get you some great photos to send to modelling agencies.

Once you have your portfolio, you’ll need to get in touch with the right agency. There’s no point sending your pictures to a company which specialises in fashion modelling, for instance, because they won’t be looking for models like you. 

Research specialised fitness modelling agencies so you can send your portfolio to the right people and break into this rewarding line of work! 

Can You Still Be a Model With Tattoos?

To make it as a model, you need to create right look to appeal to top modelling agencies. If they believe you’re right for their talent roster, an agency can really open doors for you and start you on the road to a successful modelling career. LUXE Models asks: can you still be a model with tattoos?

Modelling and tattoos

The Tattoo Collections writes that throughout history, various civilisations have embraced tattooing for a number of social and cultural reasons. It was only in the 20^th Century that tattoos became a fashion trend. Starting with rebel culture in the 50s and 60s and punk music in the 70s, tattoos gradually became cool and these days, people don’t remember a time when they weren’t in fashion.

Changing attitudes

Traditionally, the global fashion industry has always frowned upon tattoos. But attitudes are slowly changing, particularly with the rise of alternative modelling. If you want to become an alternative male model, for instance, it is key that you embrace your individuality, so tattoos may not always be out of the question here.

Even the mainstream fashion industry is slowly altering its stance towards tattoos. The Daily Mail writes that huge modelling names like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Rosie Huntington-Whitelely all have tattoos and it hasn’t hurt their careers. Celebrated fashion photographer Christian Saint even reckons that in future, the tattooed model will come to reign supreme over the catwalks!

Measured approach

So what does this mean for you as an aspiring model? We answer this question on the LUXE Models website’s frequently asked questions page. Basically, tattoos shouldn’t hold you back from becoming a model.  This may depend on the size of the artwork and its location on your body, as well as the type of modelling you want to break into.

LUXE Models advise you to take a measured approach. You may want to ensure any tattoos you get in future are small and based on parts of your body which are easily concealed. It is also vital that you are aware of what’s accepted within different areas of modelling, so you can make sure you enter an industry that’ll start you off on the road to success! 

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!