With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fall/winter 2013 just two weeks away, our esteemed colleague, supermodel Coco Mitchell, in this second installation, answers questions about model casting and model preparation for fashion week. As always, Coco has her pulse on current trends, what potential clients are looking for, and what models need to have a successful career.
Question: Fashion week is quickly approaching and my agency is telling me about designers that have runway shows and presentations. Is one more important than the other, and how do I prepare? I don’t want my agency to think I’m stupid. Please help!!
—Clueless
Coco Mitchell: Don’t feel stupid. How would know if you don’t ask? Don’t be afraid of the your booker at your agency; it is the booker’s job to help you. And remember, the agency can make up to 20% of your bookings.
Usually agencies have people, like me, that they hire to help new models with their runway walk. Now, a presentation is different from a runway show. There is usually no walking involved, and model could be posed in a variety of scenes that evokes the mode of the collection. A presentation, like a runway show, also calls for the model to channel her inner actress.
During a presentation the model is expected to change positions and give the audience a total impression of the designer’s point of view. Presentations can also last from an hour to two hours, so take your vitamins and have energy. There is nothing worse than a lethargic model.
Be Blessed!!
Question: Coco, I am a new model and recently my agency sent me to have some pictures shot for my portfolio. It was horrible. I had no idea what to do. How can I prepare for the next shoot? Help!!
—Jessica
Coco Mitchell: Jessica, in the fashion industry preparation is key to a successful career. Don’t wait until you are placed in an uncomfortable, unknown situation. Try to be as prepared as possible. When it comes to images for your portfolio, I have a tendency to go for “the Fierce” first. I suggest, if you can afford it start buying fashion magazines. I suggest the higher end, European magazines (which are pricey) but give you the best examples of attitudes and poses and don’t use celebrities as models. Study every pose from head to toe.
If you cannot afford to purchase the magazines, go to a book store and look at the magazines over a cup of tea. Another good source is www.style.com. Look at the pre-fall and pre-spring images that are used for the lookbooks where you will get great examples of poses.
STUDY, STUDY, and STUDY some more!!
Question: I’m getting ready to start castings for New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Are they different? I need your insider advice.
—Christine
Coco Mitchell: The only difference in shows in New York City and Paris is the location. And unfortunately, you will encounter some casting directors and industry professionals in both locations that have an attitude, and are not friendly. That is just a part of the industry, so get used to it.
No matter where the casting is located, become acquainted with the design aesthetic and point of view of the casting you are going on. GOOGLE EVERYONE!! And if you have the time, go to youtube.com and look at collections of the designer.
One thing that helped me my first season in Paris is that I realized that the casting person did not know me. Since you don’t know them and they don’t know you, use the unknown to your advantage. Don’t assume that they know that you are still trying to figure it all out.
Overlook the attitude that you may receive from the receptionist, the casting director, and maybe even the designer. FOCUS; don’t lose sight of your goal, which is to book the job!!!
Be confident, and don’t act like a beggar. Hold your head up and go for it. Remember, this is your opportunity, and you deserve this chance!!
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