Runway models showcase clothes from fashion designers, fashion media, and consumers. They are also called “live models” and are self-employed. They are wanted to be over the height of 5’11” for men and 5’8″ for women.
What is a runway for a fashion model?
The runway is a walkway, platform, or clearing used by models to demonstrate clothing and accessories during a fashion show.
Why do models not smile?
Again, the fashion show is all about the fashion designer’s clothes. A smiling face invites interaction and a potential conversation. A non-smiling model elevates their status in a classic European way, showcases an attitude on nonchalance and portrays the utmost display of self-control.
Do models have to have clear skin?
Clear skin is not required for modeling, but it is an advantage. Models, particularly fashion models, are usually very thin, since they need to be able to fit into designer sample sizes. Commercial models can weigh more than fashion models.
Below is How to Become A Runway Model In South Africa
Below is a list of tips to follow to break into the modeling industry and launch your career as a runway model.
1. Make sure you meet the physical requirements.
Generally, fashion houses and modeling agencies look for female models 16 to 21 years old, 5 foot 9 inches and above in height.
Officially, there aren’t exact weight requirements, but most international runway models weigh between 110 to 130 pounds. With that kind of height, it’s quite logical that you’ll have to be quite lean and skinny.
If you’re below 18 years old, you’ll need to have a parent or legal guardian sign your contract, and you might need to have a work permit depending on where you want to work.
2. Take care of yourself.
Take care of your body and your general health. Modeling is all about how you look, and if you’re not taking care of yourself inside and out, it will show on your skin, your hair, and your figure.
Plus, modeling is hard work. You’ll need to be at your healthiest if you don’t want to get sick while you endure long hours, physical exertion, and mental load of being a runway model.
Assess your lifestyle and make the necessary changes for a more wholesome one.
Eat less empty calories and more fruits and vegetables, and keep yourself hydrated.
If you don’t already have a skincare regimen, develop one. The most basic one you can do is cleanse, tone, moisturize every morning and every night before you go to sleep.
Always wear sunscreen even when you’re staying indoors, and never go to sleep with your makeup on.
Start an exercise regimen that you’re likely to stick to, especially those that strengthen your core and legs, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing up.
Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. You’ll need to be as healthy as you can be because it shows in your appearance.
3. Work on your walk.
Becoming a runway model entails having a commanding runway walk.
Pull your shoulders down and back. This pulls up your head automatically, but to keep it up takes conscious effort.
This straight posture comes naturally to some, but others would need to practice this by balancing a book on top of your head and walking around. Yoga also helps.
Keep your eyes straight ahead and relax your jaw. You want to look aloof but not tense.
Your arms should swing naturally, toes point forward, and hips sway confidently. Don’t exaggerate your movements.
When you get to the end of the walk, wait for a beat then strike a pose by leaning on one hip. Hold the pose for a couple of seconds, then walk back to your starting point.
Practice by taping off a 6 inch by 15 feet rectangle on your floor, or on a wooden plank with the same dimensions (sand it off, no one wants splinters) and place a mirror at the very end so you can see yourself.
Practice your walk to different songs with different rhythms, wearing different types of clothes (swimwear/lingerie, loungewear, casual, athleisure, couture, winter wear), in different types of shoes (ballet flats, sandals, stilettos, kitty heels, wedges).
The next level is developing your own style, like Naomi Campbell’s strut or Gisele Bündchen’s horse walk. As you practice and as you do actual runway jobs, you’ll find your walk.
4. Practice different poses in front of the camera.
Aside from your walk, what makes you stand out as a runway model are your poses at the end of the runway walk.
Practice your poses in front of the mirror. The usual pose at the end of the runway is standing with one hand on your hip and leaning into that hip, but try playing around with your pose.
It helps to have a photographer work with you so you can review how your poses look. If you can’t afford a photographer, set up a tripod with a camera and set it on burst to capture your poses.
Practice your facial expressions as well. Experiment with a sexy look, a fierce stare, or a smize. Look distant, happy, or blank. Try a half-smile, close-mouthed smile, and the biggest smile you can muster.
5. Study, study, study.
There are plenty of modeling books to peruse on everything from the history of fashion, supermodel biographies, and instructional books.
If you don’t want to spring for books, watch free videos of runway models on YouTube and even fashionTV, if you have cable.
Study how to do your own makeup as well. Educate yourself about your skin, what products and ingredients work with it, and which ones to avoid.
6. Get an excellent modeling portfolio.
Your modeling portfolio is essentially your résumé and calling card.
It’s the first thing modeling agencies and clients look at when you want to be considered for a job or a gig.
To make a great first impression, what you want is a modeling portfolio showing high-quality, stunning photos that capture the entire range of your looks and what makes you unique from every other model.
Hire a professional photographer who already has experience taking photos of models for editorials, commercials, or catalog shoots. Choose a photographer whose work you like and matches your style.
Go over your contract with the photographer thoroughly. Be very clear on how much you need to pay and what’s included in the package. Make sure you get the digital copies of your photos as well.
How much do runway models make in South Africa?
South African models can earn between R25,000 and R60,000 a month.
How do you become a runway model in South Africa?
The most common way that models are successful in South Africa is by applying online. Agencies will have application forms for hopefuls to complete, which usually consists of your personal contact details such as your name, age, phone number and email address.
How do you become a short runway model in South Africa ?
In order to become a model when you’re short, it’s important to be confident in photo-shoots as well as casting calls. Distract agencies from your height by impressing them with your confidence. The more confidence you show the more likely you are to get hired for modeling jobs.
Who is the best model in South Africa?
The top 6 South African models earning more than R1 million a.
David Rosenberg (Kult SA) (Instagram: @dave_rosenberg)
Charissa du Plessis (Ice Models) (Instagram: @charissad1)
Jason Anthony (Kult SA)
Jessica Lee Buchanan (Ice Models)
Nicole Meyer (not represented)
Shaun de Wet (Boss Models)
Where to start if I want to be a model in South Africa ?
So here’s how to get started in modeling.
Develop your modeling skills.
Practice model poses in front of the camera.
Get a killer modeling portfolio.
Find the right modeling agency.
Do your research about the modeling agency you sign up with.
Learn to embrace rejection.
Make yourself constantly look better.
Be safe.
How do I get into modeling with no experience in South Africa ?
It can be slightly easier to break into the modeling industry, since a single photograph can display your physical assets and modeling potential. By educating yourself on modeling careers and working on your own modeling skills, you can get into modeling with no prior experience.
What should I wear to a modeling agency interview in South Africa ?
Business casual or dressy casual is more than acceptable for male and female models. Examples of ideal outfits include a nice dress and heels, skinny jeans and a dressy top with heels or a skirt with a nice blouse and heels for female models.
How long does it take for a modeling agency to get back to you in South Africa ?
While reputable agencies usually reply within a week or two, not every agency will write back to say if you’re successful. If you don’t hear anything, just reapply again in 6 months!
Is it hard to get into modeling in South Africa ?
It’s rare for fashion models to have real success without a very specific look desired by the agency, and if a person is older than 21 and hasn’t already been working in the fashion industry for a few years, it will be very difficult to get signed by an agency and hired for fashion shows.