By Alicia Roache, Staff Reporter
Tafawa Thompson, Champs model and Mr. Jamaica Manhunt 2003.
- Contributed
MODELS HAVE to look good. That is the bottom line. Industry executives generally agree that they must have good bodies, clear skin, even teeth and a winning personality. However, when it comes to the specific criteria, and physical attributes, that is about as far as they agree.
Where height and weight are concerned there are major differences in terms of how potential models are perceived locally. Additionally, what is accepted locally, may not be what is required overseas.
Clinton Smith, CEO of Finesse Model Agency, based in Spanish Town, says his models must have shapes and curves and not have what he calls 'the anorexic look'.
"Anorexic girls are not appealing, my models must look good in bathing suits and lingerie," he says. As a result he encourages his models to maintain the figure he hired them with.
However, a free-for-all no-holds-barred eating binge is definitely out of the question. Instead a healthy lifestyle is encouraged. Their diet should include 'no sodas (this bloats the belly he says) no snacks, nothing fattening'. Also required of the model is an exercise routine at least three times per week to keep in shape and stay toned. Nails and hair must be well groomed and the dress and decorum must always be in keeping with the image of a model and a professional. However, Smith hastens to add that these are qualities which are considered before the model is selected.
SKIN
For models who love to party, frequent late nights out on the town are not encouraged. According to Peters, it takes a toll on the skin, in much the same way as the sun does.
However, while keeping fit and staying in shape are important for anyone wanting to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, for models on the international scene it is not only encouraged, it is mandatory.
According to CEO of Saint, Deiwight Peters, a potential model should reach a height of between 5'8" and 6'1" and should have a great body which should have a maximum hip size of 351/2, and a maximum waist of 25 inches. "This is what speaks to high fashion," he says. "This is what applies to people like Dolce and Gabbana, and Versace." For them, the model ideal is between 5'7" and 5'71/2" and thin in frame. As a result diet is crucial. A model who exceeds any of these figures may find it difficult to get jobs, especially on the runway, which pays more overseas. Recently at a competition organised by Saint, representatives from Ford chose from a group of twelve potential models, 19-year-old Staceyann Sullivan, 5'11" and 120lb, to represent Jamaica in the competition overseas.
For every rule, they say, there are exceptions. Micheal Barnett, CEO of Miguel Models, does not place the same emphasis on height and weight. According to him, height is not an issue. "If we think that this lady can present clothes to a particular audience then we will take on that person," he says. The local market encourages more variety in terms of what is portrayed.
DIET
"Short people wear clothes,
tall people wear clothes, skinny people wear clothes and fat people wear clothes," says Barnett, who admits that he places no restrictions on a model's diet or personal life.
Miguel Model Keisha Campbell confirms this claim. She says she eats whatever she likes so long as she maintains her weight of 120lb. However, she admits that as far as grooming is concerned it is up to the model to maintain a good look.
This does not mean that models who work locally need to spend any less time and effort on grooming. Miguel model Keisha Campbell says though there are no restrictions placed on her by her agency, she nonetheless spends a lot of time and money to keep in shape and looking good. Her hair, she says, has to be done weekly, while her nails are done every two weeks. To shampoo and bleach the hair costs between $1,500 and $2,000, while the cost to do the nails cost $3,200. That is approximately $14,000 on hair and nails alone. Yet, many other models, in addition to grooming, spend money on vitamins, skin care products, visits to the doctor and the dentist, and on make-up and wardrobe.
Nonetheless, the models insist that they understand what it takes to be successful and they are willing to make the sacrifice. Saint model Sherene Lawrence, 6'1" and 128 lb., ensures she stays as slim as possible by exercising three or four times per week, drinking lots of water, and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. Though she says to eat right can be costly, the trade-off in physical health and market potential is well worth it.
Even though there are less restrictions placed on the male model, they nonetheless have to maintain a toned, healthy appearance that often requires the same type of maintenance as the female.
IN SHAPE
Tafawa Thompson, Champs model and Mr. Jamaica Manhunt 2003, stays in shape by playing sports and going to the gym on a regular basis. He says he also visits the dermatologist every month and does regular facials and manicures. In addition, he visits the barber every two weeks. All of this, in addition to eating healthy, costs him about $6,000 per month. While not denying that modelling affects the frequency with which he spends time on his grooming, he admits that keeping in shape has become a lifestyle that he enjoys. Of course, if anyone follows the fashion industry and look at the runways overseas, it is quite obvious that thin is definitely in.
However, this wealth brings with it a lot of responsibilities. According to Peters, the female model has more restrictions placed on her than does the male model. The female has to ensure that their body size is in keeping with the standards of the industry. As a result they often have to endure strict diet and exercise programmes. However, the standard for male models are not as rigid. They can have more variations in body size and height.
