Ituen Basi
Ituen Basi is a top Nigerian designer. She is a graduate of the department of Theatre Arts, from the University of Ife. She designed and tailored costumes for stage productions and beauty pageants during her undergraduate years. Her love for the arts and fashion took her to London to further her studies in the American College in London and London College of Fashion where she majored in Tailoring and Clothing Technology.
Her ‘Ankara and Beads’ collection earned her “The Most Innovative Designer” award in 2009 whilst her ‘Independence’ collection earned her “Emerging Designer of the Year, Africa” 2010 at the Africa Fashion Week, Johannesburg. In 2011, at the first ever Arise Magazine Fashion Week, her ‘Love Series’ collection earned her the “Most Creative Designer”. Her ‘Double Take’ collection at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa in Johannesburg, earned her “Designer of the Year, Africa."
She talked about "controversial decisions on model's selection, size, beauty, voice and issues of representation."
She asked if there are models that are size 0, some models said yes while some said no. She gave a little history about the size phenomenon for models. International models tend to work with size 0 because the camera tends to add more pounds, designs tend to look best when they are tiny. Because of this size 0 phenomenon, most models started starving to look slimmer, then most designers were blacklisted for insisting on using size 0 models. Apart from that, there were rehearsals for the models. Models who are going to be used for a shoot or a fashion show do not eat because they must not add more pounds. There was an uproar against these discrimination.
She also talked about sexual harrasment, she asked us models a question that what do we do if we are found in such circumstances. A model answered. Then she gave us some tips as models.
(1.) Lateness: never be late to a casting or for a job. There is no excuse for lateness. Even if it is traffic, you will find a way out of it, this is not your first time in Lagos, traffic is a part of Lagos.
(2.) It is not just the look, communication also matters, make a good and lasting impression.
Some model asked a question about lateness. He asked that if a model is booked for a job and comes late what does she do. She replied that she calls for another casting there and then and changes her brief if necessary, even though the alternative model is not as good as the model who was booked earlier. She simply changes her brief.
She also advised that when you intend on going for a casting and you are told who is in charge of the casting, you have to do your research well about the job itself and the person in charge of the casting.
Another asked that are there situations where a model can tell a designer what to do. She said that depends on the designer, some designers can receive such with open hands while others may resist it. Models are divas so also are designers. No matter what you do, try and stay within your boundary. What a designer wants in a model depends on the designer's personality. She loves models who smile. Try as much as possible to be memorable.
Bolajo Fawehinmi
Bola has we popularly know her has is a Nigerian Top model and also the c.e.o of Few Model Management.
I really enjoyed her segment very much, it was an eye opener to most of the models present. I did not even know that there were certain things you need to do or have as a model. After her discussion, so many models raised there hands up to ask questions. Her segment was superb. She talked about "Extraordinary features and the modelling industry."
There is a difference between a model and a working model. Many are called, but few are chosen. Many can be models, but few actually become top models.
As a model, look at yourself in the mirror and also figure out what works for you. There are different looks for different models, whatever works for you is all you need.
She also emphasised about agencies. That you are under an agency doesn't guarantee you jobs.
She described modelling as a career. As a model, you need to be up and doing. Don't colour block as a model, be as plain and nude as possible. As a model, don't be on things, extensions or attachments that one cannot work on on time.
For male models, try and be on low cut or skin cut most of the time. She insists that her male models should always be on that hair style because she feels that what these male models can be used for is seasonal. Your hair as a male model should be straight and neat. As a male model, don't try so hard to make people think you are a model especially when you have a particular look on.
At castings, make an impression. Your dressing tells a lot.
For models in Nigeria, no model is yet to get it right. Every model is required to have a model bag for castings, shoots and go sees. The bag should contain your pair of black heels, a water bottle, your plain, white or black tank top or round neck t shirt, your black leggings or black trousers, your sanitary towels, extra under wears, your personal make up kits, your portfolios and comp cards. So when you have a shoot, a job or a casting the next day or an impromptu job or casting, you dont have to run about looking for all these stuffs and try to prepare yourself, with the model bag, you are prepared.
A comp card is like a model's business card which contains the model's best pictures, stats and contact information.
A model's compcard
When you go for a casting and you are asked for your professional pictures, don't bring out your phone, scroll through your pictures and show them the pictures on your phone, that is so unprofessional. Present your comp card and step back a little. You will be taken seriously that way.
Plan well for a shoot when you know the brief. Be neat and tidy, be a total package and make a good impression. When going for a casting, do not use makeup, let your outfit be as plain as possible.
Anywhere you go to, act like a model, sit like a model dress like a model.
Understand your body, face and skin. If you don't have a good skin, that is a no no for you. Dont wait for an agency to do a comp card or portfolio for you, try and save up and get one yourself. One thing, your portfolio should contain your best pictures with different outfits. The thing about portfolios are you can have just three pictures in your portfolio in two years. (You build your portfolios gradually. Its not something you can build in a week, months or even years. Your portfolio is a collection of your best pictures.)
She also talked about height. Height is a major thing, but doesn't stop you from being a model. Get a manager to do a portfolio or book for you.
END
Thank you guys for reading. About the portfolio, guys please make sure you meet professionals to build your portfolios for you. Do not fall into the hands of crooks or fraudsters who just collect your money and do a shabby job for you. That is why emphasis is made on doing your homework and research as a model.
Apart from building a portfolio, you can also create your own comp card. I know of this modelling site that can create a comp card for you for as low as 7000 naira. Creating a comp card is quite expensive tho. So if you are interested please send a mail to modelsdiarys@gmail.com.
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