When you don’t fill the bill as a perfect couture specimen, there’s still a chance for success — if you have what it takes.
REALITY CHECK: Petite model Kristine Pratt took advantage of the new demand for real-life body types.
Hundreds of thousands of young women try to break into modeling every year. About one percent will have the height, body measurements, and other criteria to walk the runways of the world’s fashion capitals. Most will fall into two specialty categories of modeling — plus and petite sizes.
Girls who are not size 4-6, which is called a “straight” size in fashion parlance, can have consistent, lucrative, even fabulous careers, provided they know and understand this part of the industry. While they differ from the couture model in height and measurement, plus and petite-size models must have the same zest, vitality, persistence, and professionalism. Personality and attitude are just as important, and they also will have to deal with rejection on a regular basis.
The average American woman is size 12-14. Thirty percent are size 16 and over. A size 10 and over is considered a plus-size. These are staggering statistics, and it is little wonder that this market has increased significantly and provided a career break for girls who could never have dreamed of becoming models. This market has also offered a tiny solution to the immense problems caused by extreme dieting. Women, especially teenagers who have accepted that they will never be toothpick thin, are delighted to be healthy and happy modeling larger sizes. Model agent Gary Dakin said: “”Eighty-five percent of the women in this country are over a size 10, so it is inconceivable to have size four’s, six’s and eight’s representing the fashion industry.” Gary is particularly excited about the teenage model who is a plus size, saying, “They are starting to say, ‘Wow! We are beautiful, too. And that is because of, not in spite of, our size.’ ”
NO MORE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Top models who had fought weight problems for years decided it wasn’t worth the risk to their health and became plus-size models. Carre Otis went from a size 2 to a size 12 over a 17-year period. She is now in constant demand here and in Europe as a size 12 model. Peggy Dillard was a high-fashion international couture model for 10 years. When I talked with her after she had done a major campaign in London — this time as a size 10-12 model, she told me: “It meant putting my ego on the shelf and being realistic. Here I was in my late twenties fretting over a little extra weight. Now I don’t have the same anxieties – ‘Are the clothes going to fit? Will the sleeves be too short?’ Now I love myself as I am.”
Great runway models aren’t born, they’re made with a combinations of strong natural gifts, instinctive moves, and plenty of tough love from a coach like Michael Maddox.
Occasional strolls down a runway may spark an interest in expanding into full-time modeling, acting or pageant competition. Whatever the case, here are some expert tips to help you take the next steps toward achieving your goals. By Eve Matheson
It Happens Every Spring — it can happen to you: Modeling and talent agents convene each year at the Waldorf=Astoria on the lookout for the stars of tomorrow. With any luck, you too can be discovered.
Made in Japan: One of America’s hottest exports in the Far East may be its fashion models. Here’s why girls who cross the Pacific are practically guaranteed to profit from the trip. By Eve Matheson
star pupil, star maker: The lifeblood of the entertainment industry is people like Charlie Pasarel and his PMTS International, where so many benefit from his IMTA success as a performer, producer and mentor.
face-to-face with stardom: The 2006 iPOP! convention brings bright and promising John Robert Powers students up close to Hollywood's legendary siren's call.
Beautiful dreamers: Ms. and Mr. Barbizon winners discover the training and cool confidence required to reap Pageantry’s rewards at their modeling convention.
Our expert’s radio call-in show appearances have elicited a number of common questions from prospective young models. Here’s the version of her advice that you can conveniently tear out and keep.
Members of a small Tennessee-based talent firm compete in front of some of the biggest hitters in the modeling and acting agency-management professions.
With its proximity to a plethora of dream makers, IMTA/Barbizon in New York City offers an alluring combination — a chance to be seen, heard, and discovered by those in the modeling and entertainment industry's inner circles.
For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all the details on this and other exciting competitive events from across America, as well as a wealth of advice to improve your chances of victory, be sure to order Pageantry today.
