Lacey Jumpsuit

Now at only RM42/pc!

Code: DC002

Colour: Navy Blue, Black

Details: Fits size S to M, soft cotton with lace, zip at back panel.
Status: Black & Navy Blue Sold Out

Mickey in "Crime" ^^
Now at only RM20/pc!

Code: DC001
Colour: As per picture
Details: Fits size S to M, soft cotton
Status: Available

Location: You've Gotta be Where the Action Is!

As I've been browsing through various modeling sites online I've come across many people asking questions about who is the best modeling agency, who is the best casting agency for actors, etc, etc. I don't particularly care for these types of questions, mainly because they call for an opinion--of course there are agencies that we all considered to be the "best" but whether that agency is a good fit for you is a whole different story. There is more to finding an agency than just signing with the best. Take it from me, being with one of the top agencies isn't always all it's cracked up to be. Another reason I don't like these questions is because they are too broad for an accurate answer to be given.

So let me say this: if you are interested in pursuing modeling and/or acting and are wondering who is the best of the best, the only way to find out is to do research and begin at the local level. Let me explain what I mean by this...

When it comes to agencies (modeling, acting, etc), it is all about location. In general, prospective talent should be located fairly close to the agency's location--at most a 2 hour's drive away. Castings and auditions are often very last minute and being local solves any issues that may arise in terms of being too far away. In your search for an agency you should start by looking within your city and state. We all know that when it comes to modeling agencies there are some that ultimately fall under the "best ever" category, such as Elite, Ford, Wilhelmina, etc. However, each modeling market has its own local "best" category that is applicable to each state. It isn't helpful to you to look for the best agencies that are located nowhere near where you live, unless you're going to relocate and in most cases I'm sure you don't have the luxury of just picking up and moving across the country. So why go through the trouble of considering agencies that you have to take an airplane to get to? It just doesn't make sense.

Getting signed to a local agency that does very well and gets its models work is a great way to start your modeling career, not to mention faster. For example, if you live in Texas and you've got what it takes, you'll get signed to a top agency in Texas a lot faster than if you sent your pictures over to Elite in New York. The competition is fierce and you can bet that agencies will want to deal with local models they have access to than someone they couldn't call on short notice. Of course there are exceptions to the rule but I'm talking about the bigger picture here.

So many people make the process of finding an agency more difficult than it needs to be because they are casting too wide of a net. Start at the local level and find out who is considered the best in your city and/or state and use that as your starting point. I guarantee it will simplify things and make the whole process of getting into the industry that much easier for you. It doesn't make sense to ask around for the best agencies--we all know who the big players are but unless you live near those agencies or plan on moving there, pursuing them isn't very realistic when you're just starting out. Remember, it takes baby steps.

Tips for Writing Cover Letters to Modeling Agencies

In your search for a modeling agency you may be required to write a cover letter, which they also call a "Letter of Introduction." For those that are underage, you probably have never had the opportunity to write a cover letter and may be wondering how you should do it. Just as if you were applying for an actual position/job within a company, the cover letter is a part of the critical "package" you send to agencies and should be done properly. It isn't rocket science and with practice you'll be able to write a decent cover letter that would impress any modeling agency.

Here are some simple tips you can follow:

- Keep it short and sweet. Cover letters aren't meant to be lengthy. Your cover letter should be one page. Period. If the cover letter you write is longer than one page start doing some serious editing. The good thing is that cover letters for modeling agencies don't have to be so detailed and precise. Use 1.5 or double spacing and choose a font that is readable and not fancy or distracting.

- Format correctly. The top right of the cover letter should contain your full name, mailing address, phone number and email. Remember, a professional email address is a must. After entering this information enter 1-2 spaces, change your text alignment over to the left hand side and then list the name of the modeling agency, the name of the person you are sending the letter to (if you don't know, then the name of the agency will suffice), and the mailing address of the agency. You do not need to include the phone number. Create another space and enter the date. Now you can begin your letter.

- Be concise. Your cover letter should be straight to the point. State your name and that you are interested in seeking agency representation.

- State what you want. Mention the type of modeling you want to do and then briefly list any attributes you feel would make you an ideal model for their agency. Use this part of your cover letter to "sell yourself" in order to persuade the agency to grant you an interview. You can play up your strengths and relate them to the modeling field. For example, if you are always on time for things you can state how you are very punctual, which can help when it comes to being on time for castings and shoots. Keep the content professional, however. You should come across as smart, capable and mature--even if you are underage.

- Tell them about yourself. Are you a new and inexperienced model hoping to get started in the industry? Are you a working model seeking new representation or a freelance model in need of a good agent? Are you in school? Graduated? Working? This information will help the agency get a better idea of who you are and where you are at in life. If you have experience don't feel the need to brag about what you've appeared in--that's what the resume and your photos are for. Instead, mention how long you have been modeling. You can mention one or two things you've appeared in but they don't need a list. If you are currently with an agency but are seeking a new agent, do not mention the name of the agency you are with in your letter. No one likes to hear about the competition. Simply stating you are currently with someone is all the info they need. Only tell them who you are signed with if asked.

- Avoid gushing. As excited as you may be to pursue modeling, your cover letter shouldn't look like a groupie wrote it. Avoid talking at length about how you've wanted to model since you were born and how you love Gisele's hair, Adriana's eyes and how you feel you could be the next top model. Agencies have heard it all before. Leave this type of stuff out of your cover letter.

- Play to the agency's ego. Modeling is a business and one way to impress an agency is to make them realize how good you would be for business and what you can contribute. It doesn't hurt to mention how you admire their agency and would love the opportunity to be on their roster.

- No errors! Your cover letter shouldn't have any grammatical errors, typos or misspellings. Have a parent or friend that is good in English help you write your cover letter if needed and always have it proofread before sending it.

Remember, cover letters to modeling agencies only come into play if the agency requires one. If you come across an agency that doesn't ask for a cover letter/letter of introduction, then you don't need to do one. However, it doesn't hurt, especially if you are new/inexperienced and do not have a written resume to submit.

What is Pinup Modeling?

One type of modeling that is becoming very popular again is pinup modeling. As the name implies pinup images are photos, drawings or other illustrations of beautiful women that were literally put up on people's walls for display purposes. This concept has been around since as early as the 1910s-1920s. Actresses (Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Brooke Shields, Pamela Anderson), models (Cindy Crawford, Anna Nicole Smith, Tyra Banks) and other female celebrities (Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry) have been used in pinup form for decades. Betty Page is one of the most famous pinup models of all time. Playboy Magazine even dubbed her the "Queen of all pinups." Although she also dabbled in fetish/bondage themes, her pinup career is well known around the world and she has a legion of fans even today.

However, you no longer have to be an A-list celeb in order to do pinup. The art of pinup photography and modeling are quickly finding their niche in the industry. It isn't fair to pit the success of this type of modeling against another, like fashion/runway, because pinup modeling is a giant in its own right and if you're interested in pursuing this field, there are a couple of ways you can go about it.

In terms of the requirements there really aren't any! A pinup model can be any height, any size and weight isn't an issue. Curvy, vivacious figures are welcomed with open arms when it comes to pinup so if you aren't the typical size 2 or have a waif-like build to be a runway model, then you may want to consider your options with pinup. There is one requirement, however, that should be noted and followed: pinup models should be 18 years of age or older. This type of modeling involves glamour and sexual themes, which have no place in an underage model's career.

There aren't exactly any pinup modeling agencies per se probably because this field doesn't have the same high demand that commercial/print or fashion does that would allow agencies to make a stable profit. You may come across online modeling agencies that use pinup models but make sure that they are legit and credible. Chances are you may run into the whole "Pay X amount of dollars to set up your portfolio with us" type of situation. Many pinup models are freelance and don't deal with agents. Popular pinup models that have a wide fan base may hire on a manager to book them gigs and appearances. In these instances, having a manager over an agency is helpful if that option is open to you.

If you want to start your pinup career you're going to need to build a portfolio. This can be done through test shoots with local photographers in your area. Needless to say the photographers you work with should specialize in pinup photography and have a strong portfolio of their work to show you. Ask for references from other models as well and make sure that the photographer(s) you work with are professional. Pinup photography is an art and if you do an online search for classic pinup images you'll see what I'm talking about. There is a huge difference between tasteful pinup work and amateurish smut so make sure you're working with top notch quality people.

Pinup modeling usually consists of makeup that reflects the 1940s or similar eras, carefully styled coifs (hair) and sexy clothing, which can include lingerie, swimwear, boy shorts, etc. This is where the glamour element comes in. Instead of showcasing a product or fashion design, you are showcasing yourself. Not all pinup models have to pose nude or semi nude so if you don't feel comfortable showing skin, you don't have to and never allow someone to tell you otherwise.  

I would suggest doing research about pinup modeling before pursuing it. Having a better understanding of this type of modeling will help you know what to expect and make it easier for you to deliver when doing your shoots.

Answering a Reader Question #58

Mackenzie Wrote: Hi! My name is Kenzie and I love modeling and have since kindergraden!! I have also walked a few runways but, I am only 15. I indeed LOVE VS and PINK (as do so many other people.)Do you know anything about modeling for PINK?
Even if its just catalog or website? 

Hi, Kenzie! Thank you so much for posting a question that isn't actually already answered in the post! LOL. Okay, on to answering your question. The bad news is that even though the PINK line for Victoria's Secret doesn't involve lingerie, you still need to be 18 years of age or older and the modeling requirements (measurements, height, etc) are exactly the same as that of a regular Victoria's Secret model. It's not fair but that's the truth.

Model and clothing photo with high heels

Beautiful fashion model with a casual style, sexy, supplemented by a blue blazer and high heels, is a photo fashion trends.