One of the most common questions that we get asked is: "so, where do you find your models? Are they from a specific agency?" the answer to the second half of that question is, nope. We don't use agency models, which brings me to the first half. The answer of which is, everywhere. Our models are normal women from all walks of life: lawyers, students, teachers, environmentalists and journalists to name a few of our models actual professions.
They are friends, clients and other interested and interesting people who either wonder into our shop of are dragged in by an excited friend and end up staying.
They are friends, clients and other interested and interesting people who either wonder into our shop of are dragged in by an excited friend and end up staying.
So the short answer is, yes. We are always on the lookout for new models. It is not a closed club by any means, our models are gorgeous women like yourself who look great in our clothes.
So here is what we look for....
*No previous experience neccessary. A lot of the shoots you see are the first time that that particular person has done any modelling. If we like you (and the feeling is mutual) then you may become one of our regulars who we call up when we have something specific to shoot, that we know will look drop dead on you. Or, if we have an idea that we know you will love (or you give us an call with an idea that you know we will love :)
* Models can be of any ethnicity. We would love to shoot more african, asian and indian women *hint hint*
*open minded, easy going and no body issues. There are few things worse for a clothing designer and a photographer that starting to shoot and the model starts winging about how much she hates a certain part of her body and would we please refrain from shooting that part. If we didn't like your body, we wouldn't be shooting you so shut up.
* oh, and no hang-ups! We style and dress you in a way that we think is the most flattering to your body in styles and colours that suit you, we aren't going to tell you before the shoot what you are going to be wearing, and you don't get to choose what you wear in a shoot. Trust us, it's our job to make you look your absolute best!
*open minded, easy going and no body issues. There are few things worse for a clothing designer and a photographer that starting to shoot and the model starts winging about how much she hates a certain part of her body and would we please refrain from shooting that part. If we didn't like your body, we wouldn't be shooting you so shut up.
* oh, and no hang-ups! We style and dress you in a way that we think is the most flattering to your body in styles and colours that suit you, we aren't going to tell you before the shoot what you are going to be wearing, and you don't get to choose what you wear in a shoot. Trust us, it's our job to make you look your absolute best!
*Size 30 - Bust 81cm, waist 65cm, hip 88cm (or as close as possible) This isn't because we discriminate against fuller figured models as we were recently accused of doing (or super tiny for that matter!) . It is because this is our rail sample and mannequin size. It is the best size for use to make our samples in in order to get accurate grading for larger and smaller sizes. We also photograph all of our samples on mannequins both for our own records, and for our online shop and it is important that clothing fits perfectly for that. We very seldom make clothing to fit a specific model for a shoot as we are then stuck with samples in an unusual size that we cannot sell or shoot on anyone else.
*Height from 5'3" (161cm) up
*Any bust size, from teeny to super duper. (we do tend to have a preference for a smaller bust in clothing, but a larger bust really works with a corset!.
We do prefer our models to be as proportionate as possible - ie, have hips and bust in proportion whether you are skinny or curvaceous.
*hair any length and colour but must be in good condition with fresh colour - no roots.
Please no undercuts, shaved bits, mullets, very heavily layered hair or other "subculture" styles. Dreads welcome as long as they are long, clean and well kept without bits of floatsam (beads, thread, last night's dinner etc) stuck in them
*All piercings particularly facial and multiple ear piercings must be removable. No large gauge plugs.
*Tattoos must be easily concealable within a low cut short sleeved shirt. We do occasionally show a model's tats, but only when they work with the outfit.
Please no permanent eyeliner, it is almost impossible to cover!
As we don't consider ourselves a subculture brand, we avoid using "alternative" models or models who are obviously a part of a specific subculture. (often if someone does look particularly goth/rockabilly/kugel/sufergirl etc we will style them in a way that is the complete opposite of how they usually look
*No, you don't get paid and you don't get to choose clothing or keep what you wear in a shoot. You get amazing pics.
*must be 18yrs or over and willing to sign a model release.
*We do sometimes look for models outside of these criteria for themed shoots, so please send us a couple of clear, recent pics of yourself, full length, face and of any distinguishing characteristics with your measurements and a write-up about yourself and we will keep you on our books!
*No, you don't get paid and you don't get to choose clothing or keep what you wear in a shoot. You get amazing pics.
*must be 18yrs or over and willing to sign a model release.
*We do sometimes look for models outside of these criteria for themed shoots, so please send us a couple of clear, recent pics of yourself, full length, face and of any distinguishing characteristics with your measurements and a write-up about yourself and we will keep you on our books!
We want women who have unusual looks and character as well as those who are traditionally beautiful, so don't count yourself out because you have particular characteristic that is to your mind "un-model-like"
Think you're up for the challenge? give a call or an e-mail 011 447 0247 or arwen@arwen.co.za
