A model wears and displays the latest fashion designs and cosmetics. Models may be male or female of any age group including children who are used to advertise products for companies.
Models specialise in live or photographic modelling. Live models appear in front of audiences (potential customers) wearing the latest styles of designers, manufacturers or retail shops while a compère describes the garments. Photographic models work in front of the camera wearing the garments or cosmetics being promoted. Models may also appear in television commercials, demonstrate new products or services at exhibitions or trade shows, or pose for artists making drawings to be used in advertisements.
Some satisfying aspects of this career include:
Some demanding aspects may include:
Schooling & School Subjects
Model Schools and Agencies: Leading mannequin schools and agencies are situated in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. The prospective fashion model is required to take both photographic, model and mannequin courses, as versatility is most important in modelling in South Africa.
Training involves deportment, poise, grooming, social etiquette, clothes sense and wardrobe planning, make-up and skin care, as well as modelling (photographic, wholesale, retail and ramp).
No special licensing or certification is required. After a person has been trained as a fashion model, registration as a professional model with an established model agency is recommended.
University of technology and university training in the areas of drama, art and clothing design are helpful in developing poise and a sense of style.
The Manager
Heads Model Agency
P O Box 1366
Houghton, 2041
Tel. (011) 442-6020/33
The Manager
Model Management
P O Box 95441
Waterkloof, 0145
Tel. (012) 344-3585
The Chairlady
National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA)
Tel. (011) 486-0565