How to get into the modeling business and start working with brands

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

The modeling business attracts thousands of girls all over the world. However, not everyone, even having an attractive appearance, understands how to get on the catwalk and start working with the world's leading fashion houses. Therefore, we turned to a successful Russian top model from New York to reveal all the secrets of the industry. Ira Pavlova starred for Vogue, Tatler and Harper's Baazar magazines, and also worked with global brands, including Dolce & Gabanna, Alexander McQuenn, Maison Margiela, BCBG and Chanel.

In the photo: model Ira Pavlova / Ira Pavlova

What do you need to pay attention to aspiring girls-models in the first place?

- Getting started in the fashion world can seem like a daunting task. After all, you need to answer so many questions, for example: "Do I have talent?" "How to find an agent?" "What are the pros and cons of becoming a model?" I will try to answer everything in order, because being a model is not just being “beautiful” or “not beautiful”. There are many beautiful people in the world, and there must be something unique about you. It could be a head of curly hair (a la Cindy Crawford), your dimples when you smile, something about the shape of your chin or nose, or some other unique quality. It will be what sets you apart from other models and helps you become more visible.

It is very important at the first stage to find a good parent agency with a good reputation. You need to carefully study the review. It's good if the agency is already working with some top-model stars. Look for recommendations online, and remember that a good agency never asks for money up front for a portfolio.

But a portfolio is still needed

- After you have compiled a list of reputable agencies with which you would like to cooperate, it is time to send them your "book". It should contain basic information about you (size, height and weight) and your photos. Try taking pictures with little or no makeup, very simple clothing, minimal accessories, and natural light. It's important for the agency to see both your face and your body, so be sure to include a wide-angle shot that shows your figure and a larger shot of your face. Play around with angles and poses to find the most appealing look.

In the photo: model Ira Pavlova / Ira Pavlova

Are the agencies targeting social media for the future model? Do you need to tastefully manage your Instagram?

- Yes, now social networks are a trend, so you need to pay attention to this. During the pandemic, major brands even collaborated with models, sending them clothes, accessories, and they themselves organized the filming process. I managed to work this way with a large jewelry house, at first, of course, it was unusual, because here you are responsible for the delivery, makeup and the shooting process. But on the other hand, I managed to try myself as an organizer.

Irina, how did you manage to work on such major shows as the Philipp Plein and Libertine shows?

- A thousand or two thousand models can come to one casting, especially during Fashion Week, it is very important to be different from others and have your own style so that the casting director or client will remember you. For each client, I selected a certain outfit (exit image), and it is very important to understand how you position yourself when meeting with a client. In castings, your clothes should be well-fitted and hair and makeup should be kept to a minimum. You have to come to the casting on time, be persistent and positive, get ready to hear more “no” than “yes”, but don't let this affect your confidence. Try not to take rejections personally, and, of course, don't give up!

In the photo: model Ira Pavlova / Ira Pavlova

You had two shootings in a row for Harper's Bazaar magazine, you appeared on the covers in July and August. How do you work with major magazines?

- During filming for magazines, you need to be ready to transform into different images and have good control over the body. We really worked well with the Harper's Bazaar team. It is very important for a model to find an approach to everyone, so that she wants to shoot again and again.

In general, there are different types of work as a model? Which to choose?

- Yes, you need to immediately understand which genre suits you. There are models who look like the girls next door, and they are often great for filming in advertising catalogs to sell beauty products, clothing, and accessories. If your passion is sports, then you can become a fitness model by partnering with sportswear brands, yoga studios, etc. There are also many opportunities for a future model in the entertainment industry. This career start will allow agencies and casting directors to see how you fit into a particular area of the fashion industry.

The fashion industry is constantly changing and moving, so you never know who you might meet next and how they might help you in the future. Be flexible and you can keep up with the ever-changing business and continue to be successful as a professional model!

In the photo: model Ira Pavlova / Ira Pavlova

Irina, personally, in what direction would you like to develop further?

- I plan to work on new projects with brands that choose an environmentally friendly attitude to fashion (now this is the main trend all over the world). Fortunately, there are more and more such brands, and being a part of this process is a huge motivation for me in my work.