How to become a model + model requirements
First of all, please remember that the thing with Victoria’s Secret is they only hire models who are already signed with prominent agencies and have had a successful career in other parts of modelling. This means that aiming to be a Victoria’s Secret model is pointless unless you are willing to put in the effort to preferably become a successful high fashion model first or a commercial model. You cannot just walk into a Victoria’s Secret casting you must be invited so prioritise your goals because you will not get Victoria’s Secret overnight.
Industry Requirements
Commercial Modeling:
5’6 to 5’11
Editorial / Fashion modelling:
5’8 to 6’0
90lb- 120lb or 41 to 55 kg
(This can vary due to fat and muscle weighing different amounts)
Plus-Size modeling:
5’8 to 6’2
Size 10-18 (USA)
Size 14-22 (AUS and UK)
Size 42-50 (EUROPEAN)
How to become a model
Look the part
- Fit into the requirements above
- Have clear skin, clean and shinny hair, be well groomed
- Work out- this will help keep your body and mind in check.
- Eat well- this will help keep your body and skin in check
Educate yourself
- Have realistic priority’s and understand just because you are tall and pretty does not mean you will cut it.
- Know about the industry, know who people are, know who your favourite models are, know about designers and fashion week. People will ask you questions, so know how to answer them
- Be confident, know yourself and know what you want without being stuck up or rude. Make your personality a selling point
Portfolio’s and Agency’s
- Take some head, profile and body shots of you in natural lighting wearing plain, fitted clothes against a plain background and wear no makeup. These will be your polaroids
- Consider getting some professional photo’s taken and put them in a book with your polaroids and take it with you to casting’s and interviews with agency’s
Know your Measurements and Stats
- Measure your height, bust, waist and hips
- Know your shoe and clothing size
- Weigh yourself
- Know personal stats e.g. hair colour, eye colour, skin tone
- Be truthful about your measurements. Your agency will tell you if you need to change them and you will embarrass yourself and an agency if you lie
Manners Matter
- Be courteous, polite, well mannered and grateful. If someone has booked you for a job they are paying your bills and putting food on your table so to put this roughly, don’t be a bitch
- Be punctual
- Develop professional relationships with people because you never know when you might need a favour
- Take modelling seriously, do not waste anyone’s time even if you don’t plan to do it for the rest of your life
Practice, Practice, Practice
Being a model is hard work so to be the very best you can be practice. Practice your runway walk. Practice talking to people. Practice your best angles.
