Port City Models & Talent, Inc : What's Hot

Port City Ultimate Image-Wardrobe/Fashion Styling/Image Consulting (corporate and personalized make-overs, closet updates, personal shopping, workshops, pageant coaching)

See Press Herald Business Thursday Interview at MaineToday.com

Press Herald Photo by Derek Davis

Q: What advice do you have for someone attempting to break into the modeling business?

A: Start your career by working with a local agency and do not drop out of school. Keep in mind that within each market there are specific looks that are in favor at any given time and some models fit the look of the moment better than others for that market. Try another near-by city if you are determined and your look isn't right for your particular city. Gain experience modeling or acting part-time, while ultimately setting your sights on New York. Work with several photographers locally to gain experience and confidence with working in front of the camera before attempting to work in a major market.

Q: What separates one model from another? How important is personality?

A: Personality is extremely important, as important as having the right look. I often tell beginning models that your looks may get you in the door, but it will take much more than physical beauty to keep you there. Being tall, thin and beautiful is not enough for survival in this billion dollar business. When someone walks into an open call at Port City Models & Talent, who has all the physical qualifications that we require: appropriate height, great bone structure, blemish-free skin, and straight, white teeth, we also look for a strong, unique personality and individual style, as well as energy, enthusiasm, intelligence and professionalism. Those successful in the business will be well-spoken and possess that 'something special' that makes him/her come alive…an inner drive…an 'attitude', known as charisma and presence. A model must have the ability to project a variety of moods from within to the camera during a shoot and on the runway, have a great attitude and enough confidence and self-esteem to deal with rejection on a regular basis. Modeling is one of the toughest and most sought after careers in the world. A model will get from the business what she puts into it!!!

Q: How has the Internet's global reach impacted the Model/Talent Industry?

A: The Internet has changed the face of the modeling industry significantly by increasing accessibility. Modeling/Acting is a profession that is based on connecting models and actors with jobs. Although an actual face-to-face evaluation is sometimes needed to determine if the candidates are the right fit for a particular job, the Internet minimizes some of the costs incurred for in-person castings. Most Model/Talent Agencies and Management firms use their own web sites to showcase their models/actors to their prospective clients. Clients from around the country or from Europe/Asia are able to view the online portfolios/books/headshots of our models/talent instantaneously via our web sites. This gives our clients immediate access to our talent pool and offers our models/actors, increased global access to clients for bookings, being lucrative for all involved!

Q: In what direction do you see the Fashion Industry headed for Fall/Winter 2010?

Bryant Park Tents - New York Fashion Week

Bryant Park Tents
New York Fashion Week

A: A somber mood enveloped New York's Bryant Park Tents this past February as the Fashion World's global elite made their arrivals (even more so after the sudden death of Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen) in anticipation of absorbing and celebrating Fashion Designers' newest creations for Fall/Winter 2010. The Tent walls were adorned with quotes from Vogue's Anna Wintour, Fashion Designer Donna Karan, TV's Fashion Guru Extraordinaire Tim Gunn, Supermodels Lauren Hutton and Giselle Bundchen and others... to celebrate and commemorate the end of an era. For the past 15 years, the iconic midtown park sharing the same block as the historic New York Public Library, has played host to one of the largest fashion events of the world, New York Fashion Week. The bi-annual event which showcases and previews upcoming seasonal collections from some of the most renowned and up-and-coming labels in the world (Ralph Lauren, Richard Chai, Max Azria� just to name a few) is estimated to draw more than 100,000 store buyers, fashion editors, socialites and celebrities. As such, with some complaints from the park management that the 'invite-only' shows had grown too large and restricted public access to the park for two weeks a year, future Fashion Weeks will be leaving Bryant Park and instead, be held at Lincoln Center.

The Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Designer runways showcased a host of new trends in shades of grays, navy, military inspired khaki, mahogany, copper, camel, purple and as always, black as a staple. These colors were accented with fuschia, teal, gold and silver.

For the Fall, styles are tending towards sophisticated glamour with a bit of the Retro 70s and 80s 'Girl Power' trends thrown in.

Layering rules for this season with Vests and Overlays... short sleeves over long sleeves, pullover jackets under sleeveless. Vests were a prominent trend on models constructed of velvet, sweater or fur worn with longer fitted skirts and pants over boots.

Balenciaga featured Quilted Coats and Vests over fitted Leggings or 'Jeggings'. Parkas, coats and jackets were embellished with faux fur and shearling or sheepskin.

Proposal
Fitted Military Jackets were all the rage on the runways of Marc Jacobs, Balmain and Charlotte Ronson. Some included band jacket buttons and exaggerated shoulders (Balmain) while others were more understated with just a few additional pockets and a cinched waist (Marc Jacobs).

Retro-inspired 70s Trousers were shown in the collections of William Rast and Jean Paul Gaultier... fitted through the hips to the knee and flared generously from the knee to the ankle creating an edgy, chic silhouette.

Few things can ease the sadness over the end of summertime bliss like Leather. Fall/Winter 2010 will be painted in leather, from pants, classic bombers (worn over feminine cocktail dresses) and tailored trenches to corset dresses (a la Versace).

Over-the-Knee Boots are a Fall/Winter 2010 'must have'. The desired length is just over the knee and can be either flat (Giuseppe Zanotti) or high-heeled (Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton). They best looks are constructed of genuine leather or suede in black, grey or brown.

Ankle Boots (aka Booties) are one of the hottest looks in Fall/Winter footwear. They were prominent on the runways of BCBG and Max Azria worn with opaque tights. They have the power to transform an ordinary little black dress or skirt into something fresh and trendy.

Statement Necklaces, with lots of charms or chain links, are huge go-to pieces for Fall. Likewise, chunky cuffs and the large, eye-catching cocktail rings are in, as are big earrings, especially the chandelier look. Whether you�re looking for a necklace or a belt, using metal is an easy way to purchase a trendy piece that can be worn with a variety... the bigger the better to really stand out. Finding pieces of jewelry that are even louder than your clothing will be the way to go.

Q:How is the current economic climate affecting the Fashion Industry?

A: Inexpensive designs and clothing lines are getting a lot more attention... a backlash of sorts to the flashy, celebrity-driven, sexy style that has been dominant for the last decade. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, who made a splash in her Spring/Summer 2010 collection by emphasizing fashion statements that work on a limited budget, including necklaces made out of safety pins and shawls from tablecloths, are going in that direction. We are seeing a shift in 2010 from trend-centered style to individually-based style, which will include a focus on vintage, consignment shop finds, as well as, clothing obtained through 'fashion swapping parties' (Swishing) and even thrift shops and flea market items. Vintage clothing has made a major comeback over the past few years worldwide and has recently become an extremely popular mainstream fashion trend. Aside from the positive environmentally friendly factor, mixing and matching vintage and current designer pieces allows you to create a hip, eclectic style that is unique only to you, as well as, offering the thrill of the hunt.

Some people are choosing to view the current recession as a blessing... permission to re-adjust their values and to stop living above their means and buying things that they do not need or want, feeling that looking extravagant has become 'uncool' and feels emotionally wrong. Even those who are financially secure are choosing to cut back and place more value on substantive things, such as relationships, that are not based on buying, however, when times are tough, the arts and entertainment industries tend to thrive. People still need to get out and de-stress (albeit... inexpensively)... to socialize, to embrace the arts (go to the theatre locally and attend fashion show benefits), to sing and dance and to never stop following their dreams!!!