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 Fashion Designers heading for 2009?

A: While attending NYC's Spring 2009 Fashion Week this past September, I observed a growing list of designers tuned in to the global 'eco-awareness movement', proving that GREEN has definitely become the new BLACK!!! Formerly on the fringes of the fashion world, environmentally-friendly, ethical fashion is on its way to becoming the multi-billion-dollar industry that its predecessors… organic food and beauty products have become. In this epoch of global warming, the demand for organic clothing is doubling every year with consumers seeking out designers and manufacturers who construct garments from organic and recycled materials... that are both fashionable and responsible.

The fashion industry at large is taking a more responsible look at its cause and effect on the planet. With heightened concern about toxicity from PBDEs (flame retardants) and other chemicals in clothing and products, organic and renewable materials such as bamboo are gaining ground as alternatives to conventional fibers produced with pesticides, herbicides and defoliants. Some designers used only organic fabrics with natural dyes, encouraging people to reconnect with nature, others used recycled fabrics and materials, such as parachute cloth, which looked like clothing cut from a green plastic garbage bag, but styled into eco-chic creations, while still others transformed cast-off materials (upcycling) into totally edgy designs. Five years ago, there were approximately 50 or so emerging designers creating eco-fashion. Now most designers are embracing the movement with many large retail chains coming on board! Designers are attempting to prove that 'eco' can be edgy and chic.

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 2009 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 2009 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!!!