“Discover the fundamentals. Elevate your potential.”
That was the theme for the modelling workshop that took place weekly for four weeks over at Jurong West premise. The Chinese church hall was transformed into a modelling studio, complete with a runway, photo studio and catwalk pictures all over the walls. This was the closest thing to at an actual runway that most of the participants had seen; it was effective in assimilating industry standards.
Personality Development Trainer Genecia Luo, spoke at this four-week event. Luo, who also won the Miss Singapore International 2006 title, did not just talk the talk but walk the walk. She instructed, guided and shared her experiences in the industry. She demonstrated the art of grooming, posing and walking; explained what to expect when one goes for a model casting; what to wear and how to carry themselves.
It was like an episode out of America’s Next Top Model.
The females in the room were instructed to turn up in a figure-hugging dress and high-heeled shoes a minimum of four inches. Heels are imperative in modeling as they give the female form a lift and helps their posture.
The men, comparatively, had it easy: they just had to wear a simple tight t-shirt with jeans. Of course, what was important was how their (hopefully buff bodies) filled out their t-shirts!
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| PHOTOS: Daniel Poh |
It was a fun and fabulous experience being in a room of beautiful people, but there was more to the workshop than what was skindeep.
University student Stephanie Surya, 21, said: “It was an eye-opening experience, knowing my strengths and weaknesses, learning all those grooming tips; all in, I’m feeling a lot more confident about myself.”
Many City News spoke to shared her sentiments: confidence was the one key they left this workshop with, an asset that helped them not only if they became models, but across other aspects of their lives, for example in job interviews or during presentations.
This may have been a modeling course, but it lacked the typical cat-clawing antics and sabotage that the industry is notorious for. Pure talent was what set these girls and boys apart, and that’s what makes for a true winner.
