Matthew – Senior Director of Modelling Q&A

Matthew – Senior Director of Modelling

http://londonfashionmodels.net/ 

Could you tell me a bit about London Fashion Models?

We're one of the UK's largest modelling agency, working with models and clients nationwide. We've been in business for over 10 years, and we work with a huge variety of leading brand names.  We are focused on getting new models into the industry.

How do you find your models?

We receive most applications through our website. It only takes a few minutes to complete the application form and upload photos for our consideration.

What kind of models are most popular - children, teenagers, young women, males?

Our models can be any age - from new-born babies to senior citizens - and can have any look or shape. We get a wide range from all different backgrounds and looks. We can never predict what clients might want for their projects.

Is there a vetting process before signing a model up?

http://londonfashionmodels.net/  registration process is very straightforward. After an application is submitted, we get in touch with the applicant and chat to them about their expectations and interests. They are then invited to the studio in London.

The whole process of applying is simple and fast, and we aim to respond within a few days of receiving an application.

Have you found attitudes have changed since the 'size zero' debate kicked off?

I wouldn't say I've noticed an enormous change, but there certainly has been some shifts in the way models are perceived in recent years. http://londonfashionmodels.net/ has always recruited a wide range of different models, and I think it's clear that in the future, 'real' men and women are going to become increasingly relevant in the world of modelling.

Have you found a change in the types of models requested for campaigns now?

It's important to realise that we work for a huge range of clients. The vast majority do not request six-foot women who are size zero. We have never been the kind of model agency that will only represent a particular kind of model - we have a diverse array of looks, sizes and personalities on our books, and we have always maintained that you do not have to be a size zero to try modelling. We cover most modelling styles and try to encourage an open-minded approach to model selection among our clients, while still respecting their needs for a particular assignment. 

What are your feelings on the use of size zero models - or plus-size models - on the catwalk?

I think the key point is that everybody is unique - some people are naturally thin, while others have fuller figures. The vital thing to remember in all modelling is that people need models of lots of different sizes - because there are people of different sizes in the real world. It is important to be in touch with your natural body shape: models should be healthy, and we have to consider the impact of negative body image on young people (both boys and girls). This is something that I think really concerns everybody in the modelling industry.

What influence do you think modelling agencies have on body image?

Unfortunately, I think our influence is relatively limited. People - especially the young - take on opinions and trends from designers and the media. That can affect how they perceive their chances of succeeding as a model, which is a shame, because we need models of all sizes. Also, modelling as an industry is often badly misrepresented in the mainstream media, especially when it comes to body image. The result is that people have serious misconceptions about what modelling agencies want, or who they recruit. If people looked more carefully at the facts, and speak to agencies like www.londonfashionmodels.net, they'd realise how broad and open we are in selecting models, and they'll realise how important it is to us that we have a mixture of shapes, sizes and looks on our books.

How do you see the future of modelling?

I hope we continue to see a broader range of models and looks entering the mainstream modelling scene, and people's perceptions about what it means to be a model changing. For http://londonfashionmodels.net/ , the size zero debate isn't a consideration when we're recruiting models, nor is it the main concern of the majority of our clients. It would be wonderful to see the media and leading designers recognise the lack of variety and to do something positive about it.

What about the scams in the industry?

http://londonfashionmodels.net/ advises that when starting modelling you proceed with caution. You need to be fully prepared and protected on your journey into the modelling industry to help you avoid being scammed along the way. We at http://londonfashionmodels.net/ have put together some helpful tips that are fully available on our website.