Expert: Kitty Kavey - 10/3/2006

Question
i am a 22year old blk male. 6,2ft tall. im intrested in getting into the moddeling world. ive joined a gym could you pliz tell me with my height wot kind of moddeling will be best for me and the differences between commercial and fashion model. i would also want to ask something that confuse me, for men models wot would you say is the ideal waist,chaistand hip size and also weight especially for someone with my height. can you also send me a list of some agencies you think might take me in england. thx

Answer
Generally: Fashion models model fashion and beauty products, and have size, height and age requirements as an industry standard.  Commercial print models model products and services other than fashion or beauty, and do not have size, height or age requirements as an industry standard.  In your case, you fit the height requirement for fashion modeling.  If you're under age 25, then you could look into the fashion agencies in your area.  For male fashion models, a suit size of 40 is standard.  Hips and waist would be proportionate to that, with long lean lines, as men with bulky or bulging muscles do not show clothes as well.  
They only just started weighing models, and only females that I know of, in response to the pressure from the public to stop using too-skinny models.  That's not been a problem with male models, so I doubt weight is an issue for men, so long as they fit the sample size.  Of course, for either type of modeling, good teeth, blemish-free skin and a photogenic quality are very important.  
As for agents in your area, you can use one of the modeling agency directories (available in your local library, bookstore or online) that includes England, or do a search on your favorite search engine for modeling agencies, England (or modeling agencies, London - whatever is most appropriate to your location).  
Most agencies have websites where they list what their requirements are for new faces, as well as if they have open calls, or where to mail in your information for consideration.
Good luck to you,
~Kitty