There’s more to being a model than having skyscraper legs and gorgeous hair. The ones who truly make it have something more, something special; something difficult to pinpoint and even harder to describe. Maybe they have a unique beauty, a killer walk, a chameleon versatility; maybe they light up a photograph the same way they light up a room.
If you think you have what it takes, here are some pointers in getting started as a model.
Photography: Kim Weston Arnold
Q1: Nora, you have an incredible look. What is your ethnic background, How and why did you get into modelling?
My parents are both Moroccan. I got into modelling throw a casting at my school by Jamie Hawkesworth for the JW Anderson SS14 campaign, and I was chosen.
JW Anderson X Uniqlo Fall 2017
Q2: If you had to pick three of your favourite designers that best represent your style, who would they be?
Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Vetements.
Modelling as a job.
First and foremost: be realistic. Recognize that there’s a lot of hard work that goes into being a model. Models have to deal with early mornings and hours spent waiting around or sitting in the makeup chair. Blisteringly painful shoes and jet lag? All part of the job! It’s also a highly competitive industry.
We’re not saying that modelling isn’t fun or satisfying work — just that you should realize it is a job, and like any job it has its challenges. Employers will expect you to be professional and take every task seriously.
Q3: What’s the hardest thing about being a model, What do you do to stay healthy and in shape and What are you usually doing when you’re not busy modelling?
Probably the hours and uncertainly, I like a routine!. I have replaced some foods with healthy alternatives to stay helthay and shaped. I was in school, so that was priority but I just finished about a month ago, so I’m not sure yet.
Getting noticed.
A lot of models get scouted in everyday places, but you can’t rely on chance to be noticed. Try kickstarting your own career by building a strong social media following. Posing for Instagram will help get you comfortable in front of the camera and can help you get noticed.
You’ll also want to approach agencies for representation. Be sure to do your homework and check that they’re reputable. If they ask you for thousands of dollars in registration fees, they’re probably a scam. Be prepared by taking basic head shots and body shots: these don’t need to be super professional but should be clear and natural (minimal makeup and a plain backdrop is best.)
Q4: What do you think about diversity within the fashion industry… Do you feel it is improving?
Yes, I feel like it is improving, people are becoming more aware. Before people didn’t take much notice. The cast of a whole show could have white models, and not many people would have noticed, but it’s changed and now more people do.
Vogue UK September 2017. Photography: Mario Testino.
Q5: You’ve already worked alongside incredible veterans of the industry, including Kate Moss. What have you learned from them? and You recently starred on the cover of Vogue UK. What was that experience like?
To always be polite and nice. The experience with latest Vogue UK cover was like going to any other shoot, but what makes it a reality for me is the reactions of the people when it was released.
Making connections.
Connecting with photographers and other creatives for collaborations can be a great way to build your portfolio and gain experience. Again, just be sure they’re reputable and that you’re only doing work that you feel comfortable with and proud of. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be yourself. Let your personality shine through — that’s what makes a great model truly stand out from the crowd.
Q7: Thanks Nora for your time. Finally What’s your ultimate travel destination?
Your Welcome!. Some where tropical, I really want to go to Cuba.
