Everyone knows model casting is a world of couches, compliance and corruption, right? Well, not the way we do it.
Our reality is a series of insightful five-minute conversations with good-looking people who have just as much going on upstairs as they do on the outside.
To give you a glimpse into this world, three Highsnobiety regular contributors — casting director Sarah Bunter, photographer Alex de Mora and HS Fashion Editor Atip W — are here to introduce a selection of their most inspiring beauties and let you sit in on the conversation…
Amy Greenhough @ IMG Models
Amy always arrives in a whirlwind of floppy hair and fringe. Her brain is even more absorbing than her smile, making me want every casting with her to last at least five hours. Her life experiences and outlook are hilarious and well-considered. She’s versatile, effervescent and also a huge fan of pandas… and now, of course, a friend for life. She is currently studying for her PhD in literature.
On being a model:
“When you’re a model some people will treat you like you’re the most important person in the room and others treat you like you aren’t human. The best thing I’ve learned is that neither is true.”
On the future:
“Positive changes are always happening — Christopher Kane and Tammy Kane have reminded me that fashion can be art and that you can be at the top of your game and still be kind and lovely.”
On people:
“I love compassion, bravery and an infectious laugh…”
On changes:
“I would like to see changes in fashion; definitely more diversity and I’d also like more brands to think about their impact on the world, environmentally as well as socially.”
On life outside of modeling:
“It’s important to also work outside of modeling as there are so many other possibilities and other people existing who aren’t worrying about how shiny their hair is.”
Amy recommends watching this TED talk.
Jessica Grey Miller
Jessica intrigued me from our first chat. She was the last to arrive at the casting so we left together, talking more about her plans and experiences so far. I realized straight away more was to come and that making images was only the start for her. One year later and she’s publishing her own magazine and creating sustainable new business ideas with and for those with various disabilities. Already wondering what one more year will bring? Me too.
On her age:
“At 24 I’m quite old for a newish face in this industry! But I would recommend modeling to people closer to my age — when the stars align and you get a good job, team and location, it’s great. But it is distorted to fetishize youth as much as this industry does…”
On staying grounded:
“Having my own business really helps; The Journal already has a positive effect on the community I live in, which is a real bonus. It’s had such a warm reception from people of all generations and backgrounds, which has been great, because inclusivity is exactly what we are aiming for. It’s also managed to link up lots of people including artists, illustrators and independent businesses in South East London, all within its first year; there is certainly pressure now to keep it going and push it further…”
On diversity:
“Conversations about diversity are becoming more commonplace, which is great and demonstrates to brands that there is a real need and desire for it, so hopefully this will lead to positive progression.”
On retroactive advice:
“I would like to tell my younger self that things do get better. I would also tell her about my girlfriend and dog, I think I would be very pleased! My girlfriend is a handsome musician with a brilliant mind and my dog is a handsome but incredibly cheeky whippet.”
On words to live by:
“As my dad always says, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’… he’d better be bloody right!”
Jessica would like you to visit The South East London Journal.
Robbie Gallow
Robbie skateboarded into her first casting with us. The last time I saw her she had broken her nose and was refusing to have it set straight; “It doesn’t matter right?” I love her confidence and friendliness, she instantly feels like one of the team. Changing the atmosphere for the better and bringing out the best in other models, too. She stands out as someone who thrives from a creative atmosphere. I’m sure modeling will not be her last stop in fashion…
On life outside of modeling:
“It’s important to me to keep a really fresh and interesting life outside of modeling. I’ve always been very passionate about drawing and being in a creative environment; I get a lot of encouragement from designers and photographers. Luckily modeling comes with a lot of waiting around so this gives me the chance to get better at something that I love.”
On people:
“My favorite people are the ones who take the piss out of themselves…”
On changes:
“If there’s anything missing in fashion, I’d say more flat shoes on girls. I skate so my reason is obvious.”
On her modeling experiences:
“Fashion is very surreal. My first shoot was swimming in the London Aquarium, I had to feed the sharks. I survived of course…”
On advice:
“My advice to young people? If someone tries to give you a perm, just say NO.”
See more of Robbie’s work here.
Wei-Chiung Lin
Wei instantly appeared as very wise to me — calming, but passionate and interested. She is a European correspondent for many Asian publications, continuously studying the fascinating parallels and differences between both cultures. Wei is a joy to meet and work with; her love of the industry is apparent as soon as she speaks. Her level and variety of experience shows in every second of her shoot, and her vitality is contagious!
On sizing:
“I would like to see a sizing change in the modeling industry. I absolutely admire those early ’90s models and their figures, they were just perfection. I really hope one day we can go back to that era, when the women looked so healthy and sexy!”
On slow fashion:
“I’d also like to see ‘slower fashion’. Fast fashion can be fine, social media etc. but I would like to see more real fashion in exhibitions — to be able to touch and feel it, be able to see the art in person and not only from your laptop. It’s time for another legend this century who can take our breath away, make history and culture again. I hope we can give more space and respect to young designers and let them grow and be the way they want to be.”
On modeling:
“Modeling does make me happy, but it can feel strange — especially when I see a 10x bigger version of myself on giant posters. There was one in Harrods’ window and I could almost hear my parents saying ‘Wei! You made it! You are in Harrods windows! You can come home now!’”
On advice:
“I would encourage young people to enjoy relationships but remember to be independent always.”
On inspirations:
“One of my favorite people in fashion is Sir Paul Smith. What a gentleman. Extremely funny, genuine, always taking care of models and surprisingly, super tall?”
On words to live by:
“Stop worrying; worries will not take you anywhere!”
Read more from Wei-Chiung Lin here.
Soraya Jansen @ Nevs Models
I had never met anyone like Soraya — Malaysian heritage and growing up in Germany, studying in Glasgow, she has one of my favorite accents! Five minutes chatting with her is never enough; the last time I saw a small glimpse into her work against Islamophobia. She’s currently working on a short film and her performance work to challenge misguided information from the media. Soraya, I understand if one day you can’t make a casting due to that appointment at the UN…
On advice:
“I’ve learned never to take things personally, because if you try hard at something then you will probably face rejection every day, but it has nothing to do with you. With modeling, it’s more about other people and what they are looking for.”
On diversity:
“It’s frustrating diversity is still an issue in 2015. White people don’t make up the majority of the world, so why are there only white models in so many shows and campaigns?”
On people:
“Kindness is my favorite attribute in people. Sometimes people feel they have to be rude to be respected when on a job, but we are all trying to accomplish the same thing: a finished product of a high standard for the client. It’s such a team effort that being rude to people just doesn’t help anything.”
On friends:
“My friends really help me by making sure I don’t take too much to heart…”
On fashion:
“There is still so much missing in fashion… but, then again, if everything was perfect there would be no drive for people to change anything, would there?”
For more of Soraya’s work, head here.
Gigi Jeon @ Next Models
Gigi is unstoppable. She is a much loved, hard-working model, and also very funny. She leaves every casting with everyone smiling and wanting to work with her again. She is from South Korea but I’m sure I’ve heard her fall into speaking Japanese to another model while they were waiting, trying to help her with directions.
Her life sounds incredible — so many animals! Last time we spoke, she had been on safari and I was insanely jealous. She’s a great example of how to grab life by the balls… she’s so international and so incredibly chic.
On traveling:
“Travel is everything. It’s a big part of my job and therefore a big part of my life. You learn so much and it can change the way you work for the better.”
On advice:
“Learn a language! Even if you’re terrible at it, just making the effort can help you out in so many cultures.”
On people:
“Encouragement is so important. My family and friends have been such a big part in this; I really try to give them something back.”
On words to live by:
“Stop thinking about doing it and just actually do it! You will surprise yourself — don’t be scared darling!”
Follow Gigi’s travels on Instagram.
Stay tuned for more Auditions.
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Photographer:
Alex De Mora -
Stylist:
Atip W -
Hair:
Takuya Morimoto @ Brooks&Brooks Using L’Oreal Professional -
Make-Up:
Lydia Warhusrt Using M.A.C. Cosmetics -
Hair Assistant:
Yuki Matsuo -
Casting Director:
Sarah Bunter -
Casting Assistant:
Zee Vira