SUPPLIES
Overview
While you might not immediately think of South Africa as a fashion capital, some of the world's most beautiful models have come from Cape Town, Johannesburg and other South African cities. Modeling agents love the quiet elegance of South African models. If you want to make a go of your modeling career in South Africa, you need to know the right avenues. Make sure you have an impressive modeling packet, head shots and a personal style that will get you noticed.
Step 1
Attend South Africa fashion week and study the models. One of the biggest draws for designers and agencies in South Africa is the personal style and charm of South African models. Watch the models to see how they express their personality while showing off the clothing in an appropriate way. You can also attend workshops and exhibitions geared toward hopeful models. South Africa fashion week occurs yearly in Sandton (see Resources).
Step 2
Create a portfolio with a few head shots and a mix of both commercial and couture fashion. If you don't have access to a professional photographer, have a friend take the pictures under good lighting. Some models have been discovered with nothing more than a Polaroid. Choose 9-inch by 12-inch photos and shoot for 10 photos in your portfolio. Make sure you have head shots and a few full body shots as well.
Step 3
Look for opportunities to be noticed as a model, such as modeling contests and casting calls. For instance, noted model agent John Casablancas comes to Cape Town for yearly modeling casting calls and contests to find local, undiscovered talent. Look in newspapers for dates, times and places for these contests.
Step 4
Seek out a South Africa-based modeling agency (see Resources). Several are in Cape Town and Johannesburg, such as Base Model Agency in Cape Town and K Models in Johannesburg. Schedule an interview with one of the agencies and go see them about a possible contract. They'll want to see your portfolio and see you walk.
Step 5
Offer your services to designers who are booking shows on their own, without the help of an agency. While agencies help dramatically, because they can schedule shows for you, you can also become a model on your own by seeing the designers on your own. Do a few shows for free for designers you admire and see whether they'll hire you for future engagements.
Resources
