Model Life Isn’t Ideal for Older Folks
Dear Fashion Police: I’m over 40 and looking for a new career. My friends tell me I could be an older model. Are there any possibilities in the field of modeling, either print or runway, for someone my age? If so, what are the size requirements? I’m not waif-like; I’m a happy size 8.
--AGING GRACEFULLY
Dear Grace: Not that we want to dash your hopes before you’re even out of the gate, but we would be remiss in not giving you a pretty big reality check first.
Modeling is still, for the most part, a young person’s game. It’s also a gorgeous, skinny and tall person’s game for both print and runway. Although plus sizes and older women are becoming more evident in editorial spreads and ads, they still represent a small percentage of the business.
The older women you do see often are actresses or former models--or both. The cosmetics companies that feature older women almost always go for the known quantities: Andie MacDowell, Isabella Rossellini, Cheryl Tiegs.
But, says Heinz Holba, owner of L.A. Models, “there are women [in their 40s] that model, and there is certainly a market out there. But if the chances for a young girl to make it as a model are one in a million, then maybe it’s one in 10 million for someone her age. It’s possible, but it’s a long, long shot.”
Ford Models in New York has a Classic division for models 35and over, Vice President Neal Hamil says. But it “largely consists of women who have been Ford models for a long time,” and he added they’re “not very often called upon to shoot major fashion layouts for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar,” but more likely to do catalog and advertising work.
Hamil added that as boomers age, this category will definitely be more in demand.
After all that, if you’re still interested, we have some advice. First, call agencies in your area and find out if they handle older models. Some may want to see you in person, some may require head and body shots (clothed, please), so find out their drill. Most agencies require female models to be at least 5 feet 8 and a size 6 or 8.
If you’re out in the ‘burbs where agencies don’t abound, there’s still hope. Patty Sicular, director of Ford’s Classic and 12-Plus divisions, suggested calling the large department stores in your area and asking who provides their models.
Never ever go with an agency that requires you to pay any money upfront for things such as pictures, classes or processing fees. Legitimate agencies do not charge potential clients.
There is another route you could explore: commercials. Keep in mind that this requires personality, charisma and acting ability, as well as looks. It also helps if you live near New York or Los Angeles. We recommend taking classes (from a reputable teacher), then looking for a commercial agent.
One more caveat: If you think this is going to be some Millie the Model fantasy, think again. Rejection will become your new best friend. Breaking into modeling is not a lark, it’s a full-time job. Best of luck.
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Dear Fashion Police: I am going to northern Italy soon. I would like to know what to bring to prepare me for the weather at that time of year. I know how fashion-conscious Italians are, and I would rather not look out of place or embarrass myself. Please suggest some basics to pack (I will only be bringing a wheeled bag and a small carry-on), but not too much, since I intend to do some shopping there for clothes and shoes.
--WARMING UP
THE MASTERCARD
Dear Warm: You are going to Italy? Molto bene! We are so happy for you we could kiss every single person in the entire universe! Sorry--just had a Roberto Benigni flashback there for a minute.
Weather in northern Italy this time of year is pretty cool--highs in the 50s and 60s, lows in the 30s and 40s, and some chance of rain. And, yes, the Italians are quite fashion-conscious, especially in and around Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
In are short skirts, short boots and a lot of leather, especially leather jackets. That may be one of your purchases, however, so we suggest the minute you land, head for the stores.
Those stretchy, body-hugging pants are popular too, so pack a pair of those (best of all, they don’t wrinkle). Layer with pieces such as sweaters, knit pullovers and turtlenecks. Black, of course, is the best color to build your wardrobe around. Ciao!
Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or fax to (213) 237-4888.
