The Adidas Controversy

If you haven't heard, Adidas recently had an uproar over their Jeremy Scott "Shackle" sneakers that were going to be sold in August.  If you haven't seen the shoes, here they are:

 

People were claiming they were racist because they represented slavery and being "locked up."  Adidas fought back saying the designer (Scott) just has an "outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery."  Well it looks like all of the complaining paid off - they have decided to cancel plans of selling the shoe, stating "We apologize if people are offended by the design and we are withdrawing our plans to make them available in the marketplace."

But you're in luck!  You can buy these other "outrageous and unique" shoes from Jeremy Scott...

 

 

 

 

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Become an expert, don't rush it!

Sometimes photographers think they can just jump into the industry.  Yes, that's proven true when you're a natural talent - but it's important to realize your strengths and weaknesses and work hard on them.  You can't become an expert over night.  Take your time and truly become the best because if you show up to agency and look like an amateur, it will be a waste of time for the agency and you.  Take your time, become an expert at what you do and always work on improving.  Trust me, it will show. 

MARTIN BROWN
Will you take a look at my book now?  It's updated from the last time you saw it.  I took your advice and narrowed down my focus!

 

I like it!  You have a style to your photos and everyone looks good.  I like the way the clothes look so it definitely works for fashion.  It definitely pays off to stick to a specific genre and perfect it.  Looks great!

ALLEN HENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
I love ModelWire Network, thank you for this.  I've aggressively tackled the "industry" for the past 17 months.  Goal one:  hone the skills, close the gap between myself and the guys that have been doing this for 10, 15 years as fast as possible.  I don't sleep much.  I'm testing the hell out of the agencies out here in LA, began submitting to the publications here at home and abroad.  I've put together a tip top set-up out here and a good team.  What next?  I need visibility and to be seen by the right people.  I'm confident I have a viable product here.  Set me straight!  And thank you for your time.

I love your pictures.  And the design of the shoots and the lighting show you definitely know what you're doing.  You need an agent now.  It looks like you're ready so go out there.  I would take a look at the ModelWire Directory and start collaborating with agencies in the area.  Your work is excellent - I don't think you'll have any trouble getting your foot in the right door.

ROBERT COOPER
I've seen your posts advising models on how to advance their careers and was wondering if you might have any suggestions for photographers.  My main interests have been beauty and fashion.  I've been testing for several agencies for awhile but seem to have hit the wall on progressing any further.  Thank you for any input you might have.

 

I think you need a lot more fashion shots.  All of your photos are beauty shots.  You hit the wall because you're not doing anything different.  Get out of there and be different - develop a style for yourself.  Also, you have to have more than 7 photos - put your best ones up.  They're good photos, but I would work on more fashion.

EAGLES NEST PHOTOGRAPHY
My name is Fred and I just got into Photography and am looking to build my portfolio.  I have shot a couple of models so far and trying to pick a variety of sizes and ethnic backgrounds.  I would like to get into the modeling photography field.  Can  you view my pictures I have and give some feedback?  Thank you!

 

You need better models!  Also, the pictures are very amateur.  If you want to do fashion photography, focus on that.  Work with an agency, but to be truthful, I don't see that happening.  You need to put a lot more time and effort into your work.  

 In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me?  Ask away on my ModelWire Network Profile.

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Meet Our Featured Members of the Month!

Happy Summer!  Check out our Featured Members of the Month for June 2012!  We have a talented group of people in the fashion industry here - don't forget to share them with your friends.  Remember - if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at support@modelwirenetwork.com.  Have a good June!

Model of the Month:  Dival

 

Dival is a young, dynamic and motivated model. She has been in the business for two years and has agencies in Paris, Lille, Brussels, Austria and Germany. She hopes to make it big in New York City.  She has been featured in magazines all around the world and hopes to take her talent stateside.

Photographer of the Month:  Rachel Jeraffi

 

Why photography?

It's intriguing to me that you can put ten people with cameras in the same location and each one will choose a different angle to frame the world that they see.  Even though we may all be at the same place physically, we see things differently, and take in different experiences.  That is what is unique about us as human beings and photography is a celebration of our personal vision.

Who is your favorite photographer?

I have many favorites but I have always had a special place in my heart for the works of Patrick Demarchelier.  That elegance and calmness in his work is what I truly admire.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by locations and by music.  I love to just take the car and drive searching for great places to shoot, while listening to great music.  I always prefer shooting on location than in the studio.

What do you look for when selecting a model?

I love models that have character and models that are not so perfect.

What kind of camera do you use?

I mainly use my Nikon D-700 but also have a film Hasselblad 501cm and an old Nikon-FM2 and Nikon FM3A.

Makeup Artist of the Month:  LA Makeup Artistry

 

Lea Arreola is a makeup artist with extensive training and experience in ALL aspects of professional make-up - beauty, facial analysis, corrective makeup, rejuvenation, natural beauty, fashion beauty, avant garde, character makeup, film, design, and male, childrens and bridal.

Hair Stylist of the Month:  Rebecca Beardsley

 

What is your personal style?

My style is fashionable, yet eclectic.

Who is your favorite hair stylist?

My favorite hair artist is Odeile Gilbert.

What product can you not live without?

L'Oreal Professional Texture Expert densite!  I use it on every model.

What is your favorite project you have worked on?

The most gratifying experience recently was working with designer Cari Borja on the SNOW 3 Fashion Event.  I felt trusted and allowed to create without her standing over me.

What do you look for in a model?

I look for not only beautiful hair but vulnerability!  She's got to have a willingness to reveal who she is and be unafraid.

Wardrobe Stylist of the Month:  ShannonFierce

 

Why wardrobe styling?

I adore life and its aspects, fashion and its classics, view everything in color, bring patterns to life and expressing myself without saying a word.  I'm attracted to work that evokes a sense that is seen as both dark and whimsical.  The arrangement of fantasy and glamor would be the way to best describe aesthetic of my work.  I'm always drawing inspiration from literature, film or art and combining it with current fashion trends.

What do you look for when selecting a model to work with?

As a stylist, I look for someone who can capture the essence of my clothing.  I like for them to be able to have knowledge of the classic that I'm reinterpreting and know how to bring the attitude to bring my expressions to life.

What genre does your work focus on?

I provide services for image consulting and development, product placement, branding, promotional material, ads and portfolio development.  I specialize in creative direction and distinguish myself for my innovative vision.   

What is your personal style?

I'm clean with minimal detailing.  I like clothing that's a classic fit but clean and flattering to the body's canvas.  Style isn't just clothes and putting it on - it reflects the way a man or a woman was raised, the way they were brought up, where they live, their values.  I'm not necessarily saying that when you wear a designer label that you're well off or better than anybody else.  It's the style itself that represents who you are.

What is your favorite store to shop at?

Zara, Calvin Klein, Barney's New York, SSENSE, Nasty Gal, ASOS, Villian's Vault, J. Crew, Banana Republic and Wasteland. 

 

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Criticism will happen

As more and more of you will start going to agencies, it is important to understand that agents will most likely provide you with some constructive criticism and advice.  It's important to really take all of this in and actually follow their advice.  Remember - in this business, the competition is extreme.  You need to constantly stay in the game and be the best that you can be in hopes of standing out and landing that big gig.  Agents are there to help you - they know what they're doing, what they want and how to market you.  So take their advice and actually use it.  There's no point of getting mad or not taking criticism.  You want to improve your modeling career, not keep it stagnant.

JAFFET
I am currently looking for representation and plan on making modeling my career if I can.  What do you think of my look?  I am currently planning a trip down to LA.  I have a couple of meetings with some agencies, but I wanted to ask you, how should I prepare and what should I expect when I go to see these agencies?  I have experience in runway, print and commercial modeling but only here in Las Vegas.  My passion is runway.  Do you think I meet the requirements for the agencies in LA?  In terms of my portfolio, what can I improve on and what other photos do I need?  Any advice would be appreciated.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

 

 I believe your look is right for LA.  Your book definitely needs work though.  But that can wait until you find an agent and they should be able to tell you what type of pictures you need for them to best represent you.  They are the ones that know what sells and how to market you.  Who is your agent in Las Vegas?  Do they have an LA branch or can they set up meetings with agents in LA?  It's to their benefit because they will make a mother agency commission on your work.  If after you meet a few agents and they turn you down, then you have no choice but to revamp your book on your own.  Just get in to see them and it should all fall into place.  

ELIZABETH POLANCO
I would like for your opinion on how I can improve my portfolio and where would be the best place to go in order to get noticed and network more with legit people in the entertainment industry. 

 

You live in the largest market in the world for modeling, TV and film - New York City!  You have to get out there and make meetings with agents and managers.  Test with new photographers.  You can find some on MWN.  You have a good look for commercial modeling - get a commercial agent and take an acting class to compete with everyone else.  NYC is the Big Apple.  People in the business would kill to have the opportunity to live and work there.  Take advantage of it!  You will need better pictures though - but meet with agents and ask what they feel you need to have in your book.

LOREMARI MOHR
When you have the time, please go over my portfolio on here and let me know what you think.  Any advice and criticism would be great.  A while ago, I applied to the Ford Models site and nothing happened.  I plan to reapply in hopes to get into Ford.  I really have not done much but seen a few photographers.  I'm just slowly learning but I hope you have great advice to help me out!  I would love to go further than where I am now.

 

For Ford fashion modeling you do not fit the height requirements.  You must be at least 5'9".  You are a commercial model.  You need acting skills to be able to compete with the massive amount of commercial models.  Also, get off the beach and put some clothes on.  You can be sexy in a business suit.  Go see commercial agents and work with people on MWN to get some new photos.  See the commercial department at Ford, not fashion.  

JACQUELINE J
I would love for you to take a look at my portfolio and tell me what I need to improve on!  I want to get it right and getting advice from you is an honor!  

 

You only have one head shot.  You need to work on a portfolio that people can actually look at.  You need a variety of photos for modeling.  You might be too short for most fashion agencies.  If you're serious you really need more photos.  One is not going to get you anywhere.  The competition out there is harsh - do anything you can to keep up.

RACHEL ELIZABETH
If you have a moment to review my portfolio, I would be interested to know what you think.

 

You have a commercial look.  Look at the market you live in.  Is there enough work?  You may need to move to a bigger city.  It seems you have a good job and you do have a family.  Maybe you should just enjoy modeling as a hobby and just as something to make extra money.  It just really depends on how serious you are about your modeling career.  

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @TheJoeyHunter

*Have a question for me?  Ask away on my ModelWire Network Profile.

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