Teen signed to top
modeling contract
July 15, 2011 10:16 PM
By VICKI BENNINGTON
For The Telegraph
Growing
up watching such shows as "America’s Next Top Model," Lauren Bigelow
of Lake St. Louis, Mo., thought modeling looked fun and exciting but didn’t
really consider it as a feasible career choice.
But
with her taller-than-average, thin frame, friends and family frequently
commented, "You should be a model."
"In
high school, I read ‘Teen Vogue’ and ‘Elle’ and really took to the fashion
world," Bigelow said. "I began reading fashion blogs regularly, too,
but I still never thought I would end up working in the fashion industry. I’m a
math girl at heart; calculus was my favorite subject. Modeling seemed like a
dream."
Now
19 years old with a newly signed contract with Next Model Management, one of
the top three modeling agencies in the world, and St. Louis-based Mother Model
Management, Bigelow is beginning to see the dream become a reality.
"Growing
up, my idols were women who took chances, like Amelia Earhart, Lucille Ball and
Ellen DeGeneres — women who defied the odds," she said.
Her
first modeling experience came when she was 15, when her mother, Jerseyville
native Dianna (Pistorius) Bigelow, read about an open modeling call at West
County Mall sponsored by Mother Model Management. Lauren Bigelow thought it
would be fun to give it a try.
She
walked down a makeshift runway in the middle of the mall for Mother Model
owners and scouts Mary and Jeff Clarke and, later the same day, received a call
back to participate in a small show in St. Louis. When she was 16, the Clarkes
contacted her again and asked whether she still was interested in modeling.
"They
said I had a lot of potential but stressed that modeling takes time and hard
work, and I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment then," Bigelow said.
She
finished high school and began her freshman year at University of
Missouri–Columbia but kept wondering whether she might have a real opportunity
in modeling. While home on winter break, she ran into the Clarkes by chance —
as if it was meant to be — and they told her they would love to work with her
if she was ready to become serious and committed.
Mary
Clarke said in order to be successful as a high-fashion model, a person first
has to have the height to carry it off, preferably 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11
inches for women, and 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches for men. Particular
measurements and an interesting look also are part of the overall package.
"I’ve
been 5 feet 11 inches since I was about 17, but I’ve always been tall for my
age," Bigelow said. "In high school, it’s no fun to be a tall girl,
but now I love my height and what it’s allowing me to do.
"I
mainly had to work on getting my body and skin in the best possible
shape," she recalled. "My mom was very supportive in helping me
achieve my goals and stocked the fridge with healthy foods."
Bigelow
returned to Mizzou in January and worked out in the campus recreation center to
get her measurements where they needed to be.
"Mary
and Jeff told her, ‘Your body is your merchandise, so you have to take care of
it,’" Dianna said. "She didn’t starve herself. She read labels to
make sure she was eating healthy and skipped desserts. And she worked out every
day."
Lauren’s
original goal was to be chosen for Mother Model’s local charity show, but when
she "measured up," Jeff suggested they take some photos. He called
Attilio D’Agostino, fashion photographer and co-founder of ALIVE magazine, then
and there.
Lauren
and her mother drove to his studio in St. Louis later that day to take a few
shots to send to New York. She signed a contract with Next and Mother a few
days later. She is the featured model in a six-page "Sweet Escape"
fashion spread in the July edition of ALIVE.
"This
huge shift in my life took place within a few days," Lauren said. "I
went from picking out my sophomore year classes to packing for New York and doing
photo shoots. It was a lot to absorb, but Jeff and Mary and my parents helped
me through everything."
Her
mother and her father, Cliff, accompanied her to New York and helped her
practice taking a bus, a cab and getting directions. They rode the subway and
helped her get settled in the apartment where she stays with other models.
"We
are excited for her," Dianna said. "Mother Modeling and Next have
everything in place for her to be successful. She has already met girls from
all over the world. It’s really a chance of a lifetime."
"My
parents have been great about it," Lauren said. "They bought me a new
set of luggage; I always just used a duffel bag before, and they supported me
in putting college on hold for now."
An
honors student graduating from Holt High School in Wentzville, Mo., with a 4.08
grade-point average in 2010, Bigelow was set to pursue a degree in mechanical
engineering.
"College
isn’t going anywhere," Lauren said. "My dad still wants me to become
an engineer, though. Maybe one day I will."
Previously
somewhat of a "T-shirt and jeans" girl, Lauren said she has changed
her style of dress, even off the catwalk.
"When
we visit clients, we’re supposed to wear clothes that show our form, and we
need to look like we ‘have it together.’ So I wear shorter skirts, tight jeans,
heels — and I love it," she said. "It’s fun to dress up."
After
spending several weeks in New York, Bigelow is now in Los Angeles for a couple
of months.
"New
York is the toughest and biggest fashion and modeling market in the world, so
it was a little intimidating, but thrilling," she said. "The people
at Next were great, making me feel comfortable and guiding me through what to
wear and how to act at a casting or ‘go see,’ and how to runway walk. I never
felt alone, and I absolutely fell in love with the city."
In
L.A., she’ll be doing basically the same thing, going to castings for
designers, casting directors and clothing companies, and doing a few test
shoots to get more experience in front of the camera and expand her portfolio.
With
25 years in the modeling business, Mary Clarke said she and her husband and
co-owner of Mother Model focus solely on scouting, development and management,
and they have a knack of spotting those with the right look.
In
the world of modeling, a "mother" agent is the person who discovers
and launches a new model, and a good mother agent remains an active part of the
management team throughout the model’s career.
"We
play a very significant role in helping our models have successful careers with
longevity," Clarke said. "By choice, we maintain a small roster of
models in the high-fashion realm of the industry — usually around 25."
Mary
Clarke discovered Ashton Kutcher in 1996 at a local hangout near the University
of Iowa, where he was majoring in biochemical engineering.
"When
I approached him, he said he always wanted to be an actor but didn’t know how
to make that happen," Clarke said. "I suggested he use modeling as a
segue to acting. And that’s what he did."
The
Clarkes also scouted Karlie Kloss, now the face of Christian Dior and one of
the top models in the world.
"We’ve
always maintained that Lauren has great potential. We see tremendous
opportunities for her in markets worldwide, both in the fashion and high-end
commercial parts of the business," Clarke said. "She possesses a
unique, one-of-a-kind beauty, and her light hair and eyes make her even more
interesting."
For
a year or so, new models travel to different places, visiting different markets
based on the collective opinions of the Clarkes and Next representatives who
work as a team.
"Every
day, we are a part of all communication, options, bookings and travel plans for
models we represent, and this lasts throughout their career," Clarke said.
"We also travel with the models when needed, and are present through every
fashion week in New York, London, Milan and Paris."
The
Clarkes stick to the Midwest when looking for new models, scouting at malls,
festivals, fairs, high schools or even restaurants and gas stations, looking
for young people who’ve "got the look."
"Clients
want the ‘fresh faces’ of the American Midwest, and they like their mindset,
attitude and work ethic," Clarke said. "And Jeff and I make a good
team. His weaknesses are my strengths, and vice versa. It’s nice to have
someone to travel with, too. Scouting can be a lonely business."
Sometimes,
even she still has to pinch herself when she finds herself at a glamorous
fashion week.
"I
still can’t believe I’m there," she said. "It’s fun and exciting, but
it’s a lot of work. We are in the background, constantly going backstage to
make sure the models have what they need. We’re there to support them."
So
what advice does Bigelow have for other girls with a dream, whether it’s
modeling or another goal or career they aspire to?
"Be
proactive," she said. "If you wait for something to happen, you may
have regrets later. I never thought that I would one day be signed to an agency
that represents so many of the women I have seen in my favorite magazines and
designer shows. So take some chances, work hard, and even if you don’t land
quite where you want to be, you’ll be a better person for the effort.
"And
a positive attitude is everything," Bigelow said. "It helps in nearly
every situation."
Read more: http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/contract-56658-top-growing.html#ixzz1SZisCSrB
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A Model Cried on the Runway
at Paris Men’s Fashion Week
Article from: The Cut
Photo: Imaxtree
An
adorably attractive child model, who walked hand-in-hand with an adult-size
model in the Smalto show, appeared to be crying the whole way down the runway.
Maybe he was upset that, being a small child, he had to spend part of his
summer dressed up in a blazer with bedazzled labels and oxfords with no socks.
Kids totally get made fun of on the playground for that sort of thing! [Fashionista]
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
News from: THE CUT.COM
John Galliano’s Men’s Show
to Walk in Paris Today
The scene backstage at the John Galliano men's
show in Paris today.Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros
Filho/WireImage
After the
strangeness of John Galliano's public
defamation trial in Paris
this week, the label that bears his name is showing two new collections, which
will probably be less strange than they had been under Galliano's oversight.
Today, the men's collection walks in Paris, while images of the resort
collection (for which there is no runway show) have been released.WWD spoke to
the label's CEO:
“There
has been a lot of interest, a lot of appointments booked, so we will see,” ceo
Pierre Denis told WWD on Thursday. “Obviously it has been a complicated year,
but people are keen to support the house, and we are producing great
collections. I hope this will be reflected in the sales.”
John Galliano resort, 2012.Photo: Courtesy of John Galliano
The men's
and women's lines are being designed by the in-house team at John Galliano.
Galliano's right-hand man for womenswear, Bill Gaytten, headed design for the
resort collection, inspired by Bessie Smith and the Jazz Age of the twenties
and thirties.
Denis
reassured the paper that Galliano buyers — the women's line is carried in about
85 doors — and customers have nothing to worry about, with Galliano out of the
picture. "This creative team is the heart of the company," he told WWD. "It is this great creative energy and
talent that can truly capture the Galliano DNA with originality and innovative
ideas." That has to sting Galliano the man a little bit. His sentencing is
scheduled for September 8.
House of John Galliano: The
Shows Go On [WWD]
Galliano Resort 2012 [WWD]
Earlier: John Galliano’s Trial: Lawyers
Blame Antidepressants, Alcohol, and Sleeping Pills for Making Him ‘Ill’ [Update
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Apparently, ‘Vogue’ Wants Us to Dislike Emma Watson
by Sharon Wu, Black Book.com
Emma Watson is everything Vogue could want in a cover girl. She's young, gorgeous, fashion-forward, and wildly successful, and with the upcoming debut of the final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise this summer, it was only natural to feature the actress on the magazine's July cover. But as much as everyone adores the ever-graceful Hermione Granger, Vogue seemed to take pleasure in portraying her as ungrateful and out of touch. By highlighting a handful of potentially offensive lines and drawing a few unflattering conclusions, Vogue has managed to depict dear, sweet Emma as downright snooty. What gives?
Let’s review the evidence. Emma has earned $30 million from the past two Harry Potter films alone. She’s all but redefined an iconic brand through her modeling gig with Burberry, and done her part to save the world through her eco-friendly fashion line with People Tree. In her spare time, she’s studied psychology at Brown and boned up on Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Yet, in spite of all these accomplishments, she comes off as aloof and entitled in the article. A few choice morsels:
On being a part of the Harry Potter films: But in 2007 Emma turned seventeen, and the “doll’s house” began to feel less like an alternate universe and more like an ordinary prison.
On being stuck in the role of Hermione Granger: “I have had no control over my life. I have lived in a complete bubble. They found me and picked me for the part. And now I’m desperately trying to find my way through it.”
On dealing with Warner Bros: “I have felt for the last ten years I have had this battle; I’ve been fighting so hard to have an education. It’s been this uphill struggle.”
On fame: “I want to be normal,” she said at the time. “I really want anonymity.”
We get it. Constant, unwavering public scrutiny is tiring. Working 12+ hour days, weeks on end, can wear on the soul. Being a central character of an epic series probably lost its charm by the third film. And maybe Emma, at the wizened age of 21, really is sick of being rich and famous and beautiful.
But that’s really not what Emma Watson fans want to hear right now. Vogue, for your own sake and the sake of your future celebrity relationships, please don’t make well-loved people seem like ungrateful snobs...even if there is a kernel of truth to what you write. Aren’t you supposed to be selling the dream?
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Maggie Rizer Expecting First Child
 Eugene Gologursky/WireImage |
Make room on the catwalk — Maggie Rizer is pregnant.
The model, 33, and husband Alex Mehran are expecting a baby boy in November, Rizer announced on her blog.
“It’s true! Alex and I couldn’t possibly be more excited! We will be welcoming a baby boy this November!” she wrote.
“We’ve been having lots of fun these past few months getting ready for the new arrival and will be sure to let you know how things are with our ever-growing family.”
Rizer and Mehren wed in Sept. 2010 in Lake Placid, N.Y.
– Sarah Michaud/People
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Things You Need to Become a Magazine Model
By Marie-Pier Rochon, eHow Contributor
You dream of the day when you will open your favorite magazine and stare at your own face, but you're not sure how to get there or whether it's even possible. You want to be a magazine model, and knowing the tools of the trade is the first step toward your modeling career. With the right tools and attitudes, you will be a step ahead in the chase to become the next top magazine model.
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Generally, modeling has height and weight requirements. However, because different magazines need models to represent different categories, such as children, fitness, plus size or real life, these physical requirements vary. Overall, magazines look for models who are healthy, have a well-proportioned face, skin that glows, hair that shines and straight teeth. Eyes that can communicate a variety of emotions are also important in print modeling, as they can bring out the right expression for a photograph.
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Every magazine model needs to put together her own "look book," a necessity of the trade. A look book is a portfolio of photos showing you in a range of situations, moods, angles and positions. You will need a mix of close-up pictures of your face, with dramatic as well as natural-looking makeup. Some magazine models invest a lot of money in creating their look book, but TFP -- trade for print or trade for photograph -- assignments are an inexpensive way to add to your book while getting experience. You may also want to create your own website so you can post your look book online. Be sure to update both your print and online portfolios as often as you can when you get new pictures and magazine assignments.
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Becoming a magazine model is not for the faint of heart, and only dedicated, persevering, tenacious and competitive people make it in the industry. Flexibility is also important, as you will often be asked to change your look to fit the requirements of the magazine and of the specific photo shoot you are hired for. Working hours can be very long, so you need to be both patient and ready to work hard.
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To get into the magazine modeling industry, you need to know who to get in touch with. Create your own contact list by finding out who are the booking editors of the major magazines you would like to be a model for, and send your pictures for their consideration. Trade publications are also good places to get started, as are regional and local publications. When you meet someone new in the industry, keep the person's information in case you need it sometime.
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When you start to work as a magazine model, you may need to hire an agent or a modeling agency to work with, but it is not necessary to do so until you have been able to get a few assignments on your own. Before choosing whether to work with an agent or an agency, do some research to find out the level of service of each, and the cost as well as the quality of service. Ask fellow models and photographers for recommendations, or even ask magazine editors if they know of an agency they prefer to work with.
Read more: Things You Need to Become a Magazine Model | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8531064_things-need-become-magazine-model.html#ixzz1OiewjaH8
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How I Learned to Love My Curls: From Poofy to Stick-Straight to Happy at Last
by Laura Stampler (Subscribe to Laura Stampler's posts)
Posted Apr 29th 2011 at 1:58PM
64 Comments
32540619108
The writer in her youth with big curly hair. Courtesy Photo
When I was little, my hair was poofy. We're talking poofy-poofy. The kind of poof that splays out in the shape of an almost perfect triangle and makes you a little afraid that your 4th grade teacher is going to cast you as a pyramid in the school's annual Egypt-themed play.
I would laugh at girls in movies who could comb their hair (100 times on each side!) with ease. When my mom pulled out a hairbrush, we both knew we had quite the ordeal ahead of us. An under-layer of ringlets shrouded by a top layer of straighter strands, my mop of hair would elicit compliments from strangers but extreme frustration and self-consciousness from myself. It was when I was encircled by a group of Japanese tourists with gorgeous, thick black hair at Disneyland -- petting my hair as if I were a Bichon Frise puppy rather than an 11-year-old girl -- that I knew I would go straight as soon as possible.
Cue the flat irons, relaxing treatments and chemical straightening styling of high school. It's a familiar, grass-is-always-greener kind of story. I wanted all waves eradicated.
When a formerly big-haired friend came to class one day with bone-straight locks, I got the name of her stylist, went home and begged to get mine professionally straightened.
At 16, I went and got Yuko -- the Japanese chemical hair straightening treatment. Unlike the Brazilian Blowout, the results of which last anywhere from 6-12 weeks, all hair that undergoes Yuko straightening stays straight until it grows out and gets cut off. That was fine by me as I was planning to have straight hair for the rest of my life, but it did call for costly touch-ups to mask the hair that was growing back in curly.
Straight hair was a game changer. Showers took half the time, and my hair dried perfectly. I could even do "Baywatch" or "Little Mermaid" style hair flips in the ocean without fear of knotty repercussions. But apart from logistics, I felt prettier. Much prettier.
When I got to college, friends didn't believe me when I said that my hair used to be curly.
The writer with stick-straight hair and curly hair. Courtesy Photos
I kept chemically straightening my hair (and sometimes curling my straightened hair) for years. I didn't have any horror story experiences à la Mary Louise Parker who says her hair fell out after a Brazilian Blowout -- although I suppose that I had so much hair that I would have hardly noticed -- but my hairdresser in college did say that my hair was extremely dry and over-processed. And Yuko was too expensive to maintain.
I worried that I had drained all of the life, and me, out of my hair. I might have been out of my league in terms of poofy hair maintenance when I was younger, but I was going to be a "grown up." Surely I'd be able to handle a blow dryer properly.
I supplemented the awkward grow-out phase with a Keratin treatment, carefully steering clear of anything that contained formaldehyde, a drastic haircut and then moved on to blow-drying. Then I'd hide my confusion with a side braid (it looked better than it sounds).
I still didn't want curly (a word that I equated with poofy) hair. I thought it wouldn't look good on me. I just wanted to learn how to manage what I had.
My lack of hair savvy was overwhelmingly evident. "I just have an odd, straight on top curly on the bottom, hair deformity," I told my curly-haired goddess of a college roommate, Dana.
That's when Dana sent me to a hair salon that changed her Botticelli-curled life. In between job interviews in New York, I stopped by DevaChan Salon in SoHo. The first thing they did was hand me "Curly Girl: The Handbook" -- which is kind of funny in its sincere attempt to walk confused, curly-haired girls off a ledge with their curly-is-pretty-so-put-down-that-flat-iron affirmations.
With a simple shampoo using curl-friendly products, I looked into the salon mirror and could hardly recognize myself. My head was covered in beautiful, natural ringlets.
Yeah, that poofy-over pretty-under problem was a symptom of hair brushing. Duh. I had "disrupted" my curl pattern. Another thing that unsettled my curls: shampoo. (It turns out that the necessity of lather-rinse-repeat is a myth and there are no shampoos out there that are better for your curly hair.) Also, towel drying. I now own a frightening, hand-shaped diffuser, although any will do.
With a quick wash -- using my hand as a brush -- and a lot of scrunching, I'm good to go.
When pictures of my new hair made its way to Facebook, I was bombarded with messages from friends who loved my "perm." (Has anyone even gotten one of those since "Clueless" came out?)
I'm not saying that I'm prettier with straight hair or with curly, although my grandma is pleased that her blonde-haired, blue-eyed granddaughter now looks like less of a shiksa, but I love that I have finally embraced my hair in its natural state.
