EACH year, the local and international fashion industry recruits dozens of young Jamaicans as models. Some of them rise to international acclaim, earning millions in contractual deals with top fashion houses, magazines and commercial entities.

Yet Jamaica still does not have a finishing school that offers a formalised study course in modelling and/or grooming.
There are however several private individuals and at least four modelling and grooming agencies who do on-the-spot recruitment or make selections through model searches which are quite effective at drawing large crowds.

Saint International, for example, attracts up to 5,000 persons in their annual Faces of Summer Model Search, done in conjunction with CVM- TV. Of this number, they select only about 50 who compete for the top three or five spots.

The closest that a formal training institution will come to anything resembling fashion modelling is a course on the 'Marketing of Fashion' by HEART, which is now on the drawing board.

According to the organisation, research is now being done to offer the programme to persons who want to acquire skills in marketing and promoting fashion items.

PETERS... models can earn from $5,000 to a high of $200,000 for assignments

What the agencies look for
The look is important, but "it is not about being pretty," says Michael Barnett, Managing Director of Miguel Models.
The look is ideally unusual but attractive. Education should be at least fifth form level.

Miguel Models requires a height of five feet seven inches.
There is no standard limit on height where commercial modeling is concerned, but ramp models should be at least five feet seven inches. Taller is better.

Having good skin, teeth and smooth complexion all add to the mix.
As for age, Barnett says agencies "start looking for models worldwide from they are 14 to develop them, because by 17 or 18 a model can begin a lucrative career," he told Career&Education.

"Usually by 25 you are on the way down. Very few models last beyond 25."
Most agencies do their own grooming and training, sometimes at a cost to the model.

Different types
Based on the Oxford dictionary, a model is 'a person employed to pose for an artist'. The verb means to 'display clothes by wearing them'.

There is usually no discrimination in terms of race, social or economical background, says Deiwght Peters, chief executive of Saint International. "Opportunities exist for persons of any race, social or economic background who want to grace the catwalks of Milan, Paris, London or New York."

He lists three categories of professional modelling:
. commercial print modeling - for magazines, newspapers or journals
. television commercial modeling; and
. parts modeling where only a body part is required, such as your lips, hands or feet.

Get expert help re contracts

It is important for a prospective model to select an agency that is reputable and that will represent you well, Peters warns. The choice of agency can mean the difference between sinking, swimming or achieving the championship trophy.

It is just as important, he adds, to pay keen attention to the fine print.
"When you get to the stage of being offered a contract, make sure that you get an experienced attorney to review all the clauses of the said contract.

Ensure that your exit clause (the clause which details the conditions under which you can leave the agency or terminate the contract) are quite clear," said the model agency executive.
"The commission structure must also be made clear."

If you are entering the international fashion fraternity, make sure you have an agency that is savvy and experienced in the global fashion industry and who has the respect of the industry.

The high profile fashion shows, he adds, are still the domain of the high-fashion models, many of whom have international experience.
With few exceptions, Jamaican models who appear in local fashion shows are not paid.

The agencies tell them it's for promotion.
"Models are paid only if they are booked by a commercial entity," Peters said.

Despite the inconsistencies, the industry can be rewarding.
Models can earn from $5,000 to a high of $200,000 for assignments, depending on how well the agent negotiates fees.

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