part 1…
I thought South Africa had a tough market for Runway models but since I started walking Internationally, I have discovered the real scary side of being a Runway Model.
so my first Runway walk (outside of South Africa) was during Runway Fashion week in September 2023 in New York City. how I got there is a story on its own, but I want to share with you my personal experience.
who did I walk for? they were not well known designers, but they were good enough for me and for the experience I needed Internationally.
Runway 7 and Even Hirsch Fashion via The Model Knowledge Group
both designers were amazing to work with, and their clothes were beautiful, but here comes the part no one really talks about – not getting paid. As a model it is my job to wear the designers clothes down a ramp to show the potential customers and media beautiful pieces. this is what I do as a model, so not getting paid is supposed to be against the law – in my opinion-. as this was my first time walking internationally, it didn’t bother me, i was in heaven just to be able to walk. I could not care for who I walk or if I am getting paid. I was just excited to be there. During my first year I worked via an ‘agency’ based in South Africa so I didn’t go to any casting – I just arrived on the day of the show, got my hair and makeup done, and walked. it was that simple. I didn’t know the wild awakening I would get during the next season, but I will get to that soon.
I had it easy – arrive at the given location, do my hair and makeup by the artists supplied by either the Production company or the Designer, put on the garment and walk the ramp. pose here, pose there, take off the garment, and go home. That was it. I know every model has a different experience to being a Runway model so please remember this is my personal experience! God if only I knew then what I know now.
so after NYFW 2023, i returned to South Africa and I told everyone of my amazing experience, Because for me it was amazing. (SIDE NOTE: I paid over $8000 to have that experience), so even if it felt like I paid half my life away for an experience – I felt it was worth every penny. Another side note – the reason I am saying ‘half my life’ is because that amount of money in South Africa is enough to buy a new car or put a good down payment down on a house.
I returned t NYFW in February of 2024 and this was when reality hit me from all angles. Castings, Comp cards, Production companies, designers, models, media and so much things happening underground.
let’s me first explain everything. a Casting is something every model is required to do for a production company or designer where they decide if you are good enough for their show. this is where many models gets turned away due to their height, size or overall looks. a Comp card is a page each model has which should contain his or her basic measurements, recent photos of themselves and contact information. the production company are the people who puts up the show. in most cases they bring the designer and model together. they arrange the makeup artists, hair stylists, they should pay the models, the designer is obviously the person what the show is about. their garments are why people attend. models are hangers for the designer, and media are the people who takes the photos of the models or garments and publish it on different websites or platforms to provide exposure to the designer and production company. PS Media are also influencers attending the show, posting on their social media about the show providing even more exposure to the designer.
simple right?
well on paper it is very simple. SO why do I say reality hit me with a chair in the face? well, you see, as an up-and-coming ‘trying to be’ runway model as one agent told me, it is hard! finding castings, registering, being scammed by agencies and companies and designers! yes scammed! how? easy – you need to pay them to walk in their show! and before you tell me it sounds right, well it is not! no model should be paying to attend a casting, let alone walk a show – it should be the other way around, but because this industry is flooded with new models ‘some people’ tend to take advantage of this! i was lucky enough to have good people supporting me advising me on what to do and what not to do, but there are so many models that has no idea and they think it is all good!
for NYFW in February 2024 I managed to wiggle myself into walking for 12 designers. and guess what?! most of these castings was found on Instagram! for the 12 shows I walked, i received a total of $600, but it cost me a total of $1800 to attend these shows. (Transport, food, additional shoes, and for one designer I even changed my hair color [Which by-the-way I never walked for them!] but that was the extend I went to walk for shows! now you can think how far other models went!
look this is a crazy industry. if you don’t know the right people at the right places, you will struggle to get your foot in the door. now I am not saying I am well connected now, but the connections that I have has helped me in many ways. from people in the media sharing other events with me to business people introducing me to other business people. making friends with the stylists and makeup artists and even with the designers. kissing ass as you go – yes! being available without showing you are available ! after NYFW it felt like I got a degree in acting! (hahaha). but in all seriousness, will i return for NYFW September 2024? Absolutely! will I do things differently? double absolutely! you need to learn as you go. learn from your mistakes and also come to the conclusion that if you know you have what it takes to be on that ramp – show your worth! i can tell you every designer that used me will most probably want me back. yes, i say this with confidence because that is how much I believe in my work and what I put out on the runway. i know my worth and then I add tax!
part 2 loading….