Yes, spring 2024 is bringing with it some lighter touches and some exquisite colours that truly reflect the natural shades around us at the moment, while also looking simply stunning.

So, for those of you thinking of snapping some new seasonal shots for your e-portfolios – or for anyone considering joining us and requiring an initial photo to send off to us – why not have some fun and try out a whole new spring make-up look?

Pink is still as present as it was last year, but this season is seeing a move away from that vibrant Barbie shade to something a little more delicate.

Models and would-be models, think baby pink and soft pastel shades when opting for rosy pink eye shadows, lipsticks and even blushers.

While pink is still very much a positive this spring, however, also consider teaming it up with some superb light blues, greens and yellows.

Be bold in your colour choices but not necessarily the vibrancy of the shades you are selecting.

Gentle pink lips can look amazing against lemon yellows and sky blues above the eyes, for example.

And you don’t have to overdo it – even the most subtle use of these delicious spring shades will help create a lively and exciting new make-up look this season.

Pink up any one of these hues in your nail varnish too and you will also be exuding glorious spring colour right to your fingertips!

For those planning a big night out or simply wishing to bring a little glitz and glamour to their look, you can also get away with a few spring sparkles this season.

There are some delightful eco glitters and metallic shimmers out there that will be simply sublime with your seasonal pinks, blues, yellows and greens.

There are also some lovely plant-based glitters to add to your nails that will tie in beautifully colour-wise and certainly add some twinkle to your overall look.

At Models Direct we believe this season doesn’t have to be about making big changes…

But bringing some lovely new colour into your look could help lift your mood and perhaps even put a spring in your step.

Step back into the past

Something our Models Direct team have learnt is that shades have a very interesting history! Did you know that they date back to the ancient times of China and Rome? Neither did we! Emperors and aristocrats used fat panels of smoky quartz to reduce the sun’s rays but today’s modern form of sunglasses is thanks to an 18th-century English optician, James Ayscough who had the idea of creating lenses that would filter certain wavelengths of light.

However, it was only until the early 20th century that shades were not only marketed as a major fashion contender but as a way to protect the eyes owing to Sam Foster in 1929. His Foster Grant sunglasses made it on the sunny beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey promoted as a must-have beachwear accessory…and they were a winner!

Fast forward into the next decade, sunglasses moved into the aviation sector developing the iconic aviator-style shades for pilots. Their function was to reduce the sun’s glare and increase visibility during flights. The general public caught onto this style which we still see in today’s market.

Trending sunnies & suited face shapes

Besides aviator-style sunglasses (which really suit oval-shaped faces) there are lots of current styles that are at the top of the pack. You might already be familiar with most (if not all!), but here’s a quick guide:

Cat-eye sunglasses

This adorable feline-inspired style really is the cutest. It’s chic and retro, rounding any outfit with elegance. The design is swept upside in the top outer corners with a gentle, angular cut adding a lovely touch of femininity. Flatters all face shapes, especially oblong, round and heart-shaped.

Oversized sunglasses

We love, love, love big frames that actually do a lot more than just protect your eyes, they cover your delicate eye area in its entirety so bye-bye premature weathered wrinkles and hello to a fuller scale protection whilst looking in vogue! This never goes out of fashion and never tires us (we’ve got a pair ourselves!)
Great for round and square-shaped faces.

Polarised square sunglasses

Stylish as well as offering an extra layer of serious protection from light sensitivity, polarised sunnies are bringing wearers a high level of quality lenses to beat the sun’s glare, maximising visibility especially when you’re driving or doing outdoor activities. Who said that being stylish couldn’t be healthy?
Suit oval and oblong-shaped faces.

Round clubmaster style sunglasses

This classic design has a heavy brow line along the top of the frame whilst the rest is thin metal. They have a glossy finish making them a great addition to an everyday wardrobe.
Work well with square and rectangle-shaped faces.

Preppy sunglasses

Cute and straightforward, preppy sunnies aren’t a complicated style. They just get the job done with round lenses coated with a round frame. They’re a great all-rounder for any occasion and if you don’t have a pair, they’re available at most high street retailers.
Suit oval-shaped faces.

Sunglasses are a brilliant facial accessory which completes a summer look, but that’s not to say you can’t wear them all year round. With all the shapes and sizes, there’s a pair that will suit all face shapes.
They also offer maximum UV protection, protecting your eyes from UVA & UVB rays so look at their specification. Shades can help to improve visibility and reduce eye strain, eye fatigue, squinting, and headaches whilst reducing the likelihood of eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes. Our advice: Wear them regularly when you’re out, particularly during peak sun hours, and take lots of pics this summer. We’d love to see which style you like!

But we all know times are hard and money can be tight, so here are five suggestions from Models Direct for those eager to follow fashion while saving money;

1. Sort and sell

The first place to start is with a big seasonal clear out. Empty your wardrobe and all your drawers on to the bed then start creating some piles – yes, no and maybe! Everything in the yes pile is to keep, everything in the no is to get rid of and the maybe pile deserves a second look before you make a decision. Then get your shoes, boots, coats and jackets out and do the same. If you end up with anything decent in the no pile then you should really consider selling it. There are so many great apps and websites for doing this at the moment that we really are spoiled for choice. Talk to friends and family to see which ones work for them, choose apps that seem suitable for the kinds of clothes you are selling and make sure they appeal to the group of people you think will be interested in buying them. Take a number of pictures of each item, present it well (perhaps on and off) and then upload! Any money you make can then go in a pot towards buying yourself one or two lovely new items of clothing!

2. A swapping session

This can be a super fun way of getting rid of items you don’t want, acquiring a few new ones and having a great afternoon with your friends at the same time. Sort out all the clothes you want to get rid of and get your friends to do the same, then spend a few hours trying each other’s clothes on, having a good laugh and doing a few swaps. Equally, swapping sessions can be about lending each other items as well as giving them away permanently. If you have your eye on your best friend’s coat for your next batch of modelling shots, why not see if she’d like to borrow your favourite jacket for a while?

3. Second hand shops

Second-hand and charity shops can be treasure troves of delight! Have a fun afternoon out with your besties wandering from one to another to see what bargains you can find. Try to find out the best time for having a rummage through the latest stock before anyone else does so – and remember it can be well worth hiking over to the charity shops in the more affluent areas of where you live as you can often find a designer item or two for next to nothing!

4. Online bargains

Most of us shop online for much of our clothing and sometimes you simply have to sit there scrolling for hours to find the real bargains. Don’t forget, however, that just as you can sell things through the second-hand and vintage sites apps, they can also be a great place to find that truly special something for a great price.

5. Mix and match

Once you’ve got rid of everything you don’t want and you are left with the pile of clothes you are hanging on to, spread them all out in your room. Try to see things with fresh eyes – could you team your favourite jeans up with a t-shirt or top you haven’t considered before? Could that dress you usually wear out in the evening actually look fantastic with boots and a denim jacket during the day? Mixing and matching can result in a whole new selection of looks with absolutely no new additions to your wardrobe!

Plain vest
This couldn’t be an easier statement piece to get hooked into but plain vests are what we’ve seen popping up for autumnal fashion ahead. It’s a make-no-mistake all-rounder that can be teamed up with pretty much ev-ery-thing. We love, love, love! Jeans, trousers, leggings, shorts (if you’re brave enough to face the winds) or a skirt! A plain vest is easy to get a hold of because most leading retailers have it as a staple, placed on their shelves. This ties in well with the next accessory we are loving…

White tights
We bet you’ve got a pair of black tights stuck somewhere in your wardrobe waiting for the cooler weather rather than be a fashion statement. But guess what? White tights (and any other funky colours out there for that matter) will make a great addition to your autumn wardrobe. Think Me Before You – the classic romcom of today’s time and all the amazing Louise Clark renditions (particularly that famous bumblebee design!) you could think of. Make your autumn-themed ePortfolio shine with some colourful tights and keep warm when you’re out there.

Loafers
Ah, comfy footwear we couldn’t miss out on. Loafers are still in foot fashion so this season, step into easy-to-wear and seriously comfy fashionable shoes. Chunky loafers, classic penny loafers or heeled loafers, there are so many styles to choose from – you’re spoilt for choice! And of course, don’t forget to snap them up for your ePortfolio. You could try different angles, crossing your legs and taking a snap.

Hot pink
Remember Florence Pugh’s very recent sheer pink gown she turned heads with at the Valentino show in Italy this year? Well, if you didn’t catch it, then we’re sure you’ll be web searching it probably…right now. Were we right? Anyway, we loved that gorgeous hue, not to mention her dress style statement – it was WOW! Seems like Florence is owning hot pink but she isn’t just keeping it to herself. Who’d have thought this season would bring such a vibrant colour to the centre stage, eh? Hot pink has been seen across catwalks, runways and department stores. Pick up a statement piece and take snaps!

The autumn takeaway
We hope this has helped build your autumn trends for 2022 knowledge. We’ve really enjoyed bringing this to you and look forward to seeing your awesome pics for the season ahead. Whichever modelling division you fall under, enjoy experimenting and trying new clothes, footwear and colours for the autumnal looks Models Direct could find for this year. Enjoy!

If you like what you’ve read and want to keep up to date with our blogs and social media platforms, subscribe and follow us. We’d love to hear from you and see what looks you have thrown together.

The thing is, do you want to go into town now? With the cost of living going through the roof, many of us are having to make a decision – to buy or not to buy. Heading out to town might have been your weekly routine but you might be thinking you now need to make lifestyle changes to pay for those eye-watering price hikes of everyday essentials.

Getting fashion items you want or need with a reasonable price tag can happen – even those luxurious designer pieces you have your eyes set on can make it into your wardrobe. How? Because high street brands like Primark replicate the latest catwalk collections so that you can enjoy fashion fun to the max without breaking the bank!

Fashion mags or articles have sometimes offered us price comparisons for super expensive statement pieces with high street alternatives. Sometimes they’ve been a hit where the similarity has been so close it’s been hard to tell the difference while others have been a good attempt to give it a go for fashionistas. Either way, they haven’t missed the point – it’s achievable and affordable to look like a runway model, and sometimes you can look even better than the OG outfits.

Dress for less with lookalikes

Fashion editor’s picks don’t always have to be high-end luxury and we see that with the deputy editor of Vogue UK, Sarah Harris, who recently wore a plain white tee with an embellished jacket and ripped denim jeans. Her white t-shirt made the outfit look crisp, fine and of course, affordable at only £19. She looked awesome!

Influencer Alexandra Lapp had another take on the white tee with YSL although hers came up to a whopping £355. With such a huge price difference the plain tee looks great even on a budget, and ultimately anything can look good; it’s all down to how you dress it. What you decide to team it up with, which accessories you want to add, and how you style your hair and makeup can make such a difference. It can take a look from ground level through to the top!

Like the sound of that?

It’s been great bringing this blog to you. We hope it has inspired you to see that fashion doesn’t have to be dear, especially during the times we are living in. High street brands are just as great at pulling off excellent looks as luxury brands, and you can enjoy this without worrying about your bank balance.

We’ve got more enriching modelling content where this has come from. You can explore it right here in our blog bank or head on over to our social media platforms to learn more about us, the latest we’ve been involved in and what’s being forecasted. Year in and year out, our agency continues to thrive because of you and our clients. We all work together to bridge stereotypical gaps in the modelling industry and our diverse and inclusive stance continues to flourish. Stay social and subscribe to our blogs for up-to-date info and news.

Bottom line: let your styling do the talking and look your best with affordable replicas that will make you look like a fashionista superstar. High street brands, here we come!

Keeping it simple with black and whites

Teaming a white button-down shirt with a pair of black pants has been a classic combo. It’s been a long term go-to especially if you’ve run out of ideas or want to keep your look simple and sleek. This one we’ve picked is smart for the office whilst also being cool for meetups. 

We’ve seen this trend throughout the decades but it remains an ever-popular choice – think Kim Kardashian for inspo… 

A colour blocking summer

This year is all about bright colours which have paved the way for a new trend; colour blocking. Mixing up two, three or even four totally different colours to make a bold statement is what this trend is all about. T-shirts, jackets, dresses, pants, joggers and jeans are some examples of apparel that are implementing this trend.

This abstract and playful pattern has been seen on Kendall Jenner, Cate Blanchett and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. If you haven’t grabbed any colour blocking statement pieces, dive through your closet and pair up some bright colours even if they’re accessories to jazz up your look so you’re ready to meet up and socialise in style.

Co-ord sets for outdoor wear

Matching sets are moving beyond our loungewear where we were either working from home or 

just relaxing during the lockdown. This year Models Direct are seeing the co-ord sets coming in all types of styles and combos making this fashion look very versatile. So long as you don’t lose one of the pieces behind the back of your wardrobe, a co-ord set can create three separate looks making this sound even more amazing! We have seen style ideas such as crop tops with pencil skirts, skirt-suits, crop tops teamed with wide-leg pants and button-up tops paired with waist shorts. 

Oversized pants comeback

Remember the Beverly Hills 90210 days with those baggy pants the stars of the show would wear? Yup, they’re back! It seems like the loose-fitting clothes we were enjoying in 2020 are filtering through this year. You can add a fitted top or crop top to oversized pants to make the trend look more refined and appealing (and effortlessly on trend – who wouldn’t want that?) Celebs such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Victoria Beckham have been rocking this summer style for us, giving us fashion inspo and motivation to be on the ball and ahead of the fashion crowd ready for work at the office or meeting our friends and family.

Bonus extra: oversized sleeves and shoulders 

Keeping up with the oversized theme, Models Direct have seen celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez sporting puffed-up sleeves and shoulders, bringing back the funky, fun and iconic 80s look.

Maximising maxi dresses

Hands up everyone who owns a maxi dress? Perfect for all occasions, maxi dresses are a must-have for casual and formal wear. Pairing it up with a short jean jacket, a pair of pants underneath and sneakers or with some heels and glam accessories is what makes having a maxi dress for this summer weather a lovely addition to your wardrobe.

Style it up this summer with some great summer looks you can create yourself. These trends are perfect for those of us transferring from working at home to back into the office. 

And there you have it! All the summer looks you can create yourself this year. We hope you enjoyed reading this – let us know your thoughts or if you have any other ideas.

At Models Direct we’ve had a look at what’s likely to be trendy for the warmer months and thought we’d offer youngsters some tip tips to help them on their way.

So, what looks set to be hot for teenagers in the coming months – and what’s not?

What’s hot…

Well it’s all about being sizzling hot this summer and going for big, bold colours.

Try carrying off t-shirts and hoodies in gorgeous greens, sky blues and even lovely lemons…

Go on! You can do it!

Most colourful prints are still in vogue and checks are also in there among this summer’s super styles for teens.

Long, loose t-shirts are bang on trend this summer season and long vests (or tank tops if it’s chilly) over t-shirts and shirts are also all the rage.

Cropped trousers and jeans remain in fashion – but with an erring towards loose fit looks rather than skinny.

But pretty much anything in denim goes this season, especially if lifted with an eye-catching top or accessory or two.

Team your jeans up with trainers – but keep these fairly thinned soled this summer.

And aviator sunglasses remain all the rage.

What’s not…

There’s not much these days that can’t be carried off by the teenager with a flair for style but models and would-be models might want to consider putting a few items to the backs of their wardrobes.

Leggings aren’t going to make massive appearances this summer, especially if they are patterned.

It’s probably time to ditch the ripped jeans too – and perhaps cut them down into shorts?

Fold away tight t-shirts in favour of almost anything that is looser – t-shirts, shirts, cardigans and summer jerseys.

This season, anything black or white really needs to be complemented by a colourful garment to carry it off.

When choosing your summer shades, big is still beautiful but it may well be time to move on from the mirror sunglasses…

And what else should teenagers definitely not be seen in? 

Well, sloppy joggers are not hot. 

Comfortable, cosy and familiar they may be, but they are not for wearing out and about this season.

Keep them at home for lazing about in and choose something altogether more stylish when you step out the front door.

1. Clothing reboot

Since we were indoors for nearly two years – can you believe it? – loungewear and sportswear were our go-to clothing preferences for our dramatically changing world. We were stuck inside so there wasn’t a need to dress up or even wear casual clothes since we were only navigating through our gardens, kitchens, home offices and eventually outdoor recreational activities.

Now, according to The Business of Fashion, 37% of fashion executives expect us to be drawn to occasion wear which is predicted to be within the top-three of our preferred clothing categories.

Occasion dresses and workwear are rebounding swiftly as we’re adjusting to a new lifestyle where restrictions are lifting. Models can expect to be wearing these types of clothing in 2022 on the runway or for commercial modelling projects.

2. Investing in recycling

Sustainability is a hot topic we’ve all got our eyes on and with the recent COP26 which was held a few weeks back, we’re actively looking at ways to reduce our environmental footprint and the long term impact it will have on our earth.

One route the fashion world is taking is to leverage closed-loop recycling. According to The Business of Fashion, 60% of fashion executives have already taken steps to invest in this methodology or are planning to. This is where textile product waste is recycled into new textile products making this a valuable strategy that is set to take 2022 by storm in alliance with the sustainable outlook.

3. Changing user experience through social shopping

Innovative ways of presenting fashion will bring value to users’ experience through convenience and access to technology. 2022 is forecasted to explore more ways of engaging virtual fashion, from live streaming to augmented reality try-on boosting the social shopping realm. This will change how people will view and engage with fashion, even during troubling times.

We were sitting indoors scrolling through our feeds for the most part and now 70% would be inclined to shop on social media for clothing. We’re learnt that technology has been a great asset to the world during the pandemic that it’s set to continue connecting people, establishing and building new relationships.

4. Increase in modelling divisions

Our agency, Models Direct, are predicting that new modelling divisions will launch next year. What could they be? Only time will tell but over the years we’ve seen a shift in change – plus-size and models with special abilities have been recently added to our categories. So, we think we’re in for some interesting changes where more models will be called and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

The takeaway

Many predictions have been forecasted for 2022 but Models Direct have explored what’s set to happen in the world of fashion and modelling. It looks positive and busy, and we’re sure our models will have a great time being part of the modelling revolution that is in store next year.

If you’re not part of our agency, please join us – we’d love to hear from you and be part of our predicted trends for 2022!

It’s been a strange couple of years: COVID, Brexit, gender identification, BLM…we don’t have enough space to list every single event that has led to these extraordinary times. But some things have remained true. One of them is that the commercial modelling industry has been screaming out for male models. Males just like you!

A lot of genres have been labelled with stereotypes, and this stands true with male modelling. Close your eyes and think about what you perceive a male model to look like…

…Finished? OK, did you visualise a strapping, 6’2’’, dark-haired, striking young man with a chiselled jaw line and fashionable stubble? That’s fair enough, because we do have several males on our books that fit this description.

But, wait…! Though we have a number of males that are categorised as a “typical” model, the majority are not. Sure, a lot of them are good-looking, but facial features and physical traits only just scratch the surface when we look at a male and consider if they can become a model.

You see, professionalism can count for more in the commercial modelling industry than mere eye-catching appearances. What catches our eye is a model’s personality, temperament, confidence and determination. We do our very best to place models in various assignments, but it’s up to the model to have the persistence and grit to succeed. We have the tools and the experience – all a male model needs is the resolve and desire to go that little bit farther.

Due to the diversity of our clients (several of them are “big hitters” and world famous), we require a diverse collection of male models to match modelling briefs. There isn’t just one type of male model, so any male with the drive to become a model can actually be a model. It’s as simple as that!

The need for male models has never been so clear-cut. We have a professional booking team that has been with us for years, eager to hear from male models to fulfil roles that could be tailor-made for men just like you.  

The adage of “you won’t win the raffle if you don’t buy a ticket” can be applied to modelling applications. Be confident that you can become a male model; apply with us, and we’ll see what you’ve got to offer. What better way to banish the oddities of the last few months than taking that first step to becoming one of our male models?

https://www.modelsdirect.com/male-modelling/

https://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model/men/

We weren’t prepared for the turbulent rollercoaster ride and staying indoors meant that we settled with comfy loungewear and nightwear. This meant that our summer wardrobe was not utilised to its maximum potential. We are now ready to welcome summer with more than just our PJs and oversized tops. 

Models Direct have been looking through the latest fashion trends for this season. We have noticed that there are many themes currently trending but with so many great looks popping up, we went with those that would suit our models especially for castings, first time assignment ideas and photoshoots.

If you are looking for some summer style inspiration, our trusty modelling agency has compiled a collection of fashion trends for you to gain some ideas from.

Don’t worry if you feel a little out of touch, we’re here to help! 

1. Rainbow brights

Go bold by packing a punch with bright pop colours to create an optimistic impact on your style this summer. We have seen it on the runway with fashion giants, Stella McCartney, Fendi and Versace. Look for anything vibrant in your wardrobe and own it. If it’s not clothing then dive into your accessories and see if there is anything bright and beautiful.

2. Monochrome style

This look is an easy one to achieve. Hunt for apparel lying in your closet possibly under a pile of socks hidden in the back. This trend is filtering through this summer’s fashion collection with the likes of Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. So if you want this simplistic look as an idea, grab a button-down white top and a pair of loose black pants with some sneakers or chunky loafers and you’ve nailed it.

3. Sparkle and shine

This season is seeing silver, sequins and metallic pallets work their way through and become this year’s fashion trend. If you want to join in and become a trendsetter, have a look out for Louis Vuitton and Paco Rabanne for extra inspo – anything sparkly and shiny, in case you don’t have the glitter and glam, will do. This fun and eye-catching trend is a perfect way of welcoming this time of year. Create your look and shine.

4. Love your shoes

Shoes play a big role when completing our look. We’ve been checking out the latest trends and seeing that the 70s designs are becoming popular again – clogs, loafers and flatforms. To complete your summer style, grab a pair of 70s inspired shoes and step right into summer.

Fashion campaigns with real people

Moving onto high street fashion retailers, they have constant campaigns running for all the new season’s trends just like the ones we have mentioned above. They tend to use commercial models as opposed to runway models as they are more relatable to the general public and target audience. Get in touch with us if becoming a model floats your boat and you’re ready for something new.

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