This is because people change, and companies need to adapt to stay in business. What if retailers – whether online or in the high streets – sold pretty much the same merchandise. Big mistake!

Every large manufacturer has departments dedicated to looking for the “next big thing” or styles that customers need. It’s their responsibility to look ahead, and not to be left behind by competitors. This not only applies in the world of fashion: supermarkets, car manufacturers and record companies (to name just a few) need to have their corporate finger on the pulse. But perhaps the clearest of “fashion evolution” can be seen in the modelling world. After all, not everyone needs a new car or the latest CD / DVD. We all need clothes!

One of the most globally-observed changes in recent trends are seen in “plus size” models. Models of either sex in the “plus size” category have been in demand for years – but it’s only relatively recently that they’ve really come into their own. Now, above all, “plus size” models are in demand…and their popularity shows no sign of wavering. This is good news, but why have they become more popular with clients looking for models?    

To start with, let’s eliminate the inverted commas when referring to plus size models. It’s true that there’s a universal definition (and so inverted commas are sometimes necessary to define the term), but larger models are no different to any other, and therefore shouldn’t be distinct by applying provocative punctuation marks.

Though the term is still used, plus size modelling carries no stigma, and is about celebrating all body forms and sizes. Have a look in shop windows, in department stores, at TV adverts and on corporate websites – there’s far more choice for females of size 16 or larger than ever, and more shapely models are flourishing because of it.

Let’s not forget the gents. Larger males are also desirable for a range of advertising purposes. The fact that there are more clothing sizes and styles on the market means more models are necessary to help endorse products for everyone – not just a select few dictated by trends.    

Brands need to “go with the times”, and Internet activity is a huge indication of current trends. One of the reasons larger models are now more in demand is because of the surge of social media attention. There are more celebrities with tens of thousands of followers eager to share their habits, interests and gorgeous curves, unconcerned with personal attack or immature criticism. They should be applauded! More people who choose to display their bodies undoubtedly equates to an increase in confidence in others. Curvy figures are far more prevalent in the media these days because people feel more conviction in their actions. Embracing who you are is key to being comfortable. And so it should be!

2020 has been a successful year for models, contradicting the national economic trend. If you want to show off your curves but haven’t done so already, 2021 could be your time to actively be involved in this lucrative and enjoyable side of modelling – and Models Direct will be with you every step of the way. If you’re already a plus size model, continue embracing the plus size movement. It works!

Statuesque, majestic, poised – there are many reasons why those who are above average height should stand tall and feel proud of their size!

Here are five reasons for making the most of a great stature:

• Standing out

It is well known that tall models can do well in the fashion industry – just look at Jerry Hall and Elle Macpherson – but tall people can stand out in real life too.

Female models above 5ft 9ins and male models over 6ft 3ins can find themselves in high demand for all sorts of catwalk, advertising and promotional work.

But tall individuals can do well in business life too, with research from Sweden, for example, revealing that many CEOs are above average in height.

These successful businesspeople have been shown to display confidence in their own abilities, as well as good leadership skills, and many are thought to be above average in their productivity levels too

• Health

There are those who believe that tall people may also enjoy certain health benefits.

Research has suggested, for example, that taller women may be at lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and that both men and women of above average height are less likely to suffer heart failure and coronary artery disease.

Furthermore, a study from the University of Edinburgh revealed those who were taller had a lower risk of dying with dementia

• Wealth

Believe it or not, height might also have an impact on your bank balance.

Various studies have shown that on average taller men and women earn slightly more than shorter employees and are more likely to enjoy increases in their annual pay.

• Intelligence

Maybe taller people have every right to look down on the rest of us from the lofty heights – another Scottish study has shown a correlation between height and intelligence…

• Happiness

This is, perhaps, the most important quality of all.

Taller individuals were on average found to be happier than shorter people, according to an American Gallup study.

The research revealed they were more satisfied with their daily lives, felt more enjoyment and happiness with life and generally felt less angry and stressed than the rest of us.

Add to that, the great view at concerts, the comfort of not feeling the need to wear high heels and the pleasure of being able to reach things from high shelves, it isn’t hard to see why most of those who are tall relish their dizzying heights!

For more information about the benefits of being tall in the modelling industry click here

Dry ends, frizz, faded colour – we’re all suffering and have taken to look for magical hair conditioners available on the market to try save our luscious locks. Most brands available to us are effective to maintain healthy, glossy hair, but have you ever wondered about the science behind the product?

In this blog, Models Direct takes a brief look at the ingredients that make your hair really stand out.

With numerous brands out there, the ingredients will vary, although the basic science behind the magic of conditioners is the same. About 90% of most – if not all – conditioners is water (“Aqua”) and this applies to shampoos. Below are some of the five most common ingredients found in hair conditioners:

1. Emollients (fatty, moisturising alcohols). These really come into play to soften hair and keep it “bouncy”. A good example of an emollient is cetearyl alcohol, which acts a waxy water barrier. It’s therefore great to prevent hair from getting tangled.  

2. Quaternary ammoniums cations (“quats”). These compounds have a positive charge and bind to negatively-charged hair, reducing static. Sounds simple enough, although judging by Einstein’s trademark hair, he probably didn’t use conditioners!

3. Preservatives. There are loads of compounds and chemicals that are in this class, and their function is that of protection against microorganisms. 

4. Hydrolysed proteins. These generate a film to increase moisturisation, and thus are great for dry hair. Some examples are soy,  

5. Humectants. These are substances described as “hygroscopic” – meaning they absorb moisture. So, humectants like olive oil, Panthenol* (a variety of vitamin B5) and glycerol preserve hair moisture and can attract moisture to hair – hence they are beneficial for more making hair more pliable and, ultimately, more manageable.

* The super-brand Pantene derived its name from this ingredient. 

In simple terms, conditioners offer a repair job – think of them as your very own MOT for your hair. A lot of the laws of chemistry and physics are based on “opposites attract”. This is true of hair conditioners. Flakes of hair overlap to form a cuticle layer that protects the inner strands of hair. When light reflects off the cuticle layer, it produces your hair’s natural shine  – and when hair is frizzy, it basically means that the cuticle layer is being eroded, a bit like frayed rope. In slightly more detail, the cationic charge (always a positive charge) binds with the negative charge on the hair strand. This bind – or attraction – is strong enough to envelop the strand, in effect enclosing the strand in a protective case. Cuticle flakes are then packed tightly together, thus resulting in smoother hair. The emollients will help your hair feel soft even after a rinse. 

Products that combine shampoo and conditioner are standard nowadays, as they are more convenient than two separate products (and are cheaper). However, using a separate conditioner is more effective for glorious hair free from tangles. 

So the next time you have a shower, think about the basic chemistry rule of “opposites attract.” It’ll hopefully hold you in good stead before your next modelling shoot – and when someone pays you a compliment, you can educate them on the science behind your bouncy locks! 

Photo-shoots consist of a creative team, the size and experience of the team can vary depending on budget, location, brand, etc. Larger budgets will afford a stylist, make-up artist, hair stylist and assistants, however this is not always the case! We do know it will always include a model and a photographer.

A photographer’s role is complex, often they are the glue that keeps the creative team together and more often than not the person who leads the shoot. Being a successful photographer is of course about technical ability, but more importantly being able to make a model feel comfortable infront of the camera and in your company by giving them the encouragement they need to believe in themselves – if you master this you will be a busy photographer!

Making a name for yourself as a photographer is not easy, it’s competitive and to get bookings you need to stand out.

Here are some tips to make the best name for yourself as a professional photographer and how to work with models and get the best from them:

Shoot Preparation

• Make sure your kit is complete – Shoot days can be stressful, with lots going on, locations to find, new people to meet, schedules to keep to along with many other factors, so it’s important to make sure your kit is complete, clean and batteries charged. A day or two before the shoot do a kit check, you may not have put it away properly from your last shoot, so make sure you have the lens’s you need, your camera batteries are charged, you have enough memory cards and any backup equipment you may need. You can’t predict technical issues, but you can prepare for them, so having all the right equipment gives you peace of mind and allows you to simply focus creating incredible images.
• Locations – Whatever type of shoot you are doing there will be shoot locations involved. It may just be one, but make sure you know where it is and how you can access it. If you have numerous locations for one shoot it’s a good idea to scout them out prior to the shoot so you are familiar to them and know what you’re going to be working with.
• Timings – It’s a cliche, but time is money and your time is valuable! However you have quoted for this job it will come down to time and the client will still be expecting amazing images within the time frame you have set, so be aware of it and stay focused. You may only have your creative team for a certain time frame, be sure to know the schedule of the day and find ways to make sure you can get the shots you want with in it.
• Vision – To ensure you or your client will get the images they want you need to have fully understood their vision. Whether you are photographing a product, model or scene, sometimes all three, by asking the right questions beforehand, researching your client and talking with your client you will both be on the same wavelength, which is essential to guarantee your client is satisfied with the final images.

Shoot Day

• Models – Sourcing the right model for the shoot is very important. The Models Direct booking team spend lots of time speaking with photographers to fully understand what they are looking for to ensure they source the ideal model(s) for the right price too.

Click here to speak to one of our helpful booking agents

• Model Experience – This will depend on your budget really as more experienced models requests higher model fees, however you may not need a model with lots of experience, it all depends on the nature of the shoot and the shoot budget, something your booking agent will discuss with you. Some models work well with little direction and others need more specific directions, either way a good photographer will be able to click with the model quickly and make be able to make them feel relaxed and comfortable infront of the camera.
• Remain Professional at all times – As a photographer you may be required to work closely with a model, you may have given direction to a model but adjustments still need to be made to get the best image. It helps to have a stylist with you or even an assistant who can make adjustments to the models clothes, hair or make up, but be sure to have permission from the model before doing this.
• Happy Model – Modelling is tiring and shoots can be long and not always comfortable for the model, make sure your model is well looked after and is as comfortable and happy as they can be. Offer regular breaks and by make sure there are refreshments on set for them, this will help the model keep their energy levels up and stay focused. If you are shooting outside make sure the model isn’t too hot or too cold, you may need to make sure you have an extra coat to hand or even a fan if it’s a particularly hot environment. Try and meet your models demands, you want to get the best from them and to do this they need to feel at their best, so be patient, professional and listen to them, it’s important to keep them on side and work as a team to create the stunning, eye-catching images you envisaged.

The Models Direct website has a clear query request form for you to complete when looking to book models, by submitting this a member of the team will be in contact straight away to discuss your requirements in more detail:

Have Fun!

It’s important to have fun while shooting, by creating a positive, upbeat and fun environment will benefit you, your model and therefore the images! A photographer who is confident, capable and relaxed will instantly make a model feel at ease and you are then set for a very successful shoot!

Production company, The Gate Films contacted Models Direct looking for a model family to star in the latest commercial they were filming for luxury travel company Oliver Travels, our team put a selection of model families forward for consideration and were delighted when the Golding’s were chosen.

Coral and her family were contacted and told the good news by one of one of the Models Direct booking team, as you can imagine they were beyond excited at the prospect of such an exciting opportunity! Briefed with as much detail as they could be given, final destination to be kept a total surprise, they packed their bags and headed to the airport to start their magical filming adventure.

Check out all details and behind the scenes footage on this blog post: http://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/model-family-secure-dream-assignment/

Coral’s feedback:

“We just got back from the South of France where we filmed a commercial as a family for ‘Oliver’s Travels’. It was a truly amazing experience! We stayed in an unbelievable villa and saw some beautiful sights! Thank you so so much Models Direct for getting us this job!! We absolutely loved it!” – Coral Golding

After much anticipation the final edit of this amazing assignment is now live and it’s truly magical! When the perfect combination of people come together amazing things can happy and this was just the case with a professional production agency, The Gate Films, Oliver Travels the end client, Models Direct as the agent and of course the real stars….the beautiful Golding family!

Take a look at the final video:

If you would like your family to be represented by Models Direct and considered for commercial work click here and speak to one of the team today.

Gary was selected to feature in the latest online commercial for Kwikfit Motability – as an experienced model with a disability, Gary was the perfect choice to work with such a well known client and a professional film crew to produce their latest mobility campaign.

Gary gives his feedback on his filming experience:

As ever the day went very well and was quite seamless despite the very early start!
The crew were very well organised and very welcoming, it was once again a great insight into just how much effort and planning goes into such a short presentation.
My short acting role was great fun, I’d like to say it was a high octane stunt scene but in reality I just had to pull up in my car, get out, shake hands with the Kwik Fit engineer and ask for a new tyre! 
 This all said, it didn’t matter, it was a great experience and I enjoyed it. Let’s just hope I did ok! – Gary

Models Direct are very excited to see the final version of the commercial featuring Gary – click the link below to view:

https://www.weareiris.co.uk/kwikfit

To be considered for modelling and filming work, get in contact today – click here

” OMG! What a great day!! ” – Ryan

Getting booked to spend the day shooting at two major UK football training grounds is an assignment most male models would be keen to be selected for – thats’ just what happened for these lucky models….

The Models Direct team were delighted to coordinate to 16 models over a two day shoot at two different locations, shooting stills for a new football video game – here’s how they got on.

“Lovely day at today shoot filming at the Etihad Campus. The day was awesome from start to finish and what a great experience it was. The client made us feel more than welcome and comfortable at all times whilst also being professional at the same time.
The models were great and made some friends in the process. Huge thanks to Models Direct for the help in placing me at this shoot, I would highly recommend.
Cant wait to shoot for the next one already.! ” – Raul

“The day was great, I really enjoyed it, it was very physical. My first ever job. Slightly different to my usual Monday to Friday job being an aesthetic practitioner and a pharmacist manager lol.
I look forward to seeing the photos, I think Helen said she’ll send them through. If there’s more work I’d be happy to do it. Thanks for everything Molly! ” – Younous

“It was a great experience and I totally enjoyed myself, especially with the other participants who were nice and friendly. The whole photo shoot was done in a very professional and organised way.
The crew made us all feel at ease and were very friendly indeed.
What a great day and I look forward to more opportunities in the future. ” – Ralph

“ The shoot today was great, the staff working on it made us feel welcome and comfortable upon arrival to the shoot. They gave us clear instructions as to what was to be expected on the day and were there to help us. It was a friendly, professional and fun environment to work in and I enjoyed every moment. Thanks to all the staff who worked with us on the shoot it was a pleasure to work alongside them. It was a real pleasure to represent Models Direct and I am looking forward to working with you more closely and regularly.
Again thanks Molly for organising everything and keeping in contact with my before and during, it’s much appreciated and you were a massive help Molly.” – Dathan

” I had an amazing time today, lots of fun and met some great people, I can’t wait to get more jobs like this.. thank you so much!!! ” – Carlo

Plus size modelling is a contentious subject in the media, with brands being slammed for using plus size models in their marketing campaigns and consequently then promoting an unhealthy lifestyle or brands using size 6-8 models and therefore not appealing to the majority – so how can these fashion houses get it right??

Models Direct is the UK’s number one commercial modelling and talent agency. We have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since 1990 when the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is literally just a number for us!

With big name high street brands like ASOS, BooHoo, River Island and Marks & Spencer using plus size models to promote their clothes the demand for plus size models is big.  Now you can use your size to your advantage which wasn’t the case historically in the modelling industry.

Brands pay big money with us for the right plus size model to promote their garments. Some of the top curve models are able to earn up to £20,000 per day!

Models Direct has always represented plus-size models. Average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards. Recently Models Direct has seen a rise in demand for models size 16 and above.

Here’s Lisa she had this to say:

“I just wanted to say such a huge thank you to Models Direct!! “

“I went on my first photo shoot 2 years ago because I was struggling with body confidence, ( I had a breast reduction planned and a huge weight loss dream) the reduction I had but the weight loss didn’t happen as I became quite poorly. I never planned to sign up to a model agency, it was just to help me feel better and it really did. So in all honesty I half heartedly filled out my account and never looked at it again and my photos I kept hidden behind my sofa never to be seen by anyone ! It’s really funny because over Xmas we were moving furniture my mum and sisters found the folder and we all sat there laughing at them at how huge I looked ! I was mortified by them and embarrassed . When you called me I literally thought it was a joke! I thought maybe it’s an open audition and it’s what the agency do before your account runs out – I hadn’t even thought for one second my account was really live. I spent the morning of the casting writing a blog about self confidence and used the experience as a challenge about facing demons head on, it took me right back to my dancing days (which is another lifetime ago!) when I was always told great dancer but you won’t fit in the costume at all my auditions soul destroying as back then I was only a size 10 but just had these huge boobs that made me look a 16+ To have you call me yesterday with the great news was mind blowing, I’m literally blown away it was so unexpected and I’m so over the moon to just have had that phone call, it was so unexpected ! Fingers crossed for Monday it will either be something to scream about or write about either way I’m happy with both options Thank you again for taking the time to call me on your day off it was really appreciated – Lisa x ”      

Model Neri gives her feedback on working with Models Direct:

” I was a Care Worker. My degrees are in  Performance and Writing, but I never thought in a billion years, that I may actually use them. When I made the decision that perhaps I could become a plus size model, most people would dismiss the very notion. But it was like I woke up one morning and decided that I could show off my size 20 skills, just as well as those size 10 ladies. After about 10 minutes on Google, I didn’t stop to consider if I should apply, I just did it. I’ve always known I looked different, but Models Direct was the first one to see it as a potential selling point. Who knew my first assignment would end up being my regular income!

This journey has been amazing so far, with my agent Molly having my back the whole time and encouraging my curvy self to push forward. I never thought that being hairier than the average woman, would have landed me such an awesome role. Whatever happens, taking a chance on myself, was the best thing I did and Models Direct taking a chance on me, has been life changing.” 

To find out more about plus size modelling click here.

Models Direct were delighted to send models and Ice Skaters Tyler, Amy, Naomi, Joseph and Chloe for a very skilled shoot at BlueWater Shopping Centre last week.

The models were dressed by stylists from Topshop and had their make up done by House of Fraser Make Up Artists!

Once ready the Models Direct team heard that the models were met by the photography team and fantastic direction was given so the models could be photographed while showing off their skills on the ice! All the models are experienced Ice Skaters, this is something that was requested by the client from the beginning –  additional skills as a model are always useful.

Check out this behind the scenes video of our skaters!

Models Direct’s models reviews of the assignment below:

Model Fee: £200

“Had a fantastic day yesterday it’s my first assignment I have been given, I was a little nervous but the day was amazing! my make up and clothes were perfect. Everyone was so polite and made sure we all had what we needed. I had a really fun day and met some amazing people.” – Amy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqM3QXHDm5O/

“Hi guys!!
I just wanted to say a huge thanks for such an incredible day. I enjoyed myself so much!! as this is my first proper modeling job/shoot I could not have asked for a more lovely and kind, caring and really bubbly, smiley team. The photographer’s were really clear and understandable which is always great and the whole set up and organization was very welcoming and very professional. I can’t wait to have more work with you and to go ahead and gradually build up my modeling career.
With Very Many thanks.
Lots Of Love, Naomi Eleanor! Xx“

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqM6QYUjF71/

“Had a really fun day, spent all day shooting for Bluewater on the ice rink. Amazing people and everyone was so professional. Can’t wait to do it all again!
Waking up at 3 in the morning to catch the bus just to find out it has been delayed!
Ended up being 40 minutes late but everyone made me feel welcome and not to worry about it. Went for a walk over to Topshop to find out our outfits! Loved the styles of the outfits I was given. Made me open my eyes and go for colours I wouldn’t usually go for.
The ice rink itself was such fun to skate on, with the Christmas tree in the middle making it an amazing background.” – Joseph

“Yesterday, myself and 4 other lucky models were asked to take part in an ice skating photo shoot at Bluewater Shopping Centre down in Dartford.
After a warm welcome from the team, we were treated to getting our make up done by House of Fraser and had the personal stylists from Oasis and Topshop dress us.
The day could not have gone any more perfectly. I met some amazing people and Charlie at Models Direct organised everything so smoothly and was extremely helpful. The crew on the day were also extremely attentive.
This is my third project with Models Direct, I had such a great time and can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks for everything guys.” – Chloe