Fast fashion was coined in the early 1000s thanks to fashion retailer Zara who was known for producing apparel at super speed. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of the cheap and speedy production of the latest and newest trends AKA fast fashion.

Pros

Cheap & accessible

Fast fashion’s exposure to affordable clothing is at a high speed. The impressive turnaround is a big plus for consumers. With many high-street retailers adopting Zara’s business model, it’s exciting to know that you can have the latest collection on the runway at a fraction of the price. It’s literally on demand!

Diverse options

You’ll have quick access to the latest statement pieces everyone’s after. Fast fashion is all about pumping out styles and trends fast but with a variety of options to suit consumers’ needs and preferences.

Convenient

If you spot something on the runway you like, chances are you’ll see something quite similar hitting your fav fashion retailer’s shelf. It’s fun and convenient, making fashion fast and convenient for all those fashion lovers out there.

Cons

Not an eco-friendly option

Climate change is a hot topic being widely discussed on a global scale and fast fashion is playing a negative role and contributing to greater carbon emissions, and resources such as water and pesticides are being overly used.

Sustainable textile waste

As quickly as garments are generated is as quick as they’ll probably be discarded. As a result, fast fashion can lead to overflowing landfills and certain materials being overused due to excessive consumption.

Labour exploitation

Workers in developing countries often observe mistreatment with low wages and unsafe working conditions whilst being exposed to harmful chemicals.

Slow fashion is a much-needed response to fast fashion

More sustainable alternatives and ethical choices need to be addressed particularly for those of us who adore this industry practice. So, models, we hope you found this blog enlightening about fast fashion. Is it really worth it? Let us know your thoughts!

Being prepared will help you feel more confident and at ease and as a result you are sure to enjoy the whole experience much more.

This means having a clear understanding of where you need to be on the day, when and whether you need to dress in a certain way or bring anything.

Our highly experienced Models Direct agents will ensure you know all of this but do ask them any questions and heed their advice.

Furthermore, it is also worth preparing for the specific character role if possible as this will also help you to feel more relaxed.

Here are some of our tips for getting into character:

• Find out as much as you can about the role. This isn’t always possible but our team members may have an idea of the part you will be playing in the film or photo shoot. Are you a member of a family, someone at work or a passerby, for example? Will you be posing for still photographs or acting in a film – how big will your part be? And, if you are being filmed, will you have anything to say?

• Once you know more about your role, then do your research. Spend time browsing the internet, finding images and watching video clips of people doing what you will be doing. Even if you will be doing something as simple as walking down a street pretending to be a shopper, keep your eye out for people playing the same part on television.

• Get out and about too. Watch real people doing the things you will be doing. Look carefully at the expressions on their faces as well as the way they move. Perhaps you are going to be a builder on a construction site or an assistant in a supermarket. How do they concentrate on what they are doing? What are their facial expressions?

• Do you know anyone who in real life does what you are going to do? Or have they done so in the past? If you are going to play the part of a groom in a wedding ceremony but have never been married, then ask a friend how they felt when they tied the knot. Are you going to model as a mother with three children in the park but don’t have youngsters yourself, again, talk to someone who does.

• Take time out to practise in front of the mirror. Practice facial and body poses if you are taking part in a still photography shoot or move about, act and speak if you are to be in a film. Pretend you are that person and emulate the expressions and mannerisms of the people you have seen on screen or about you.

• Finally, ask a family member or friend to take some pictures of you or to film you while you are in character – or use a tripod and do it yourself. Then spend time looking at the photos or final video and think about how you could improve or enhance the character you are playing.

Remember, however, not to get too anxious about your role as there will be plenty of people there on the day to help and support you.

Other models will be playing their parts, which will help you to play yours.

The director, photographer or lead crew member will give you lots of instruction and you may have a costume or make-up that will also help you to get into character.

Contact your agent at Models Direct too if you are worried as they are there to help you.

Read the reviews from our other models – hearing how much they enjoyed their experience of taking on another character, will help you to ease into your more.

And most of all, remember to have fun!

This is what Maria told us after an assignment through Models Direct:

“When I was shortlisted to take part in this assignment to be an extra on Doritos Christmas commercial, I was really excited as I didn’t know what to expect.

“When I arrived on set I was quite nervous to find out what my role was. My role was to take a selfie at a Christmas party.

“Once I got into character I really enjoyed it and started having fun with it.

“It was a great atmosphere and the best part for me was the final part of the party where everyone was dancing and rocking to the live band performing.

“I would definitely recommend signing up to Models Direct even if it’s just for the experience of being part of a great production.”

Dressing up may have once been child’s play but these days it has become more popular with people of all ages as even adults are eager to pull on a costume and have a little fun!

Headquartered in Edinburgh, Morph Suits offers a whole range of fantastic and wonderful fancy dress outfits, from Halloween costumes for kids to all sorts of outfits for adults.

Its all-in-one colourful morph suits, crazy inflatables and light-up outfits have become all the rage for young people to wear to festivals and gigs!

And for kids, there are all manner of Halloween outfits, party costumes and items of clothing and accessories for stage plays and shows.

They can dress up in everything from fairy wings and tutus through to furry onesies and cuddly animal outfits.

As well as posing for photo shoots for the Morph Suits website and other publicity material, male, female and child models can also be required for fitting sessions.

And this is exactly what little Aydin was asked to do.

He went along to a fitting session in Edinburgh and was paid by the company to try on outfits to help them find out which ones worked well and which ones needed adjusting.

He enjoyed the new experience and afterwards one of his parents told us:

“We were given a last-minute fitting.

“Charlie was great with providing information and details and anything else we needed in relation to their client.”

Aydin, we are glad it went so well for you – you did a great job!

And if there are any other parents of Edinburgh youngsters out there who think their little ones might also enjoy this kind of modelling work or other very different assignments, then they should read some of the other reviews from parents on our website.

To learn more about how we work and the possible modelling opportunities there are in Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland through us, just fill in this form and send us a photograph.

We will be in touch to tell you more!

We’re hoping that this year is set to end on a good note. We want it to stay this way so we can truly get into the spirit of Christmas, spending quality time with the ones we love. However, amongst the frantic gift-hunting, Christmas dinner planning and entertainment for the festive holidays, what we’ll wear will also be a burning question. 

If you’re looking at what the key looks are forecasted for this festive season, Models Direct have it under one roof (well, packed into this blog if you’re unsure where to start). This time, we’ve kept it simple. Why? Because we know you’ll already have a million other things to be doing. So, without further ado, let’s go!

1. Red, green and white

The trademark Christmas colours can be easily incorporated into your wardrobe or makeup to exude the essence of the winter holidays. Picking an item shouldn’t be difficult and if you’re looking to avoid resembling your Christmas tree (or if you don’t, on the other hand), check online for anything that tickles your fancy from this trio of colours or all three if you fancy. 

2. Opt for something loose

As much as we promise ourselves we won’t tuck into too many mince pies or puddings this year, it always happens! And why not? Winter, celebrations and food are a great combination to enjoy some delicious food with family and friends. The obvious style choice this year is to go for something loose. You can hide any sudden bloating under a loose-fitting statement piece such as an oversized top or jumper so no need to feel self-conscious about eating anything that would normally be off limits. 

3. Shimmer and shine

For a touch of pizzazz and magic, a Christmas look is always great with some added glitter and sparkle. Apparel such as sparkly dresses or glittery tops (or even through your makeup) is now available in clothing lines. This year the theme is cute, straightforward winter wear that’s on-trend. 

Festive thoughts

Have you got your Christmas tree set up and ready? Crackers on standby, an unforgettable menu (including a little something for Santa too, don’t forget!) and party ideas planned for the festive holidays? If your answer is yes (or you’re promising yourself you’ll get it sorted as soon as!), we’d love to see some snaps of you, your family and friends if you’re interested in modelling. 

We don’t mind seeing different settings and backdrops but if you’re looking to officially sign up with our modelling agency, a plain, white background will be perfect. Thereafter, compiling a portfolio of all your looks and poses would be a great marketing idea to kick start, and if this includes those Christmas snaps, then get clicking on that camera!

If you like what you’ve read, stay in touch with us by subscribing to our social media platforms and our blogs for more of where this came from. 

From all of our team here at Models Direct, we wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

Let’s dig out some stunning colours then take some incredible new modelling photos that will really stand out.

Winter can be a great time to really make the most of bold shades and to take some gorgeous, clear images that will have you glowing out at us and our clients when we look at them.

The bleak backdrop of outdoor spaces and the cool light of winter will make strong colours really pop out and if you them choose carefully to match your own skin and hair tone, then they can look absolutely fabulous!

You don’t have to go too heavy with the colour – just an accent here or there can really make an incredible difference.

Try icy blue, scarlet red and tangerine orange, for example….

Or tones like sunshine yellow and viva magenta – all of these colours are bang on trend this season and just perfect for winter.

Hold them up next to your face and your hair to make sure they don’t bleach you out or clash with your own colouring, and, if they look great, think about teasing them out further with a touch of lipstick or dab of eye shadow.

Strong colours look especially amazing in winter outerwear, which means you don’t have to spend a fortune if you don’t have something already.

Think woolly hat, soft scarf or even just gloves or leg warmers – all teamed up with other of your existing garments in gentle, neutral tones or even black.

Some of these shades will also work well with the more traditional, earthy tones of autumn.

And to keep well within budget if you want something new, why not rummage about in charity and second-hand shops or click through vintage websites and apps?

You are sure to pick up a bargain or two.

Then follow our suggestions for taking and uploading your new photos and either update your e-portfolio if you are an existing model or – if you are considering joining us – send us one of the pictures along with your form.

We love to see our models having fun with their photography and using deep colours in the winter months is a great way to do so!

There’s lots involved as with every profession out there. Whether you’re interested in specialising in catalogue modelling, commercial modelling, catwalk modelling, promotional modelling, fit modelling, body part modelling, fitness modelling, petite modelling, tall modelling, plus-size modelling, pregnancy modelling, family modelling, baby modelling, child modelling, teen modelling, senior modelling (there are so many and plenty more), we hope this blog helps for you to learn lots more! So, without further ado, let’s go!

It’s a busy world

A model’s lifestyle and schedule can be seriously busy – we’re not exaggerating. Our specialist modelling team of coordinators have been in the business totalling to over thirty years so we know what we’re talking about – we’re Europe’s number one modelling employment agency.

When our models are assigned with an assignment, it’s fun, hectic, and hopefully organised as organised can be but our agency is present every step of the way from the initiation stage of model selection through to the completion of our client’s campaign. We’re available for our models to touch base with us even when they’re on set and we follow up their experience with a happiness review because we want their experience to ultimately be a successful and memorable one. Models Direct really do care about how our models feel as well as our clients.

Expect some of the following:

Casting calls and self-tapes

You might be called in for a casting call, where you’ll audition for a modelling part or acting role, or maybe asked to submit a self-tape which you can read all about here (don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with useful how-to’s and top tips). This’ll be keeping you busy.

Travelling

We might not mention this enough, but travelling can be lengthy particularly if you’ve been asked to travel far on a national scale or to jet-set further afield. If you’re booked for multiple assignments, expect to be travelling far and wide you’ll want to keep yourself busy on those long journeys or catch up on some snooze!

Sitting in for hair, makeup and outfit changes

Some assignments will prep you for the job with hair, makeup and dress code included in the brief whilst other clients will organise it for you including a change of outfit. Expect to be trying on different clothes, shoes, and having your hair and makeup done which will differ from assignment to assignment.

Networking

You’ll have the opportunity to connect and build relationships with industry professionals such as photographers, videographers, social media marketing teams, directors, producers and other models.

Collaborating with other models

When working on assignments, you might be collabing with fellow models, this will differ from project to project. You might be a part of a manufactured family modelling squad one day and the next, be part of a happy couple, or you might be a lone ranger. Be ready to work as a team and with new faces on every gig you’re called for.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

No doubt, we mention this point throughout our blogs but maintaining a healthy lifestyle regardless of whether you’re a model or not is essential for your health and well-being.

Outfit changes

Before strutting down the runway or striking a pose for a photoshoot, you might have to try on clothing (and maybe not just one set!) It’s part of the profession but it can be a serious whole lot of fun trying new looks no matter what your age is!

Being adaptable and open

It’s good to have a positive outlook on your profession and have an open mind about your gig. No two gigs are the same and with every job comes a different role to fill, a different vision and campaign dream.

The takeaway

When it comes to being a professional model, consider being kept busy with casting calls and self-tapes, lots of travelling, sitting in for hair, makeup and outfit changes, networking, collaborating with other models, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, outfit changes and being adaptable! And remember, with a strong agency (like Models Direct) behind you, who are rooting for you and supporting you every step of your career, being a model will be one of the best things you ever tried!

We’re heading right into the festive season and with so many exciting days ahead, to mark the end of the year. Models Direct thought we’d write about a special day that’s set to be fun and dedicated towards a charitable cause for children worldwide. Kids, parents, guardians, neighbours, everyone in the community, climb onboard!

Back in 2012, Save the Children UK – one of the UK’s top children’s rights charity – responded to help children keep safe, eat well and get educated, initiated an annual event to raise money for the children who need it most around the world during this festive period.

It’s shocking to think that about 19.5 million people are projected to be in crisis in Nigeria alone.

Therefore, with an event like this, where anyone and everyone is welcome to take part, just wearing a funky jumper (be it old, pre-loved or borrowed) for this one day and helping to fundraise and donate as little as £2 (or less if you wish) towards the charity, will help a child in a different situation. And if this day doesn’t suit you, it could be another day of your choice in December. If you wanted, you could share an image of you in your wooly knitwear on your ePortfolio to remember your day!

Last year, an amazing total of £5 million was raised for children and an extra £2 million was topped up by the UK government. Our modelling specialist team wanted to write about this festive knit event because there’s always time to give back positivity and hope to the world.

Models Direct has worked with charities such as Centrepoint Charity, which provides accommodation, and health support programs to help homeless young people get back into education, training and employment. Our modelling projects have been meaningful, with powerful messages so it’s been an absolute honour to connect our wonderful models to sensational clients.

This is what we do as the UK’s top modelling agency that shuns showcasing models and doing nothing about it! We promise to put our models forward whenever a client calls for their look. However, we also reiterate when our models register with us that we cannot guarantee work and that the final word always rests with our prestigious clients. We do remind our models to keep their online portfolio up to date and their body measurements too so that if a client wants to have a look at them, they have the most recent image to help them determine whether to take the model selection process to the next stage. We also recommend to keep all personal social media accounts professional in case our clients decide to embark on a exploration journey which happens more often than not with the ease of accessibility of literally everything now! This doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun though! It does mean that it has to be within reason and demonstrate the story you want to convey to your audient. In this case, a lovely warm jumper with flashing Christmas trees will do!

As a roundup, this December, wear a funky Christmassy jumper and get into the swing of having festive fun whilst raising money for children around the world. This time wearing a Xmas knit you wanted to avoid will have more purpose and give you a sense of reward. Don’t forget to fill us in if you’re a model in our books, and if you’re a newbie, it’ll certainly be one to add to the new portfolio collection!

Shops sales and clearance sections

This is a pretty obvious tip but one that is incredibly essential nonetheless. Most online retailers have a section dedicated to either sales or clearance or both! You might see an outlet section too. Funnily enough, today one of our team members said she was checking through a women’s clothing website and they had a preloved section which when clicked on took them to Depop – a website dedicated to second-hand, preloved and vintage women’s clothes. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on style, this is your must-do trick.

Buy basic key pieces

We’re thinking of white t-shirts, vests, and jeans. These types of garments can be mixed up with lots of different apparel encouraging a plethora of versatile looks you can achieve. Most basic items are inexpensive and can be mixed and matched with others quite easily. This will give you a chance to explore your creativity too but at a bargain.

Sharing with the community

Sharing is caring and if you’re sharing your clothes, you’ll be sustainably caring for your environment with your local community. Whether it’s family, friends or people who live near (or far from) you, you can swap, exchange, or lend your preloved clothes so someone else can make the best out of them and vice versa. You can take images of your new previously owned clothes and add them to your portfolio collection for clients to see.

When it comes to children’s clothing in particular, they grow up so quickly and their clothes are pretty expensive, so using other children’s clothes can help you lower your costs. Your junior model can have their portfolio updated with their latest second-hand edits. This’ll also help them think about leaving a positive environmental footprint and becoming earth-conscious heroes.

Grab it second-hand

Online sites like eBay, Vinted, Preloved and Depop are examples of great places to scour through apparel that’s been gently used. The best thing is you don’t need to move from your sofa (although it’s always encouraged to be active and move around). You’ll buy items cheaper than their retail price helping you save money just by the click of a button.

Check for seamstresses

You might have some fraying statement pieces, items with loose stitching or a couple of holes, but apart from the small imperfection, your garment is probably still in good condition. If this is the case, mend the impairment or find a seamstress who can. It’ll be a waste of an item if you were to throw it away just because of a mendable glitch.

Buy what you’ll wear

How many of us fall victim to buying things we just really like the look of and want, rather than need? Hands up, anyone? Well, the truth is, plenty of us do and this means our wallet will feel the pinch. It’s common to put your “I want it” clothing aside for a special day and then, you never get around to wearing it. Sounds familiar, huh? Well, before clicking that purchase button or taking your item to a till, think twice, maybe even a bit longer and ask yourself, “Do I need this and will I wear it? Or do I just want it even though it may be cast aside for a while?”

Models Direct hope that you find these budget-busting tips helpful and save more cash when purchasing clothes.

Models Direct checked out who’s been in the orthodontist’s chair and interestingly a good few famous faces popped up with their shiny brackets and wires – Kylie Jenner, Tom Cruise, Christiano Ronaldo, Emma Watson and Gwen Stefani to name but a few.

Braces can help fix major dental problems such as overcrowding of teeth and correcting a misaligned bite. Aesthetically, they become part of who you are for the duration you house them. Once they’re off, it can feel pretty weird – as though something is bare and missing.

If you’re a model you can showcase them as part of your look. Our specialised category that focuses on models’ unique features and characteristics can have you and your braces beaming with your gorgeous smile accompanied by the shiny stuff. Chances are, you might be selected by a dental company to promote their products and services! So now we swiftly move on to how to brush your teeth with braces because let’s face it, for those who have worn them (hands up anyone?), it’s a tricky business. It doesn’t mean it can’t be done but it does mean it’ll take time.

Whether you have fixed or removable braces, the key is being consistent and extremely thorough. Always follow the advice of your orthodontist, dentist and hygienist about your oral care with braces because it makes it a little bit more hard work. Every time you eat, food particles may snuggle into and around your braces which could cause tooth discolouration, plaque and decay. With all the possible issues you may be dealing with your braces (i.e. tightening the wire, brackets rubbing against your mouth, mouth ulcers), don’t neglect supervision.

The best method of brushing with braces

Food loves to sit within the nooks and crannies of your teeth at the best of times. What about when you have braces? Food particles find their way into more difficult-to-reach spaces, in, and around your brackets and wires. We know it’s a pain but once you get the hang of a good oral regime, you’ll be well on your way to pearly whites, with and eventually without braces.

First things first, rinse your mouth with water to help loosen up food that might be wedged in your teeth and around your braces. Getting rid of larger debris makes cleaning a little easier to tackle.

Next, invest in a brush that is suitable for braces so you can begin your scrubbing.
Place your toothbrush on top of the brackets, angling down to brush each upper bracket at a 45-degree angle.

Then focus on the lower teeth, and angle your toothbrush upwards at a 45-degree angle and brush.
Don’t forget to brush above and below the brackets taking care to brush along the gumline to help keep plaque at bay.

Water floss like a boss

This handy device makes flossing super easy as the stream of water has the magic to reach all parts of your mouth. You just move it along your gumline, the top and base of your teeth, and in between each tooth making sure you focus a couple of seconds on each one both from the outside and the inside of your teeth. (I have one myself I cannot live without!) They aren’t expensive either and remove food debris, plaque and bacteria in tight spaces.

Don’t forget to use a good mouthwash too, and remember to brush after every meal. Yes, we know! It’s a lot of effort but trust us, it’ll be worth it in the long run!

Psssst, don’t forget to see your dentist twice a year for a regular check-up and hygienist for a clean.
Embrace your braces, they’re a part of how you look so why not take care of them and your teeth, and enjoy the dazzle and extra dimension they add to your look? After all, they’ll only be there for a few years and hopefully, before you know it, they’ll be off and your smile can really shine!

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!