Get Mentored as a Fashion Model

This book is the result of my detailed interaction with models and model mentors who strongly feel that there is no literature existing in an organised format to work as a guide; or to introduce to the nuisances and challenges of the fashion model Industry. The book is an attempt to address the aspirations of thousands of young men and women who need answers to some of the very basic questions about their chosen career. They at times, end up in scams and are exploited financially. In worst cases they get physically/sexually abused or are blackmailed/ duped. Further, there is a need to build confidence in young minds by making them prepared for the industry which is fast paced, young, skill based and unorganised sector in India and abroad. The aim is not just to prepare a fit or good looking model but an informed person. This will enable him or her to grow as an Intelligent Fashion model (and not just a hanger for clothes), thus contributing substantially to the fashion industry.

This book is a pioneer work. There is no work to compare or use as a reference. This book is being written to fill the vacuum and set a benchmark for reference. The internet is filled with titbits on the issue but there is no comprehensive material on the subject. It will act as a valuable resource for all the stake holders.

The target audience for this book are the aspiring models or the newcomers and even those models who want mid course corrections. This book will also benefit model groomers who intend to learn while they mentor a model; Further the book will be useful for the agencies/clients which hire or sign a contract with models for a job. The larger aim of this book will be to help the academicians/observers who intend to study this unorganised sector and bring changes in it to provide maximum benefit to the affected and ensure transparency in dealings in the fashion industry.

The main basis for deciding the contents of this book is identification of core areas of concern for a model based on the feedback received through a questionnaire prepared by the author and analysed by experts of the industry to get a 360 degree view of the subject. Further, the author’s own experience as a photographer and elaborate interaction with models, groomers and modelling agencies will add the desired inputs in evolving the book. The author has taken contributions on certain topics from the experts in the field for accurate narrative.

The book consists of a number of chapters elaborating the various issues that the model faces in his career from making a portfolio to networking or applying to agencies and clients; While the main author,Colonel Gaurav Vashishtha (Yours truly, GV the Lensman) has written most of the chapters in the book; certain topics have been covered by the experts from the related Industry. The following have written and contributed towards specific chapters and subjects in the book: