by Executive Fashion Director Reah Norman
(originally published January 2010)
In order to be successful in reaching all of your modeling goals, you must have the correct tools. I am always surprised at how under prepared models, no matter how seasoned, are when they arrive at a photo shoot. As a stylist, I have a
“kit” full of tools that I use to do my job efficiently. I bring my kit to every shoot that I am on, so that no matter what is thrown at me, I am prepared.
As a model, you should approach your jobs with the same attitude and have some of the same items that a stylists, make-up artists, and hair stylists would have. There is not always going to be a team on set with you, so you should be as prepared as you can. From personal experience, photo shoots always run much smoother if the model is equipped when she arrives on set. A great option for a model bag is a small suitcase that rolls. Most models tell me that they simply leave their model bag in the trunk of their car, so that don’t have to worry about forgetting something or scrambling at the last minute.
To be a successful model, it is essential to have a complete model bag. Models often ask me for my suggestions about which items they should have included in their bags, and what investments they should be making in creating the best collection of “tools”, so the following are some of my favorite basic items that I recommend.
Undergarments:
There should be a variety of undergarments in your model bag, considering you will not always know ahead of time what type of clothing you will be wearing. Undergarments are essential to create the correct “canvas” for a garment, so make sure the items you choose fit you properly. You should always choose a nude/skin color as well as black. The Cacique collection from Lane Bryant has perfect options, as well as most department stores.
Strapless/Convertible nude bra:
(Try the BRA 6 Convertible Plunge Bra from Cacique. It is a great all-in-one that includes a strapless option, as well as 5 other configurations.
www.lanebryant.com)
Full-Coverage nude bra:
(Try the “Figure Perfect” Smooth Full-Coverage Convertible Bra from Cacique. This bra is smooth and provides full coverage, but it also has the added bonus of convertible straps so you get more for your money.
www.lanebryant.com)
Plunge nude bra:
(Try the Smooth Plunge Bra from Cacique. This has a low, cleavage-enhancing frame and offers thin, convertible straps,
www.lanebryant.com)
Basic seamless panties: nude, black
(
Old Navy’s Ribbon Trim Hipster underwear [pictured] and Cacique’s Seamless Hipster are both my top picks. Both options are great basics that will offer smooth support and sit just below the waist.
www.oldnavy.com,
www.lanebryant.com)
Thong Panties: nude, black
(Hanky Panky Lace Thong [pictured] is a perfect basic when less back coverage is required, as well as the Cotton Thong Cacique. Grab one in nude, black, and white for all situations.
www.nordstrom.com,
www.lanebryant.com)
Waist Shaper: nude, black
When it comes to selecting the correct shaper, it sometimes requires a bit of trial and error. You should be prepared to try several brands and styles to determine which shaper works best for you. I often hear mixed reviews on shapers, so what works for someone else, may not work for you. Selecting a high-waisted brief shaper is a great way to start your collection. (Try the Spanx “Hide & Sleek High Rise Panty” [pictured]. This shaper is a brief that offers coverage throughout the torso to underneath the breasts and is available at
www.spanx.com. The Floral Jacquard Waist Nipper from
Hips and Curves is also a great option,
www.hipsandcurves.com).
Waist and Thigh Shaper: nude, black
It is a great idea to have a shaper that offers coverage to the tummy, thighs and behind. This shaper can come in handy to prevent chaffing when wearing dresses, as well as assist in smoothing out pants, jeans, capris and skirts. (Try the Spanx “High Power Panties” [pictured] from
www.spanx.com or the Tummy & Thigh Control Shapewear from Hips & Curves,
www.hipsandcurves.com).
Thigh and Leg Shaper: nude, black
Thigh and Leg Shapers are perfect for situations when you need smoothing in the area, such as with pants, jeans or capris. This shaper is specifically helpful when the fabric of the garment you are modeling is thinner and less forgiving. (Try the Spanx “Hide & Sleek Capri Smoother”,
www.spanx.com, or the Hips and Curves “Shaping & Smoothing Leggings”,
www.hipsandcurves.com.)
Sheer-to-Waist Pantyhose: nude, black
Sheer-to-Waist pantyhose are essential for your model bag, and are specifically important for runway, lingerie and swimsuit modeling. They can be helpful to ensure that nothing “jiggles” when walking down the catwalk and when shooting lingerie they keep the imperfections and skin tones in the legs and thighs smooth. Sheer-to-waist hose can be difficult to find in plus sizes, so stock up on them and keep a few pair on hand in case you need them. (Try the No Nonsense “Sheer-to-Waist” pantyhose [pictured],
www.nononsense.com or the “Opaque Sheer Tights” from Leg
Avenue,
www.yandy.com)
