Model U workshop give tips and skills

Selita Ebanks and Jessica White, two models who
imparted secrets of the model industry at the
Westin Hotel. 

A young model at the Model U workshop gets made
up by supermodel Selita Ebanks 

A Model U student poses while a professional fashion
photographer takes her photo

 
Young models at the Model U workshop.

Thursday,  July 28, 2005

Two internationally recognized fashion models, native Caymanian Selita Ebanks and her friend, Jessica White, imparted modeling secrets and practical tips from inside the modelling industry at the Model U workshop on Saturday 23 July at the Westin Hotel.

Ms Ebanks began by talking about her own life, how she had been scouted for Elite Models when visiting New York.

Later she spoke at length about staying healthy, and gave professional make-up tips, including using a mixture of honey and sugar on your skin, which, Ms Ebanks said, “Was less expensive than many exfoliation creams.”

Nicosia Lawson, a Model U student said, “I like the descriptions they give of life inside the modeling industry, making people aware of the positive aspects, as well as the pitfalls, so that we do not fall into those traps.”

One of the three male models taking the Model U course, Sherrad Parsons said: “I learned how to take care of myself much better. I also understand the different groups in modelling, but I would like to concentrate on becoming a runway model now.

“I am going to the Caribbean Model Search in Jamaica, and hopefully I will be scouted.

“Later this year I plan to go to London and Milan. I am hopeful about working in Europe.”

Addressing the Model U students, Selita Ebanks said, “The industry is not as kind as you hope it would be. You have to be prepared for rejection; many models get eliminated over the years, and you must work hard.”

Ms Ebanks related the story of how she was scouted in New York. “My first photo shoot was when I was 17 – I didn’t know what to do,” she said.

Ms Ebanks spoke about the transformation that she underwent when she became a model, “You become a whole new person. It’s just amazing,” she said.

Ms Ebanks spoke about the need to have a variety of photographs in a portfolio. “Every portfolio has to have at least one photo of a clean, slicked back look,” she said.

Ms Ebanks encouraged the young models not to think they have to fit the standard image of a model to be successful: “I am only 5’8,” she said.

Another tip was finding a responsible agent who you are comfortable with: “It is important to have a good relationship with your agent” she said, and added that she knew very well that the staff at Women Management were looking out for her best interests, and that she wasn’t ‘just another model’ to them.

One of Model U’s highlights was teaching the aspiring models to strut like a supermodel. Many of the models took it in turns to walk alongside Ms Ebanks and Ms White, as they showed the different walking styles, and encouraged the young models to find one that suited them.

The Model U students had the chance to be made up by Ms Ebanks herself, before having their photo taken by a professional fashion photographer.

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