Modeling Beauty Secrets

Everyone knows about the wonders of airbrushing. That little technological magic wand whisks over the features of some of the most celebrated faces and physiques of the world, making magazine pages pop with "perfection." But what about the rest of us? How are we as a society supposed to live up to the unattainable goal of looking positively perfect on every occasion? The answer is that we're not. Models and designers must work together so that photographers capture the most stunning photos ever. There is an abundance of secrets that the fashion industry has for making the beautiful even more fabulous than we could ever imagine.

THE CLOTHES DON'T FIT THAT PERFECTLY

If you've ever wondered about how fashion designers' masterpieces fit print models so completely, wonder no more. Many photo editors rely on airbrushing and other technological aids to make their spreads look complete. However, some frown upon using computer technology too much, as it detracts from the authentic quality of the photo. Furthermore, there are simply some things that airbrushing should not be used to correct. Put frankly, some models simply do not fit the garments selected for photo shoots, despite the models' diminutive size. Some clothing is too large, or the cut may look awkward when photographed.

Check out the film "Lost in Translation", starring Bill Murray; look a bit closer at the scenes where he shoots the cocktail commercial and you'll notice a line of metal clips along his back. These are placed in such a way so that the material of his suit jacket fits snug against his frame. This is done so that the actual garment doesn't have to be taken in. This is a common practice in fashion print modeling. The models are simply posed in positions so as not to reveal the clips attached to their clothing.

THEY'RE NOT THAT BUXOM

In my earlier modeling days I was not as curvy as I have become a bit later in life. While the popularity of cosmetic surgical procedures these days is at an all-time high, this was not the case when I dipped my toes in the modeling industry. Breast implant surgery has become so routine that many models consider it their own "rite of passage" so to speak. But not all models feel this way. Designers who choose smaller-cupped models for their pieces sometimes run into problems when plunging neck lines cause for a more ample bosom.

During a show in which I modeled gowns, I was instructed to tape my bosom underneath in such a way that more cleavage was created in the gowns. The tape was to be placed underneath the bust line so that the breast appeared more "prominent." Tape, as opposed to a push-up bra was preferred so as to avoid lines and ripples underneath the supple material. These days there are other devices like silicone bra inserts and attachments which will do the trick much better.

THEIR LEGS ARE NOT THAT LONG

More along the lines of an "industry" secret rather than a modeling secret, is the key to making the legs look longer than they really are. Take a closer look at the lovely celebrity being interviewed on television. More than likely her legs are crossed. But you may notice something strange: the legs are crossed yet turned awkwardly to the side. This particular position feels strange. It sometimes feels as weird as it looks . But this is a little trick that aspiring models learn to make their legs appear longer and lither while seated. To achieve the look:

o Sit up straight and cross your right leg over your left as you would normally do while seated.

o Now take the bottom leg (your left leg) and slant at an angle. Your crossed leg (right) should be resting along the length of your supporting leg.

Having the crossed leg rest along the supporting leg at an angle gives the illusion of length. It feels graceless. But anyone will tell you that with continued practice, this manner of sitting will become second nature.

MAKING MEN LOOK FABULOUS...

o THOSE MUSCLES - Men also, must undergo a few changes to make themselves appear particularly scrumptious in photographs. Those Calvin Klein models seem to be so buff all the time. Sure they spend hours with personal trainers. But on occasion the camera just doesn't convey all that hard work. In these instances, make-up artists simply enhance the physique by shading in the natural crevices of the muscles on the body, to make them appear more defined. Other tricks include rubbing down the physique with baby oil and then dousing or spraying it with water to accentuate those lovely ripples.

o THOSE "OTHER" PARTS - Unfortunately, some male models may not be blessed with the ability to get their "other" manly parts to comply with the day's photo shoot. Male swimsuit models are expected to look virile and sexy in ads. Therefore, certain ---ahem---things, must be in place. To make the crotch area look appealing in ads, the testicles and penis are wrapped with a one-inch strip of Velcro, in order to make them look more pronounced in clothing. This may sound X-rated. But it is not. Much like the practice of stuffing purses and tote bags with paper prior to selling them (to make them feel/look fuller), this is a standard practice in the modeling industry.

o TAN LINES- Yes, men get tan lines too. However, their tan lines are usually more pronounced because of the kind of attire that men typically wear in the sun. Unlike women, many men do not wear "bikini" briefs during their jaunts at the beach. Longer swimming trunks can wreak havoc on the complexion of a man who must model in the nude, or in very revealing attire. So, to get rid of these tan lines some male models resort to tanning beds, browning only the sections which need more color. Most of the time however, make-up artists can perform body painting to alleviate any tan lines or other blemishes. This process though, is fairly time consuming for both the model and make-up artist.

The next time you're skimming through the latest issue of Cosmo, or some other high-fashion rag, know that the models between the pages more than likely look like the rest of the world under ordinary circumstances. These tricks are used to present the most glamorous version of themselves to the public. But these secrets simply aid in creating the illusion of perfect beauty.