How models are made
If you are gifted with a tall and slender
physique, then couple it with an enthusiasm to learn and a good attitude, you
have a good chance of becoming a model.
Thanks to modeling agencies such as Bijoux
Creatives, young men and women’s dream of becoming models has become a reality.
Founded in November 2011, Bijoux Creatives
is Iloilo City’s first modeling and events agency that provide models for
fashion shows, editorials, commercials and ads. They also provide models for
events such as ad launches and brand promotions, among others.
Bijoux Creatives also manages the biggest
fashion event in Iloilo, the annual Iloilo Designers Week with the support of
its affiliates, the Designers Guild of Iloilo and the Iloilo Young Designers
Guild.
It was founded by Krizia Penalosa, a former
English instructor for Asian students. She has a background in business
management and English education. “I am an educator by heart - that is why one
of the vital characteristics of our agency lies in the training of our models.
I also used to work in marketing for my mom's company until I decided to put up
this agency with my mom's blessing. As a hobby, I also design clothes and make
fabric-based accessories, which I sell in my online store Hello! Miss Portia,”
Penalosa said.
To help budding models reach their highest
potentials, Bijoux Creatives has been holding a Summer Modeling Workshop in
partnership with Robinsons Place Iloilo for two years now.
The second workshop was held last April 21
to May 2, 2014. “The participants and their parents wanted them to overcome
their timidness and lack of confidence. On the first day of classes, most of
the participants were at the corners of the classroom. However, thankfully,
they managed to gain a lot of confidence after the workshop. Some joined to
gain friends outside their schools and to fulfill a dream of gaining skills in
modeling,” said Penalosa.
The class on Ramp Modeling was taught by Bo
Parcon, Jaki Penalosa and Sol Fernandez. The models learned how to walk and
pose on the ramp. The class on Editorial Modeling was taught by photographer
Paul Frederick Chiongson. It involves modeling before the camera. “The classes
were facilitated by no other than our top models from Bijoux Creatives such as
Nneka Berte, Karen Mendoza, Kristylle Batiles and Kelvin Simeros who were
winners and finalists for the Robinsons Campus Fashionista Modeling Search,”
Penalosa said. Meanwhile, the class on Personal Style was taught by stylist Ryan
Hinayhinay and designer Jet Salcedo; and Makeup 101 by makeup artist Ira
Jucaban. A supplementary lesson on personality development and style was also
held. To showcase their learnings, the budding models participated in the
Mother’s Day fashion show at Robinsons Place Iloilo last May.
It was followed by the workshop’s
culmination, “The Graduation”, a show were the participants walked down the
ramp with their streetwear, partywear and their black and white outfits. The
show directors were Sol Fernandez (kids) and Bo Parcon (teens) with the help of
Hinayhinay, sound coordinator Mike Sorilla, and Chiongson.
Iloilo City is filled with talented young
models based on the turnout of the workshop and Bijoux Creatives’s yearly open
castings. “Every year, we hold open castings. But, once a year, we manage to
pull out a couple of potential models from our participants, kids and teens who
have passed the modeling requirements of Bijoux Creatives. The teens, we get
them either for ramp or promotions. For kids, we usually get them for videos
and print ads. Last year, we got two young models for further training. This
year, we got three,” Penalosa said.
ADVICE TO MODELS
Meanwhile, Penalosa never fails to remind
Bijoux Creatives models to “keep themselves grounded and disciplined.”
“Modeling isn't just about having great
genes or possessing that X-factor. It’s all about attitude. If you parade
yourself with your head on the clouds, you will lose the respect of designers,
clients and people you work with. The major part of surviving this industry is
how to keep a professional, respectable, and humble attitude,” she concluded.
For inquiries on services and model
applications, please visit Bijoux Creatives./ Photos by Paul Frederick Chiongson