Former models take up other jobs

By Asniar Sahab

JAKARTA (JP): Modeling is glamourous, fast-paced and viewed as prestigious. Unfortunately, modeling is not a lifelong vocation. Models can survive for a maximum of five to 10 years only. Then a new generation of models will come on the stage.

Some models have left their careers to be full-time housewives while others give up modeling to take up new professions. This latter category includes Ratih Sanggarwati, Elmo, Citra Triadi, Andre Rais, Ita Adnan, Eka, Debby Sahertian, Okky Asokawati and Dhanny Dahlan.

Take Okky Asokawati. She started out as a model in l978 at age 17. Between 1980 and 1990, she was dubbed the catwalk prima dona.

As she grew older, she realized that some designers no longer wanted her to conclude their fashion shows. It was quite a blow to her. She thought that some designers were tired of her appearance at the end of the show.

Later she decided to quit the catwalk. She thanked God senior designer Iwan Tirta still wanted her to walk the catwalk to close his show, held in Yogya in late 2000.

"I was so happy, when mas Iwan (designer Iwan Tirta) asked me to model during his most recent show in Yogyakarta," she said.

Okky feels she has benefited a lot from her 17 years in modeling. In 1989, while still at the peak of her popularity, she, together with Rudy Hadisuwarno, opened OQ Modeling, which still exists today. Though busy with modeling, Okky completed her psychology studies at university. She still shares her knowledge of psychology with her students at OQ.

Sharing Okky's fate is Dhanny Dahlan, a full-time model in the l980s. She was still at the height of her fame when she went into business. Abdul Latif, the owner of Pasar Raya, offered her the opportunity to sell dresses under the label Dhanny Dahlan Collections. Self-taught, she began this business in 1982.

The garment business is quite different from the modeling world, she said. "As a model, I was only concerned with myself, but now I have to think about human resources, clients, services and so forth," she said. She said that her discipline and dedication were both derived from modeling. Dhanny now also teaches at Pelita Harapan University and enjoys her present profession.

Like the others, Elmo S. Hillyawan, one of rare male models, realized modeling was not a permanent job.

Getting acquainted with modeling when he was still a child, Elmo used to worry about his lot after quitting the runway.

Teen Idol

Between 1980 and 1989, Elmo was Jakarta's teen heartthrob. His face appeared on magazine covers and local catwalks.

His deep concern for his future spurred him to finish his architecture studies at the University of Indonesia. After graduating, he got in touch with a former fellow model, Donny Dhamara, who introduced him to Hilman & Mitra Architectural Firm. He stayed there three years and was happy to find that his first clients were models or former models. "I have my own firm now. It is in my mom's house," he said.

"As an architect, you get paid after eight months of hard work. As a model you get the money after each show and photo session," he added.

Elmo said nobody should worry about the end of their career as long as they have another profession to take up.

Ratih Sanggarwati, popularly known as Ratih Sanggar, was a top model in the l990s. From a small town of Ngawi, East Java, her modeling career brought her to fashion centers like Paris, Milan, London and New York.

She left the catwalk in 1997 when she was pregnant with her first child. It was eleven years after she first became a model.

Garbed in Muslim dress, her head covered with a head-scarf, Ratik looked calm and wiser.

"I want to work in a field that is blessed by God," said Ratih explaining the reason why she decided to wear Muslim dress, a far cry from the glamorous fashion world.

She said she did not leave the fashion world. "Thank God, I am now promoting cosmetic products from Muslim women. I know He has shown me the right way," she said.

Debby Sahertian's career flourished after she quit modeling.

"Modeling was fun, I could travel to so many places. Besides, by becoming a model, one develops a strong personality because everybody sees us walking on the runway," said Debby who is now a TV actress, movie director, a public relation figure, and an antique dealer.

With her mother's encouragement, she began modeling at age 16.

Debby gave up modeling in 1989 and joined the Lenong Rumpi Group. Since then she has earned fame as a comedy star.

Negative image

Former model Citra Triadi, wife of famous photographer Darwis Triadi, feels that she and her colleagues could manage their lives well after the catwalk era.

"We have the 'brains and skill' to work in other fields," Citra maintained.

Citra admitted that many people viewed modeling as an entertainment not a profession. "We held shows in classy places like star-rated hotels and other glamorous venues. People might have a negative impression about persons involved in modeling. But, it all depends on the individual model," Citra said.

Citra became acquainted with the modeling world when she met famous designer Poppy Dharsono before a dance group performance in Jakarta. Poppy offered her the opportunity to join a show at Hilton Hotel. Later she joined Studio One.

Citra spent 15 years on the catwalk. She said that a fashion show was still considered entertainment so it was all glamor.

She quit modeling in 1992 at age 32. She is now in the graphics business together with her husband and two other partners. She has been in this business for 12 years and happily acts as its marketing manager.

All these former models have left their fame on the catwalk and now busy themselves with their own professions, of which some are still related to the fashion world. They no longer rely on their beauty, posture and persona. They have to think smart and work hard.