What people think and say about models
What people think and say about models
JAKARTA (JP): Public perceptions of models and their world
abound, from the almost slavish regard for the daily goings-on of
Claudia, Naomi, and Christy, to a dismissive view of them as
vapid clothes horses.
The Jakarta Post talked to a designer, an advertising
executive, a model and parents to find out their views of the
profession in Indonesia.
Designer Peter Sie believes the role of a model is very
important for fashion designers in promoting their products.
Peter says it should never be forgotten that the clothes are
ultimately the most important component, but adds "the model is
someone the designer cannot do without."
Radityo Djadjoeri, an executive at Times Communications, said
local models should work to be more professional. "We are happy
to work with models who are hard workers, punctual and talented,"
said Radityo. He said his company prefers to hire models from
agencies to ensure their professional standards.
Radityo said it was tiresome to wait for models late for photo
sessions. "They ruin their own reputation by doing such things."
He added that models for commercials do not have to conform to
accepted standards of beauty. "What is most important is their
capability in advertising one product and in effectively creating
a positive image of the products."
Model Kintan Umari said her highly successful career came
about by accident.
She enrolled at the age of 12 in a dancing class at TQ, a
studio owned by former model Titi Qadarsih, in early 1980.
Titi suggested that Kintan should try modeling, but the young
model faced family opposition. "My father was very angry when I
performed at discos," she recalled.
In 1984, Kintan's mother encouraged her to participate in a
top modeling contest, the Rahadian Yamin event.
She took first place and the title led to modeling assignments
in fashion shows.
The modeling world has changed since those days, Kintan says,
as models as short as 1.65 meters would perform in the shows.
Kintan, who stands 1.74 meters, initially felt uncomfortable
sharing the catwalk with seasoned models. "It was very hard for
me to match their performance. I used to underestimate myself for
being a junior model and considered myself less attractive
because my skin was darker than the other models."
Kintan, who studied Russian literature at the University of
Indonesia, said she learned to overcome her feelings of
inadequacy.
"One of my valuable experiences included a fashion session for
Emmanuel Ungaro's show in Paris. Ungaro selected me as the only
model from Indonesia to take part in his show."
Wita, mother of a modeling school student, said
that she allowed her daughter to become a model but continued to
emphasize the importance of education.
"I will support her modeling career if she can become one of
the supermodels on the local or international fashion scene,"
Wita said.
Fifteen-year old Citra is now taking a modeling class at
Expose. She is in the third grade of a junior high school in
Jakarta.
Melly, a former model and mother of a modeling school student,
confessed she had steered her daughter toward careers as a model,
public relations executive or flight attendant.
"I fully understand the world of modeling as I was a model in
the 1980s," she said. She admitted that the fast-paced life of
models does cause her concern as her daughter Dita is only 15
years old.
"You know, models usually wear a minimum of clothing in the
changing rooms," she said. (team)