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)