What do talent scouts look for in a potential underwear model? How can those stunning and shapely models walk the ramp so nonchalantly when they?re half naked? Is it just genes, or guts?
BOXERS or briefs? Cotton and lycra or satin and lace? What are they wearing next to their skin?
There was a time when undergarments were actually referred to as ?unmentionables.? You weren?t supposed to know, and you weren?t supposed to ask ? and you were absolutely never supposed to see. And, of course, on the other side of the coin ? you didn?t say and you didn?t show what you had on inside.
These days, Edsa can often seem like a thoroughfare down the lingerie section of a department store, with an array of underwear of all kinds, colors, styles and kinks displayed for a stunning effect on gorgeous bodies in their full tarpaulin glory.
I remember years ago, driving on the Skyway one day, and like the sudden shock from a Brazilian wax, there he was: Jon Hall ? jocks, tattoos and all on the latest Bench billboard. Absolutely striking and alluring.
The billboard had such a strong recall that it surely caused not only a swarm of bedroom fantasies for many, but possibly a few car accidents as well. And, as fate would have it for the infamous red T-back, men?s underwear would never be the same again.
And then there was elite social stud, Borgy Manotoc, sporting his own pair of local Bench undies on billboards, and Bench image model since 1987, local showbiz heartthrob Richard Gomez, with the top of his briefs peeking above his pants below his long bronze torso.
The ladies, of course, were there first ? on the billboards and glossy magazine pages that is ? modeling undergarments in poses meant to display more than just the style, design and fabric of the products.
The idea being ? wear these and look as great.
Well, we?ve all looked, and no doubt wondered ? come now, admit it, you have, too ? would I also look that good? Could I be that bare ? and would I even dare?
So what does it take to be an underwear model that can cultivate such fantasies and provoke such soul-searching? Is it just a beautiful body and a daring spirit, or a combination of genes and guts?
We asked some of the top underwear manufacturers and talent scouts to try to discover how models are chosen, how they know just what the viewers want to see, and how they can imagine exactly how models look dressed (rather, undressed) in these filmy, clingy intimate wear.
Bench (Suyen Corporation) trailblazed the path for underwear modeling through its Brief Encounters Underwear Show. This annual event is one of the most highly anticipated fashion events in the country.
Getting bigger and grander every year, with a cast of over 100, the underwear show brings together all the Bench endorsers and top runway models to bravely strut on the catwalk, half naked except for these tiny signature Bench ensembles.
The company considers 10 basic norms for new models and endorsers:
1. Face
2. Body/build/proportion
3. Height
4. Appeal
5. Stance/posture
6. Registration
7. Walk
8. Personality/values
9. Experience
10. Fame/talent
Bench founder and CEO Ben Chan explains how these qualities must add up: ?Each Bench Body endorser must possess the right persona for the brand. Sometimes good looks aren?t enough if they do not possess the confidence and attitude to bring all their positive qualities forward. They must be able to give the right image for the brand. An effective model or endorser is someone who gives life to the brand by being able to reach out to the consumers and appeal to them. If they do not fit the mold, we find someone else who does.?
On the other side of the spectrum is another global brand that has successfully empowered women since 1886 ? The Company of Women: Avon. Like the Victoria?s Secret catalog, the Avon catalog, seen all over the world, is a highly prestigious endorsement deal for any model.
Associate Category Manager-Intimate Apparel for South East Asia Cluster Anna Llamas says: ?You don?t need to be a celebrity to qualify to be an Avon Intimate Apparel model but here?s what we look for in potential endorsers:
? General traits: smooth skin, symmetrical face, a proportioned body, no tattoos and over-all good physique.
? Brand representation: The total package, a mix of genetics and personality.
? Ability to communicate and carry the brand?s personality.
? The products have to look good on the models. This means the models must have
(a) Good angles and know their best angles. Models must be photogenic. Knowing how to pose and how to hold a pose convincingly without looking strained are important.
(b) Confidence. As the ambassadors of the brand, the model must be able to project himself/herself during photo shoots and fashion shows.
(c) Personality. A strong sense of self, good self-esteem and a resilient psychological make up. He/she must have a good sense of character and is not associated with any appalling issues (i.e. drinking, drugs, etc.), which can be damaging to the brand and company.
For fashion show models, Avon goes for:
1. Professionalism. Models that have high standards of professionalism are frequently perceived as being more credible and reliable than those who are not. Professionalism encourages excellence and inspiration for the organization.
2. Good posture and walk. Other than being comfortable while walking in underwear, good posture is important although the agent might sign up a sloucher with the hope that he/she can learn.
Aside from fashion shows, underwear models can appear on print ads or the coveted covers of such magazines as the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Men?s Health. Says Men?s Health editor in chief Agu Paiso: ?Men?s Health Philippines is in a unique position ? we are part of a global network of magazines and we do have standards to uphold. We are answerable not just to our principals in the US, but also to Rodale International, our fellow members of the MH global network, and of course, our readers. We evaluate other MH international editions and put our own localized twist to it, especially with fashion.?
Here?s a rundown of what they look for in a male model go-see or casting:
? Good-sized frame: Not necessarily buff, but broad-shouldered so that the clothes would look good on them.
? Proportional body: Not top-heavy (big chest, shoulders, arms). It?s all about proportion! For jeans, trousers (and underwear), a model must fit the items nicely (meaning a nice back, legs, behind).
? Sharp features: Models with sharp features tend to register better, especially with the type and style of lighting we use. Prominent cheekbones, jawline.
? Experience: A model who knows his best angles, needs little or no coaching from either editorial staff or the photographer.
? Sporty background, particularly if it?s a shoot that involves some athleticism or workout moves.
? Personality: They don?t rely solely on their setcards. They hold go-sees to get to know more about other potential models beyond the physical qualifications.
When casting for female models, usually for fashion editorials, they look for:
? Expressive face: She has to know how to project a range of emotions.
? Classic beauty: Just like with male models, the magazine tends to use minimal make up even for female models.
? A nice body: Oddly enough, Men?s Health covers in the past were always known to have astonishingly chiseled men going topless, but Agu clarifies: ?For cover guys, it really doesn?t matter as much as we?ve stepped away from shirtless covers. But if you ask me, there are more fit models and celebrities now than say, three years ago!? (Well, at least that takes a load off the pressure of being Adonis-like, should you make the cover!)
Though print and TV media may be more forgiving, runway shows aren?t. Top event and fashion director, Jackie Aquino explains, ?Casting is really important to determine if the model will look good in undergarments. A photogenic person is not necessarily someone who will look great in person.? He adds, ?A big deterrent would be models with bad skin tone or major tattoos which are considered distracting, and models with major attitude problems. Like any other modeling job, models are chosen primarily because they look good in underwear:
This means:
? A really well-proportioned and full body
? Female models ideally should have a bust line of 34 cup B.
? Good skin tone
? No major scars or blemishes.
? An hourglass figure is a plus.
Evidently, there?s a template every brand goes by to help determine its next bright star. Needless to say, intuition also plays a big part in calling the shots.
Take it from ABS-CBN Senior Vice President and Manager of Star Magic, Johnny Manahan, who?s known to have the Midas Touch when it comes to spotting new talent. More than 30 years in the business, Mr. M has successfully discovered and built the biggest stars we?ve all come to know and love. Major brands have come to rely on his recommendations especially for endorsement deals that will definitely fatten up the bank accounts of chosen celebrities and firm up their star status.
Asked his secret when scouting for the next big endorser, Mr. M demurs: ?I honestly don?t have one. I am guided mainly by gut feel or intuition. Although it?s not a science, it has taken me years to develop my ability to see that It or X Factor without even speaking to the person. It?s a connection I feel. It really is magical.?
Lastly, you?ll find that personality is the one staple criterion needed to cast the ideal model/endorser. I can certainly attest to that. As a 32B cup model with an unflattering keloid scar from a ruptured appendix, which I cleverly conceal before every show, I?ve been blessed with many, many jobs in this so-called world of beauty and fashion. Aware of my shortcomings, I?ve always brought along some artful gab and warmth to castings. They?ve certainly never hurt anyone.
Indeed, I believe personality has helped me get my foot ? or shall I say, my flat chest ? in the door.
Oh, in case you haven?t heard, my scar is now called my beauty mark. Supermodel Cindy Crawford has her trademark mole. I have my own version. ?
