Barbizon Blog

Today’s professional model must have a larger variety of technical skills than ever before. That’s because today’s model has an array of opportunities facing her. Here’s a brief look at what modeling was like in the past several decades.

The 60s: The sixties ushered in the end of the hat & glove era. Models wore go-go boots, micro-minis and long fake eyelashes. Twiggy was the supermodel of the day.

The 70s: The seventies was a time when women explored new freedoms. Charlie’s Angels rule prime time and the models of the day were athletic looking natural beauties with long flowing hair.

The 80s: The eighties was the “ME” decade and Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren wanted to dress us. Amazon-like models such as Paulina and, near the end of the decade, Linda Evangelista wore big shoulder pads as the country watched “Dynasty” on Wednesday nights.

The 90s: The nineties roared in to the tune of the waif, and real women everywhere showed they prefer real-looking models by boycotting the fashions. As the decade matured, styles continued to churn and re-invent themselves.

Today, models don’t need to fit into a particular look or type. Along with the structure of modeling, the models themselves have taken on many looks. Remember, if you like what you see here, you’ll love it in our world.

The term “The Model Look” can actually have two meanings. In the overall meaning, a female model can be a high-fashion look type, a junior look type, and commercial look type, even a tween-ingenue look type or character look type. Makeup, hairstyle, wardrobe, etc. are all chosen in accordance with what is considered appropriate for each look type. It is possible for a model’s look to change. Whether you want to be a model or just look like one, you will be able to develop your own unique style by understanding these different look types and by practicing them.

We also use the term “Model Look” to describe the total look of perfection. Barbizon can teach you how to achieve that look. The end result? Total confidence in yourself.

Pageants are in the business of making dreams come true…even if it’s for a short period of time. Some girls enter for the scholarship money or other prizes. Some enter with the hopes of launching a career in modeling or entertainment. Others do it for the title alone, to advance their platform, or simply for the opportunity to grow. Whatever your reasons, remember that you don’t have to actually win to achieve your goal. So, don’t just enter to win. Do it for the learning experience and the chance to meet new people. Life in general is filled with “wins’ and “losses.” Take each one in stride.

Pageants can typically have 5 elements of competitions:

1. Interview
2. Swimsuit
3. Talent
4. Evening Gown
5. Final Question

Many Barbizon grads have achieved their dreams in the pageant world. You can see more on our Success Stories page.

The modeling and acting industry is known to hire the best of the best. 100s of people try out for the one role available. But in the end, those that make it say it’s all worth the effort!

At Barbizon, we want to know what you believe will help set you apart from others and how you have or will plan to try to get your name out there?

There is always a debate about child models/actors and the problems they face as they grow up in the business and working at a young age. At Barbizon, we start girls and boys as young as six as we believe they are at an age where it is more about learning and not so stressful.

Barbizon wants to know what you think! What is a good age for someone to start learning the ropes about modeling and acting? Do you think that getting into the business too young tends to create more issues for those later in life?

It has always been an issue of concern that women who are in the public eye are excessively thin. Barbizon realizes that it’s just not a concern for those who are aspiring to be a model or actress, but the message it sends to everyone.

Some measures have even been put in place. Last season (2006) fashion officials in Madrid – where excessively skinny models were banned from their catwalk – the Italian Chamber of Fashion has decreed that in order to walk the Milan runways, a model will need a license issued by an impressive tag-team of dignitaries: a committee of city officials, the Chamber of Fashion, the Association of Fashion Services, ASSEM and a scientific committee, the license will vouch for the fact that the model is at least 16 and in good health – defined as a World Health Organization Body Mass Index of 18.5.

Barbizon wants to know what you think! Are models and actresses too thin? Do you think that the industry has a responsibility to monitor the weight of these performers?

Barbizon likes to provide you with daily tips! But we want to know what works for you? Share your beauty secrets with other Barbizon Model Members!

Hi my name is Amanda Dowell I graduated from Barbizon in 2000 and it changed my life. When I started out I was very shy and also very down on myself. Barbizon helped me to straighten out my life and see my potential that I had. Not only did I graduate with the “Most Improved ” award but I graduated with a bunch of people who were not just my classmates but they were like my family. They were friends who believed in me. I got on stage that February and I sang to the audience in front of all those people a song called “Believe.”

This Modeling Organization is like no other my teachers my friends and classmates changed my whole outlook on myself and my life. I sat many days down on myself because I thought I could not do it and even was going to chicken out of sing that song called Believe. There were two students in my class that said do not give up try it and see if they like it. I left the stage with muchapplause and smiles and I had the audience memorized as I left and saw many hands clapping and I felt so victorious after that song.

It was not just the talent but being up there on the runway makes you feel like you have power it makes you feel like you are on top of the world and that you can do anything. The truth is you can all you have to do isbelieve in yourself and strive for he best. Barbizon of Knoxville has touched my life as I hope it touches everyone else lives across the states and in Tennessee.

Thank you Barbizon and thank you my fellow friends for being there.