The importance of a model’s appearance cannot be underestimated because in the industry of glamorous fashion events, every detail counts. The reason why models look flawless and confident on the runway is because behind the scenes, there is a team of the best grooming specialists working carefully to achieve the designer’s desired look. Although most of the credit goes to models and designers, it is actually the groomers who play a crucial role in creating this polished, perfected image that pulls together the entire look for these prestigious fashion shows and events. Whether it’s skincare or hair styling, grooming specialists work extra hard to make sure the model’s skin and hair are in perfect harmony with each other.
Understanding just how important their role is gives you a deeper insight into the intriguing industry that is fashion. But what really is a grooming specialist? Is it simply just a hair and makeup stylist or is it so much further than that? A grooming specialist is a professional who focuses on everything from personal appearance to the hygiene of individuals, particularly in industries where image and presentation are essential, such as fashion, entertainment, and media. They help you project confidence, competence, and attention to detail at high profile events.
Their obligations often include tasks like hair styling, makeup application, skincare, nail care, and overall personal grooming. Grooming specialists work to enhance and maintain a polished, professional look, ensuring that clients are camera-ready or appropriately prepared for public appearances, photo shoots, runway shows, or other high-profile events. Their expertise helps individuals present their best selves in any setting where their appearance is key. In this article, we will be expanding on the importance and impact of grooming specialists in the fashion industry.
Representing the Brand
Being well groomed isn’t about looking trendy or conforming to a stereotypical look, it’s more about looking appropriate for the event and representing the designer. The way that the model is presented plays a pivotal role in building the designer’s brand. Paying careful attention to detail to the model’s appearance can convey a sense of professionalism for the model but most importantly the designer. This can help the designer’s brand stand out in comparison to other high fashion brands. High fashion brands have a certain standard that they must adhere to, putting an ungroomed model on the runway can reflect poorly on the designer and their brand. Which will lead to lower expectations and less anticipation for their future events.
An experienced grooming specialist will do research on the designer and their brand. Doing thorough research on the brand’s aesthetic and what their past shows/campaigns looked like, will give the grooming specialist a deeper insight on the brand’s image. They should understand their target audience, aesthetics and signature styles, so that they are able to create looks that are still true to the brand. The hair and makeup should be consistent with the narrative the designer is trying to tell. The specialist can incorporate colours, textures or styles that align with the mood and designer’s message.
An experienced grooming specialist will also be able to easily adapt to the designer’s feedback. During the preparation stages, the designer will usually communicate their thoughts on the work thus far so that the specialist can make any adjustments if necessary. The designer’s vision is always evolving so being able to quickly adjust a hairstyle or makeup look is definitely a valuable skill. While doing so, it’s also important to emphasise the model’s cohesiveness throughout the show. A skilled grooming specialist will be able to create multiple unique looks without losing sight of the designer’s vision while also making sure that the models still look united and avoiding a chaotic final presentation.
First Impression
Grooming specialists in the fashion industry are important because they help you make a good first impression. First impressions are crucial in the fashion world because your appearance is a huge part of your job. You only get a few seconds to make a positive impression so this is where the importance of grooming comes into play. How well groomed you are has a significant impact on how you will be perceived. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so you have to make it count. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about presenting your best self.
The audience makes quick judgments about the model’s appearance on the runway, so it’s important to make sure that the grooming specialist presents the model in the best light. Grooming specialists take time to delicately create a polished appearance, so that the models feel more confident and capable of performing on the runway, which aids in solidifying a great impression. Never underestimate the power of a grooming specialist because they play a part in unlocking the model’s potential and achieving the designer’s goal.
The model’s grooming is not just a reflection of the designer and their brand but it’s also a reflection of how good the grooming specialist is at their job. They are partially making a first impression too, especially if the designer is a new client and they have never worked together prior. Before the runway show begins, the designer will take a look at the final presentation of their vision, and if it was not executed effectively it will reflect poorly on the grooming specialist. It will suggest that the specialist is incompetent and unprofessional. In an industry where good lasting connections are vital, this could potentially result in other designers being reluctant to work with them.
Grooming for the Fashion Industry
Fashion industries usually appreciate a unique look in terms of facial structure and features but your appearance has to be well paired together with everything else in your look, such as hair, makeup and clothing. The way you present yourself can affect your confidence and how others see you, which can impact your success in the fashion industry.
It’s important to recognize that every industry has different standards when it pertains to grooming. For example, in business corporations, you are instructed to dress in a way that reflects the company. Whether that be business casual to communicate friendliness and community, or very formal to communicate the sternness and sophistication of the company. On the other hand, in the hospitality industry, you are mostly required to wear a uniform that communicates the standard of the establishment they work for.
However grooming in the fashion industry can be seen as an expression of the designer’s individuality and creativity. Of course, it’s the specialist that’s executing it but in order to do that, they require clear direction from the designer about their vision. Usually when the runway outfits are more theatrical or editorial, the hair and makeup should possess the same amount of chaos. However, if the runway outfits are more basic and everyday fashion, the hair and makeup tends to also be simple. Pairing dramatic hair and makeup with a more relaxed outfit can draw attention away from the look. Moreover, it is important for the grooming specialist to understand the standard of the industry they are going into.
Intellectual Benefits
The model’s grooming is the foundation for the entirety of the look. Grooming is a crucial aspect that shall not be overlooked. Grooming specialists don’t just have an impact on how good you look externally, but they also contribute to the internal intellectual benefits. When your grooming is well taken care of, you feel more confident and content with yourself, when you exude that confidence it can affect how other people will perceive you. A good presentation of yourself can help the model as well as the designer gain the public’s respect.
Modelling can be stressful at times, so good grooming can help boost your mood and morale, which can lead to a better performance on the runway. Grooming can have an affirming effect on the model’s mental health. Furthermore, grooming specialists can also elevate the model’s self-esteem. When you look good and feel good, being proud of your work is more plausible. Taking care of the model’s grooming can be a simple way to their well-being which can lead to a successful runway or high fashion event.
Grooming Habits
Grooming specialists are not the only ones who play a role in grooming habits, but the models themselves should also participate. Of course, the intricate details and overall look should be handled by the professionals but the model can also make their job easier by also having good grooming habits. Those habits include maintaining good hygiene, keeping your hair and nails well-groomed, and paying attention to small details like your breath and body odour. Neglecting those details can give the specialist the impression that you are unprofessional or simply don’t care for your appearance which could potentially lead to not being hired again in the future.
As a model, having your own personal grooming habits that you do beforehand can make a lasting impression on the specialists and designer. Showing up to a casting with clean hair and clean nails can communicate that you are professional and put together. This can build credibility and result in more opportunities for future high profile-events.
Grooming Tips
Polished grooming is important for both male and female models. Without a doubt, they both have different standards but it’s still valuable to have them presented in the best way possible. As mentioned earlier in the article, grooming specialists require a model’s face to essentially be a blank canvas so naturally for men that means having a nice clean shaven face. Unless having facial hair on the model is part of the designer’s vision, then the model’s facial hair should be neat and well trimmed. A clean face paired with a neat haircut and trimmed nails.
Grooming for women is a lot more complex. Women should avoid showing up to set with makeup on unless it was requested prior. Instead, they should arrive with a clean face with no makeup and a neat hairstyle. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, there are different standards as to how you present yourself. Usually, if the model has curly or coily hair, unfortunately some specialists aren’t well equipped to style hair that isn’t more or less straight. The model has to more or less prepare her hair prior to the event, so that it is easier to manage for the specialist. Clean and trimmed nails are also important, avoid any manicures unless it is a clear polish that is barely noticeable. Additionally both genders can both maintain good hygiene by showering regularly and making sure they have clean teeth.
Whether the event is a show or photoshoot, grooming specialists style a model’s hair and apply makeup that is specifically according to the designer’s or director’s taste. The finishing product should align with the director’s vision, so that the model doesn’t look out of place. They provide skincare treatments such as applying moisturisers, masks, or any other treatment they deem necessary to maintain a healthy complexion and result in a clean base for the makeup application. Grooming specialists also assist with personal grooming such as shaving, waxing, etc. so that the model can appear without imperfections.
Lastly, wardrobe and styling coordination. Grooming specialists may also participate in selecting and fitting the garments, to ensure that they fit perfectly and look impeccable on the model. Knowing the models measurements and proportions is major in this process because it makes the job tens time easier and smoother because you can prepare the garments ahead of time.
Grooming Mistakes
As mentioned before, first impressions are vital in the fashion industry so it is important for us to highlight the mistakes you can avoid. Both the model and grooming specialists can be guilty of these things so it is important for both parties to be aware of the mistakes that can hinder a professional and polished image.
For example, first and foremost, not paying attention to good personal hygiene. Both parties are responsible for this mistake. The model for not taking better care of themselves prior to the event, as well as the grooming specialist for not fixing the issue during the pre production process. Being clean is the first step in achieving the desired style. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial and can be done by taking frequent showers, clean and trimmed nails, clean teeth and fresh breath, and well-groomed hair. This can also include inadequate hygiene practices, such as using expired tools and products which can lead to allergic and potentially life threatening reactions.
Next we have, ignoring the details. This kind of mistake, the blame completely falls onto the grooming specialist. A so-called professional overlooking details such as wrinkly clothing, unpolished shoes, missing buttons, poor tailoring etc. , can be a bad look. These small details can lead to an even bigger failure in the execution of the model’s presentation. Ignoring details like this can unfortunately only reflect poorly on the designer as this prestigious event is tied to their brand. Always pay close attention to the small details.
Not communicating effectively with the designer about their vision is probably the worst mistake you can make. Every step you take in the grooming process is highly dependent on the designer’s instructions. So if there is unclear communication or misunderstanding, this will lead to the style not matching the designer’s desired vision.
Fashion events and shows are highly dependent on a tight schedule. If the grooming specialist is even 5 minutes late, it can set almost everything back. There are many people operating these high profile events so it is highly important that there is a smooth operation. Once one thing or one person is not on time, everything else is affected. Falling behind on schedule will also lead to rushed and unfinished work which will have poor results. Such disorganisation is highly irresponsible and unprofessional in such an industry.
As a grooming specialist, it is of utmost importance to stay up to date with the latest trends and styles. Being able to naturally adapt and evolve your work is vital in an industry that is ever so changing. Not staying up to date, can lead to your work feeling outdated thus resulting in less job opportunities. Designers who like to work with grooming specialists can execute any kind of vision, so the only way to adhere to that is by consistently improving and changing your work and methods as time goes on. Being able to adapt to different styles and visions can make a good impression not only to the designer you’re working with but also with the designers you will be working with in the future.
Overall, grooming specialists are one the vital aspects of perfecting a model’s look, because this result is directly linked to the entire presentation and determines the success of the fashion event. Their proficiency is tied to the model’s confidence and coherent final result of the event. Everyone involved in creating these high profile events play their own intricate role but the grooming specialists are the glue that hold everything together. Models might take the spotlight but sometimes the specialists are the real heroes.
Excellent grooming plays a role in achieving professional success. Grooming is a reflection of your personality, attitude, and professionalism. A model who is well-groomed is perceived as someone who has a great team behind them. Grooming doesn’t always tell you who the designer is, but their style does. The way the models are dressed up, the way they walk and the way they present themselves tells a lot about the designer, their brand and the grooming specialist.
Always remember that grooming is not just about the clothes, it’s about the overall appearance. Becoming consistent and dedicated to this craft is an ongoing process. Investing time and effort in this process goes a long way, because it leads to a great long lasting impression and a fruitful career. If you want to stand out in this tight industry, pay attention and take grooming seriously.
By Shamilla Sesipi
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