With Boston Fashion Week coming up quickly I thought it would be a great time to talk about what every model should be bringing to their jobs and auditions.
What's a Model Bag? It is a bag bought by all professional models to every job that contains the tools of their trade. Usually it is the size of a small carry on suitcase. I also prefer one that can be locked...you will spend a fair amount of time away from it. Anything bigger than this, especially with the limited space of a fashion show will only cause problems. So learning what is essential is important. As you become more experienced you will be able to alter this list.
Must have items:
- Shoes: Men -Black and brown dress shoes. Women- Several pairs of heels nude, black and current season.
- Belts: Men- black and brown leather.
- Band-aids/Mini first aid kit/mini sewing kit – Because accidents can and do happen!
- Clear nail polish – The polish is for the occasional run in your pantyhose and of course to add a shiny new top coat to your manicure if necessary.
- Nail file/Clipper/ Krazy Glue – Because nails break and snag clothing Krazy Glue is good for a temporary patch job and it’s also good for repairing jewelry on the spot.
- Double Sided Tape – For plunging necklines and to make a quick invisible hem if needed.
- False Eyelashes & Glue – Because often times makeup artists don’t carry them or they don’t have enough on hand for everyone. Note: If you’re going to carry the, know how to put them on!
- Concealers/Foundation Makeup/Mascara & Eyeliner/Make-up Brushes – For the times when the makeup artist is late, is a no-show and/or doesn’t have foundation in your color.
- Deodorant/Wash Cloth/Baby Wipes/Soap – For freshening up after long hours on the set.
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash/Floss/Mints or Gum – Because fresh breath counts – Always.
- Lotion/Baby Oil Gel – To combat occasional dry or ashy skin and to keep your feet, hands and legs nice and soft. Note: Use the baby oil gel carefully and sparingly – you don’t want to risk getting oil stains on the clothing.
- Hairpins/Hairbrush/Comb/Scrunchies – For controlling wayward hair and for quick touch ups or quick styling changes.
- Pencil Sharpener – For sharpening your eyeliner and/or eyebrow pencils. Have you ever tried to line your eyes with a pencil that needed sharpening or that you tried to sharpen with a scissor or knife? One word: Painful.
- Visine / Saline Solution – For dry and/or irritated eyes and for when your contact lenses need lubricating.
- Makeup Net/Scarf – For keeping the designer’s garments make up free as you get fitted or change clothes during shows and shoots.
- Makeup Remover, Q-Tips & Cotton balls – For gently removing the makeup from your skin after a show or shoot. Makeup remover is better than soap and water because it has ingredients that help breakdown the makeup quickly for easy removal. Q-tips for cleaning the makeup residue from the corner of your eyes on set. Cotton balls are good for removing mascara and eye shadows from the delicate skin area around the eyes.
- Straws – Use these to drink beverages with on set to keep your lipstick on and to avoid staining your teeth.
- Safety pins – For immediate fixes when a zipper breaks, a garment rips or a clasp breaks on jewelry.
- Airbrush legs/Bronzer - If you are like me and have a few scars leftover from childhood or have varicose veins; leg makeup and or bronzer can help to give you a nice even overall tone.A Small Mirror – So you can apply your makeup and touch up your makeup when necessary.
- Fresh individual mascara brushes and lip brushes – You might need to use or borrow someone else’s mascara, lipstick or gloss in a pinch. To avoid transference of germs use a fresh new applicator every time.
- Accessories/”Bling” Earrings/Sunglasses - Most designers already have a specific “look” in mind when accessorizing their garments, generally when a model does a “mainstream” shows, the designer will bring along the accessories that they wish to accompany their clothing on the runway, so you don’t have to pack your entire jewelry bag. Occasionally on the local level the same thing will occur but when it doesn’t (which is more often the case) it helps to keep a few pieces (a gold or silver bangle, a rhinestone hoop, stud or a “bling” earring) will usually come in handy in a pinch. A standard pair of black or brown tinted sunglasses (I like the Jackie O. look myself) is a good thing to keep on hand too!
- Body Foundation/waist nipper/Spanx/Nude and Black Undergarments & A Strapless or Convertible Bra – A model should never come out of her house without a proper body foundation. Actually a smart model will keep several different ones on hand. A Spanx is a requirement because it keeps the “jiggle factor” down to a minimum. Your foundation(s) should come in both nude and black and a convertible bra in the same colors will drastically lessen the number of bras you need to pack.
- Comfortable Active Wear or Yoga Pants – Good for lounging around in as you sit in hair and makeup and also useful when you have a lot of down time between shots. You will need to either wear of bring something that’s easy to get in and out of when you are on the set of show or spending long hours backstage for a show.
- Curling & Flat Irons and Ponytails & Wigs – It is definitely a good idea to keep one in your bag when doing local fashion show. You might have to pull it out at the last minute and do your own hair if the hair people are running behind or are totally overwhelmed.
- Slippers/flip flops – To protect your feet while you are walking around on set and to give your feet and legs a break before you put on heels.
- Sneakers/Gym Shoes – Keep a simple pair of white Keds in your bag. You’ll probably need them more if you are doing catalog shoots but it’s better to ask beforehand if you need to pack them.
- Pantyhose & Black Tights/Socks – Some designers like them and some don’t; it’s smart to keep a few pairs in the zippered pouch part of your bag just in case. I would suggest you have a few pairs in nude or suntan, black and perhaps a gold or silver shimmer color.
- Snacks & Bottled Water (Fruit & Nuts, Trail Mix, Energy Bars/Drinks) – Not every producer will be thoughtful enough to supply the models with food & beverages on set. More than likely you won’t have a chance to run out and get something to eat (unless you are waiting for hair and makeup and have some down time). It’s good to keep some trail mix bars, some nuts and/or fruit along with a bottle of water in your bag to keep you hydrated and to keep your energy and blood sugar levels up while you wait. Note: Try to pack snacks that are not greasy and/or messy to eat.
- Music (CD or IPod) or a Good Book or Magazine - You will find as you progress in your career that you spend a great deal of the time on set waiting for things to begin. It’s a good idea to pack an iPod or bring a book to read during the down time. You will avoid trouble and on set drama this way.
- Static Guard - Tide To Go - To control annoying static cling on clothing and for quick stain removal.
Zip lock bags will be your best friend (as in any packing) to avoid spilling or pulling. I put everything into a Zip lock bag.
The following should go without saying but I’m going to say it again anyway just in case you don’t know. The veterans and the pros in this game already know that you NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
these six things:
- Your Appointment Book – So you can keep track of how your day is lining up and so that you know where you are headed next.
- Small Notepad for taking notes or a Journal– You will probably learn something or meet someone new on every set or at every show. Remember to write things down.
- Cell Phone/Blackberry – A model is on call at all times. Put your phone or blackberry on the vibrate setting when on set to keep from disrupting things but always keep it on.
- Composite Cards – You can meet a new potential client anytime and anywhere. Your comp card is your business/calling card. If you’re going to call yourself a model you should always have a few on your person.
- Portfolio – And that potential client might want to take a look at your book. It helps to have it handy.
- Vouchers - Proof of work performed – it’s how you get paid, keep a few in your bag at all times.
Remember This: Having a properly stocked model bag will make you much easier to work with and will convey to others that you are professional. So pack it carefully and remember to check it after a few shows/gigs and restock as necessary. Remember, your looks, your attitude and your professionalism will either make or break you in this industry. It’s always better to be well prepared than unprepared. Add or edit things as you feel you need to but always keep your bag packed and ready to go at a moment's notice!
list from http://www.studio95photo.com/modelcontentsbag.html
