How to Become a Supermodel in the UK

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A supermodel is a high-fashion model who has become a household name. They can earn millions of pounds walking on runways around the world, and are often hired by brands purely because of their recognisable face and influential pull.

What is the Difference Between a Model and a Supermodel?

A supermodel is what most models strice to become. A supermodel has name and face recognition and has earned money, fame and power through her work.

Supermodels must also meet far stricter criteria than the average commercial model, but we’ll go into that later.

Top UK Supermodels

– Kate Moss

– Naomi Campbell

– Jourdan Dunn

– Cara Delevingne

– Rosie Huntington-Whitley

– Erin O’Connor

– Karen Elson

– David Gandy

– Lisa Snowdon

Are you interested in being a model? Apply today and find out if you have what it takes!

How Do You Become a Model?

To become a supermodel, you must first get into the business of modelling. However, it’s a very competitive industry; many aspiring models struggle to get past the first hurdle.

There are several ways to get into modelling:

Getting Scouted

Most top models are scouted by modelling agencies. Essentially, this means they were in the right place at the right time. There’s no way to plan being scouted; it’s down to sheer luck. However, if you want to improve your chances of being spotted, hang out in public areas. Top models have been scouted in airports, shops and even McDonald restaurants (usually in top cities like London or Manchester). Always make an effort with your outfits and utilise makeup to make the most of your appearance. Research off-duty models for style inspiration.

Applying to Agencies

If you don’t want to rely on luck to get into the industry of modelling, you’ll need to apply to modelling agencies. Most agencies have applications you can fill out on their websites.

If an agency likes your look, you will be invited to an in-person casting. There, they will judge your overall appearance and personality and decide whether you are a good fit for their agency and the type of brands they regularly work with. You will be told there and then whether you are being signed.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from an agency; they receive thousands of applications each week. Keep trying and try to get lots of experience in front of the camera to improve your posing. Use your very best photos in the application; think about hiring a photographer if you have not yet had any professional photos taken.

Going Freelance

Some models choose to work freelance. That means they aren’t signed by an agency, and it is the model’s responsibility to find their own modelling auditions. This is a lot more work and they don’t get the support or guidance from a top agency. They do, however, get to keep all their commission.

Social Media

Some models use social media, in particular Instagram, to boost their careers and get noticed. Instagram is very competitive and it can be very difficult to grow a page; the algorithm of the site means that unless you post consistently, your images are less likely to be viewed and interacted with. If you’re planning to use social media to boost your modelling career, you will have to really work hard to ensure you post regular high-quality content. Eventually, those who are able to build a decent following will attract the attention of brands and may even make money from collaborations and modelling jobs.

How Do You Become a Supermodel?

To be considered as a supermodel, you have to be recognisable. Supermodels work in the high-fashion industry, so you must firstly meet the strict criteria required of runway models. These include:

– Height. Top models must be between 5’8″ and 5’11” tall. It’s unusual for a supermodel to be shorter, though it has happened. Kate Moss was only 5’7″.

– Dress size. UK models must be a size 6-8.

– Bust-waist-hip measurements. Supermodels have an hourglass shape and must be around 34″-24″-34″ bust, waist and hips measurement. Anything above this is classed as plus-size in the high fashion world. (In commercial modelling, a size 14+ is considered plus-size).

If you meet all these criteria, you must also then have an attractive face, a good smile, great bone structure, and that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes you stand out from a crowd.

How to Improve Your Chances of Success

It might be difficult becoming a top model, but it isn’t impossible. There are some things you can do to increase your chances of being noticed.

– Be reliable. It’s important you show up for auditions and casting calls, particularly when you are a beginner. A model who constantly skips or misses appointments will be quickly overlooked for models who are more professional and who are able and willing to prioritise their modelling career.

– Make an effort with your appearance. All models need to eat well and workout regularly to maintain their physiques year-round. Most top models have nutritionists and personal trainers. You should also learn how to style your hair and wear makeup to suit your appearance. Dress for the job you want; choose clothing that flatters and compliments your appearance.

– Practice. You need to be ready for when the opportunity presents itself. That means being great at walking in heels, and being able to pose naturally and confidently in front of the camera.

– Work on your portfolio. As your most vital tool, your portfolio is what could make or break your career. Each photo in your portfolio needs to show your experience and skill as a model. If you do not yet have any professional photographs, hire a photo studio to take some for you. It will give you great photo shoot experience and allow you to walk away with some great shots for your portfolio.

– Research the people you work with. Learn about the casting directors and photographers you are working with. Learn what they like and dislike. Always show the people you work with respect.

– Don’t be afraid of rejection. All top models will have faced rejection at some point during their careers. A Victoria’s Secret model once said it took most of them 10 to 15 years to land the coveted role as angels, and many were turned away during the journey. It’s vital you don’t give up – your break may be just around the corner.

– Build your portfolio of experience. Top models will work for some of the most popular publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. While your goal will be to appear on the cover, don’t turn away other opportunities to build relationships with these people.

– Learn to be comfortable with yourself. You need to be confident, or at least appear it.

– Be realistic. Many models are unable to reach the dizzying heights of supermodels; only a fraction of the world’s population have the requirements to work in high-fashion, let alone be the top of the pile. Enjoy the journey of modelling and don’t forget that there are plenty of other options in the modelling industry. If you don’t meet the requirements, you could be a fitness model, lingerie model, petite model, alternative model… there are plenty of other opportunities.