Quite interestingly, the students of the University of Ibadan are really industrious. There is perhaps no aspect within the realm of the entertainment sector that has eluded active involvement of students of the school. From songwriting, to singing to painting, dancing, handcrafts, fashion and modelling. The list is endless, but let’s talk about modelling.
Modelling refers to the work of fashion models whose job it is to wear new clothes or new styles of clothing and dressing in order to exhibit them to viewers or the public. To take a more subjective position, modelling appeals differently to different individuals. Oftentimes some are models because it is a hand-me-down trait they gleaned off a close relation, or picked up while watching the TV, at other times, you find those who attribute their involvement in modelling to the fact that it provides a channel of expression, an art in itself. In an article by Fibre2Fashion, it was stated that “fashion modelling is a form of performance art that involves showcasing clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
Speaking on her own motivation, Semilore Adewole (BelindaShalls; Height 5 ‘8, waist 25 cm & bust 32cm) said, “the most important motivation that spurred my interest was that my elder sister was already into modeling beforehand. Moreover, I recall loving the way models walked on my parents’ TV.”
Very frequently, we find those who rode on the backs of adulations from admirers to becoming models. With a height of 6’2, Donald Ayanfeoluwa, a 200L student from the department of philosophy tells us “Officially I started modeling 2023 but before then, many people complimented me about how I looked and my height also and how I would fit well as a model. In 2023 I decided to take that step and a friend of mine registered me under an agency in Ibadan.”
“I’ve always liked fashion but that wasn’t exactly what spurred me into modeling”, Oyinbusola Igbehinadun , 5’8, says. He only decided to become a model based on some people’s advice on “my physique and body and face structure.” For Omolola Asanso (Size 6, 5’8), a 400L student of computer science, modelling began for her nine years ago, in 2015. And ever since then, she’s remained actively involved in modelling.”
One thing is clear; we colour our visual world through fashion. Through fashion, individuals are able to give wings to inner imagination and promptings. Gazing further through this lens, one thing we come to see is how fashion models show us the many possible ways with which we can further combine several colours together to make our visual world more kaleidoscopic.
Therefore, modelling is essentially an avenue for self-expression. This explains why most models would frequently note that ‘self-expression’ is the significance modelling holds for them.
“Modelling, to me, is an expression”, Ayomiposi Akintoye (height 5’6, size 6), a 400L student of the faculty of law, UI, said. Speaking further, she added that “although most of that expression is bringing other people’s ideas to life. It is still something I love.” Equally, Ayanfeoluwa, while noting that modelling was more than a mere profession, he added that it is a “platform for self-expression.” “Most modelling gigs in Ibadan are for free. They aren’t paid, but that doesn’t stop me from doing them because it’s something I love doing. It enables me to evoke emotions.”
For Adeyinka Adedayo (5’11), a 400L student of Agronomy, who began modeling “as a way to deal with self esteem” challenges, modelling has now become “a hobby.” “I’m a very creative person, and modeling is a way for me to express said creativity”, he remarked.
The dazzling appearance of models alongside their ever-changing outfits in their several photoshoots would easily sell the notion that modelling is a fairytale experience that puts models in high-end fashion wear, and takes them to five-star hotels in luxurious cars. However, it only takes a careful look to see that this is not the case. Belinda Shalls disclosed, admittedly, that modelling is quite “demanding.” My modelling career involves self-promotion through social media, networking events, and personal projects.Building strong relationships with clients, photographers, and other industry professionals”, she described. Without belabouring the point, modelling, as much as it is a profession of glamour, involves its own degree of labour.
From time to time, there is always the problem of upsetting one’s schedule; the need to eat way less than is actually necessary in a bid to maintain body weight; long torturous hours at the mercy of several stylists; the difficulty of striking precise poses, involving several repetitions; the pedantry of the profession; constant scrutiny. In fact, the demands are such that when one considers the many vicissitudes of the process, one realizes that the very final outcome of the process — the alluring, flashy picture(s)— is a paradoxical outcome, a varnish to the demanding process.
Relating to the rigour of the profession, Donald revealed that “as a model, I face various working conditions and demands that can be challenging like last-minute bookings, cancellations, or changes. Having long hours shoots in extreme temperatures, outdoors, or uncomfortable settings. Although presently, I’m not in an Agency so I don’t have anyone to cater for my welfare or about payment.”
