Modelling tends to be perceived by many as an easy occupation with great rewards – free designer clothes, lucrative campaigns and a glamorous lifestyle – that sometimes it’s easy to forget that it’s a profession that is not without its pressures. I wanted to get an honest and open insight into the modelling industry and caught up with the gorgeous model and dancer, Nina Malone. A previous contestant of Britain’s Next Top model, Nina has since gone on to carve out a successful career for herself and has travelled to some of the worlds most beautiful destinations as part of her job. I was lucky enough to grab some of Nina’s time to talk about her experiences. I hope you enjoy the interview and for those who write in asking for modelling tips/advice….this one is for you.
If you could sum up your experience on Britain’s Next Top Model in three words what would they be?
Television. Whirlwind. Friends
How would you describe your style?
I like colours and things I can move in as I love dancing so I would describe my style as easy going but hopefully striking.
Have you ever felt pressure to lose weight?
Yes intense pressure all the time. It’s the worst feeling to get to a shoot and not fit in the clothes and the other models are fine, especially when I do lingerie work (which I do alot) but the pressure is intense. It’s also hard with alot of my friends having surgery to keep slim, taking laxatives and drugs. Although I refuse to do anything like that it makes the pressure immense with that around you. But I have to take a step back and reassure myself that I have a healthy figure and I will never ever be a size zero and that I should never aim for that, as it’s not possible. I eat well and I go to the gym twice a day.
In your opinion what’s the worst quality about the modelling industry?
The way sex and drugs is used in the industry. Obviously the industry is based on sex as our image is selling the products, but I’ve been in many situations where I’ve been asked to go on holiday with directors or out to dinner with producers, and you never know if they actually want to meet to discuss work or if they are wanting something else. Sometimes it’s hard to accept that this is the way business is run and I know people who’ve compromised their values in order to get work. Drugs is difficult as a lot of my friends are taking laxatives or cocaine speed fat strips to keep their figure slim and this can lead to all sorts of problems. It’s horrible seeing people get hooked and before I started working in this industry I knew nothing about drugs really. I’ve now seen just about everything and it can be scary.
Travelling must be a big part of your job. What’s the best destination you’ve visited so far?
India and Malaysia, for the Zee Awards 2007
Which beauty products do you swear by?
Maybelline caramel, Revlon high lights, Cocoa butter and oil, vanilla musk, Nars orgasm
Currently listening to?
Radio 1 extra
Advice you’d give to anyone wanting to be a model?
Really be sure it’s what you want to do and do a lot of research. There are alot of fake agencies that just want to rip you of and they play on the fact that the industry is glam and that everyone wants to be a part of it. Get on line, go to myspace and modelling forums and talk to other models. Find professional whom share your look and see which agencies represent them. Try and find which area of modelling would suit you best, there are plenty of different areas such as commercial or fashion, editorial or glamour and then within the bands there is catalogue, catwalk/runway, print, trade shows, and etc. It’s important to find where you can work before you decide which agencies to apply for.
