The X-Factor Reference Fashion Manual

Elite booker Matti Gidileivch provided the fashion industry information and modeling tips that make a difference for your career as a model.

Question: What type of models do you look for when finding new talent?

Elite: When looking for models, we typically look for talent that are marketable in our area. We look for all styles of models to promote through our network; editorial and commercial models.

Question: Why do you like using Question to scout new models?

Elite: Question is a great avenue to scout talent, not only for our Toronto office, but for our offices around the world.

Question: Does Elite have a "look" that you always seek out to find?

Elite: We are always looking for "The Look", which can change from season to season.

Question: Of the recent faces you've discovered, has there been a common element that made them stand out over others, and what would you recommend to other models for them to stand out?

Elite: From the faces that I have contacted through Question, it always helps to have very clear pictures, with great lighting, and little makeup. I often find it difficult to see what a person looks like when they use a webcam to take their pictures.

Question: What are some of the facts that models need to know when getting into the industry?

Elite: Modeling is a business, and as a model, you are your own business! Like any business, it takes time, effort, commitment, and patience to become a successful model. Success does not happen over night.

Question: What common mistakes do you see models making, even if they already have what it takes?

Elite: For models, a casting or a go see is a job interview, and should be regarded as such. Time and time again I hear from clients that models seem ill prepared. Would you show up to a job interview with a potential employer wearing sneakers, with your hair not done, without a resume? No.

Question: There are different types of modeling, including print, commercial and runway modeling, is there a particular type of model that is best suited for each?

Elite: Typically in our market, we look for girls that are 5'8" and taller, as Toronto is a very commercial market but we also have our fair share of great editorials and show. A truly versatile model can excel in all of these fields. Girls that are 5'10" and up, of course are better suited for the European catwalks should they have the rest of the package (confidence, experience, and a strong portfolio).

Question: The modeling industry being what it is, there's never any assurance that one person will succeed over another, but once discovered how can models continue to achieve success in the industry?

Elite: There are never any guarantees. We as agents know what clients want, and supply our clients with just that. It is also our job to provide management for our models. We can open the door for the Models, but it's up to the individual to walk through it. It's those models that can work with clients and be engaging, polite, and most of all professional, are the models that are going to get booked again by that client.

Jet Set Models owner Cindy Kauanui talked about how to become a jet-set top model.

Question: What led you into the industry?

Cindy Kauanui: I started out as a model myself in Honolulu but I really liked the behind the scenes more than I liked in front of the camera. I asked the agency director if she could train me and she did. When I moved back to Kauai I met up with a woman, Belinda, and together we decided to form a company called Showlites unlimited, and so we started booking models on assignments for television commercials and print campaigns.

On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki hit the island and we lost everything. I initially moved to Hollywood but ended up settling in La Jolla, San Diego, where I started out of my little apartment, where I booked big assignments like Versace and covers of Allure Magazine.

Question: Recently, you discovered one of the top talents, Tori Praver, the new spokesmodel for GUESS? who will replace Paris Hilton and join the likes of Claudia Schiffer; what did she have that attracted you to her?

Cindy Kauanui: Tori had a really fresh face it was really Jet Set, I can honestly say she's the epitome of what Jet Set looks for, we like girls that are at least 5' 8" – 5' 9", Tori is 5' 11" and she has a healthy glow, good skin, beautiful green eyes, full lips, a long neck, and these are just things you look for.

Question: What can make a model stand out, like Tori did?

Cindy Kauanui: It's hard to describe, because while none of our models really look alike, they all have it. Aside from the above, you have to have that natural beauty that doesn't require any makeup, a sporty, lean, body, and generally the eyes are far set, the nose trimmed up a bit and just a very photogenic the aesthetically pleasing look. Also, having a healthy look, not that drawn look, and golden skin is popular.

Question: What advice would you give to aspiring models and actors who want to get into the industry?

Cindy Kauanui: That rejection is part of the business; a lot of people can't take that (rejection) and they really shouldn't be in the industry if they can't because it isn't about them as a person. They might want a brunette when you're a blonde or vice versa, you can't always fit into every ad campaign or match every brand.

Sometimes it takes time, people like Tori are very fortunate that she could go from a Polaroid to becoming a celebrity overnight, sometimes that happens but it doesn't always happen. The industry is always changing so your look may not be appropriate for the time.

There was a wonderful girl that I found in San Diego and I believed in her, she had a great look, but no one was interested. I just felt she had it so eventually it was about a year and a half later that she ended up becoming a huge model; she did Roberto Cavalli and Versace and had a tremendous career and is still modeling today. It was just that at that time her look wasn't in.

It could be as simple as just changing your hair. I had another girl who didn't work, we had her hair cut and instantly she was working every day. People want to see something different and you have to create it.

Question: Does it matter where you live?

Cindy Kauanui: I think with the internet technology it really doesn't matter where you live - just look at NewFaces.com where members from around the world have access to all the top agents. Some of the best models come from far away places. Often times you get agencies in Los Angeles saying 'you need to be with someone in Los Angeles' but you don't.