A group of young local models performed at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 17th Mega Sale Carnival and the 20th Baby & Mommy Products Exhibition on Sunday.
With years of modelling experience, Iris Chan, a fashionista and modelling instructor, shared her thoughts with The Macau Post Daily in an interview on Saturday.
After graduating from high school, Chan first worked as a part-time model, and after graduating from college, she left Macau to do modelling work in Hong Kong and the mainland, and thus became a professional model. Nowadays, she owns her own fashion boutique and runs classes to teach modelling skills.
Modelling is more than just catwalking
Behind the very mature stage persona, young models are actually as naughty as any child, Chan said, adding: “These teen models are completely themselves when they play, but at the same time they look very mature on stage.” Chan also noted that the kids have seen their own progress in the everyday practice and get satisfaction from performing on stage.
“Modelling is more than just catwalking,” Chan said, pointing out that some parents encourage their children to study modelling skills to improve their physique, gain more confidence, develop their temperament, and improve their manners.
“We want students to be confident – that comes from their profession – but not complacent,” Chan said, adding that when it comes to the purpose of teaching students, “as a model, one shouldn’t just focus on stage performances, but should also respect designers and stylists.”
Chan underlined that she places a high value on students’ daily performance, not just their stage image.
Local models gaining exposure
“Local models are starting to be noticed through the advertisements that we see on social media and in local magazines,” Chan said, pointing out that the modelling industry is flourishing. She also noted that due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, many local models have had more opportunities to show their skills in Macau, which also helped them to gain more exposure locally – as more companies in Macau are now looking for local models because there is more demand for print ads and promotions.
Chan also said she realises that local models “are extremely passionate about modelling and are willing to put in the time and effort to make their aspirations come true.” Chan said she has noticed that local models are starting to work with local fashion brands and collaborating with local designers to promote their products, thus taking the local fashion industry a step further.
“I believe that Macau’s models are not just meant to be in Macau, we can definitely go further, and we are not inferior to models from other regions,” Chan said, meanwhile pointing out that local models do not have to go abroad, they can also make their way in Macau, “We help students discover their beauty, providing a platform for them to discover themselves and to collaborate with the outside world.”
Beauty comes from within
Chan said that it isnt’ necessary for one to care too much about a single body part and neglect one’s overall beauty, because beauty is a whole, and the wholeness is above all else, and one’s temperament is the most important. Chan added: “A person’s temperament, expressed in his or her speech, is more permanent through years of cultivation than the appearance that ages easily.”
Chan took one of her favourite models as an example, a 70-year-old woman. “She is old but elegant, self-disciplined and constantly improving herself, and her charm only grows more attractive to me as she ages,” Chan said.
“Aesthetics vary among people, but people are always beautiful when they are who they are,” Chan said, adding she believes that a person’s inner self affects the outer self, and it is more important to focus on temperament than the outer appearance. “Looks age easily, but temperament is eternal.” Chan concluded.
These photos taken on Sunday show the local child models performing at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 17th Mega Sale Carnival and the 20th Baby & Mommy Products Exhibition.
This photo shows Iris Chan (centre, front) on the stage after Sunday’s catwalk show, addressing the audience.
These photos taken on Saturday show the young models rehearsing for Sunday’s catwalk show in their classroom. – Photos: Ginnie Liang
