Author: Gaurav Vashishtha
Genre: Non-fiction, Fashion
Number of Pages: 278
Publisher: Notion Press
Edition: Ebook
About the Book
Do you want to be a fashion model? Do you need a mentor to take you through the maze of the fashion industry? This book is your mentor. It is the starting point for your journey to be a supermodel. The main protagonist of this book is YOU. Other characters will help in your performance and meet you during the journey. This pioneering work has been penned by Colonel Gaurav Vashishtha (GV), an Indian Army officer, ace fashion photographer and model mentor. A true soldier, a visionary photographer, and a perfect model mentor, the author brings to the table a methodology and much-needed clarity on this complex subject. He has filled the vacuum with comprehensive reference materials on the topic.
The Review
As an advertising writer, I have often had to shortlist models for my own ad films and most often, those who looked presentable with a good fashion sense were always the obvious choice. It’s exactly like the saying goes,
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” – Miuccia Prada
And I have been witness to this fact a zillion times. Having worked in the glamor industry for over a decade, I’ve come across many models and actors who are starting off their acting or modeling careers and need someone to guide them. Most of these people are friends now and I am glad to have found a book that I can recommend to them because I’m sure it will help them immensely.
There is a lot more to modelling than just being good-looking. There are many different niches and opportunities in the fashion industry and each niche has different requirements. Your look and style will likely fit into one category more than the others. Consider things like your body shape and
height, since they remain unchanged, before choosing your niche.
Author Gaurav Vashishtha’s book ‘Model Mentor’ is an encyclopedia for all things fashion modeling. That the book has numerous case studies caught my attention and what is worth mentioning is just how passionate the author is about imparting his knowledge to the ones seeking to learn the ropes. He has helped shape up careers of many models and now with ‘Model Mentor’, he is set out to achieve a lot more. So dear reader, the multi-million dollar question the book begins with is – Do you have it in you to be a Fashion Model?
Fashion brands and labels hire models to wear their clothing in magazines, on runways, or for commercial products. You will be assisted by stylists and makeup artists in crafting your clothing, hairstyles, and looks, but ultimately you are responsible for how you appear in front of the camera.
From flowcharts, to sketches, to visuals, to success tips, to how-to, to frameworks, to case studies, to listicles, diagrams, mantras, exercises, to mock interviews, to quizzes, to glossaries, to making email pitches, to dos and don’ts, to building a folio, to skin care, to hair care, to health and wellness, you name it and this handbook has it. It quite literally offers everything one needs to know and learn about fashion modeling and the modeling industry, right on a platter and how! The language is easy, the modules short and to-the-point, and the knowledge experience-backed and honestly what more does one need. Just one look at the book and you can tell the effort the author has made in wanting to genuinely help the target audience.
Buy Book on Amazon
A mentor is anyone with more experience than you about life and its ways. He shares ways and means to make your journey time-bound and steers it in the right direction. As a model, you have to find your guru or mentor. Your relationship with them is lifelong.
The flow is seamless as the chapters are well-planned and structured and shows the meticulous research the author has undertaken in writing the book. Chapters end with Mentor Mantras that are incredible pieces of wisdom to guide audience in the right direction aimed at alerting individuals to not fall prey to scams, social media hoaxes, unfair industry practices, false promises, fake agencies, at the same time empowering them to emerge stronger in the face of rejections, casting couch challenges, anxiety, depression, failure to sign contracts, etc. that are typical of the industry.
As an experienced fashion and fine art photographer myself, I study the weakness and strengths of the models and their profiles before doing test shoots. I evolve concepts based on their requirements. In a sense, my photography draws strength from the fact that it is mentoring in nature, thus giving the models more value and recognition in their careers
Another important section of the book is the model photography aspect. Being an established model photographer himself, the author sheds light on how model photography, the photographer, art directors, are an equally important part of the modeling journey. He shares insights and advice drawing from his own experience that were quite fascinating to read. Then there’s also the whole talk on ‘Designers, Stylists, Makeup Artists & Groomers’ and the fundamental purpose is too educate both genders on the roles these profiles play in making and shaping their modelling careers and how to make the most of these connections.
Final Verdict
Colonel Gaurav Vashishtha’s knowledge, passion, and experiences shine through ‘Model Mentor’. Backed by real-life case studies of models, the book is a keeper. It is a guiding light for the new generation of fashion models and enthusiasts, encouraging them to embrace their individuality, groom their identity, whilst carving a name for themselves in the fashion model industry. A must read for all as the parts on personality development are rare gems of wisdom. There’s something for everyone here.
About the Author:
GV has contributed over two decades of service to the nation. He has served in both combat and non-combat roles. He is an expert in human resource and logistics management in extreme conditions and trying circumstances. Decision-making under stressful circumstances comes to him naturally.
He began his work in the fashion industry in 2017. As a fashion and fine arts photographer, his work has been published in several magazines and editorials. He has mentored a number of aspiring fashion models. His work as a photographer and model mentor has been entirely free of cost. His experience with models in various stages of their journey towards their cherished goals has helped him develop specific techniques for mentoring them. His ability to visualise and his keen observation skills have helped him elucidate the dynamics of the fashion industry. His website on photography (GVTHELENSMAN.COM) and Instagram page (@GVTHELENSMAN) have many ardent followers.
Have you read ‘Model Mentor’? Do share your thoughts below.
P.S.: I received a review copy from the author, but the review remains unbiased.
