We asked style guru Jonathan Phang to give us his top tips on all the elements of successful modelling. In the final of his modelling missives, Jonathan shares his top tips for potential models...

• If one can’t get a good agent (ie only join one that is recommended by the Association of Model Agents ) one shouldn’t bother


• Never part with any money. A good agent will upfront all expenses and recoup the money from your future earnings.


• A career in modelling can be short lived; the only guarantee is that it will come to abrupt end. Therefore, involve your loved ones as you may need them more than you think.


• Successful models are naturally tall and slim. It is physically and emotionally dangerous to work too hard at changing ones self and generally not worthwhile. Nothing is worth becoming ill for.


• Modelling should be fun, financially rewarding and good way of seeing the world. However, the fashion world is also fickle, shallow and disloyal. Invest your money and make sure you are young enough to embark on another career at the end of it.


• Never waste money on a boyfriend.


• A lady knows when to make her exit.

• Start by wearing a correctly fitting bikini.


• Use a tanning mist /mattifier instead of oil so you won’t look like you have just walked out of a chip pan.


• Do not go anywhere near the pool without having a pedicure.


• Make sure that your nail varnish is complementary to your swimwear. At very least having a good French Polish.


• Swimwear should be treated like any other outfit and should be accessorised accordingly i.e. appropriately matching eyewear, jewellery and bag.


• Wandering around in only ones bikini looks vulgar and suspect. Sarongs, caftans and kurtas are essential.

• The hint of a lacy bra can bring ones décolletage to life and can be highly seductive in the RIGHT environment.


• VPL is not acceptable. Smooth lines create a better a silhouette. Attention to detail is noticed subliminally and will have an effect on people’s behaviour towards one.


• No one needs to know what is going on beneath ones outfits. There is time and a place to reveal...


• M&S Magic Knickers (the modern day Panty Girdle) hide a multitude of sins and can appear to reduce ones figure by up to half a stone.


• The most important investment a girl should make, is to order bespoke Bra’s in neutral, black and white form Rigby and Peller or John Lewis.

• Dance will exercise muscles that you didn’t realise you have and will improve overall blood flow increasing ones libido.
• Every new model should invest in ballet lessons. Dance is great for ones posture and all that looking in the mirror is an ideal way of 'getting to know ones body', an invaluable asset when one is in front of a camera.
• Remember one is judged by ones body language and general behaviour. If one would like to be treated like a lady I recommend that one behaves like one.
• It is easy to give and receive wrong messages whilst dancing in a nightclub. What one considers flattering at 2am with too much alcohol in ones system, may in reality be offensive/dangerous in the cold light of day. Trust your sixth sense and your friends that care about you.
• There is never an excuse for dancing around a handbag.

• A good hostess must never outshine her guests; her outfit should be understated and elegant showing effortless chic.
• The perfect host should take the lead from his hostess displaying consideration, support and affection towards his partner.
• The host must direct the “help” with authority and purpose in order to control the mood of the party.
• Hosts should initiate conversations between likeminded guests but remain impartial. If you have good legs show them but don’t get legless!
• Remember you are hosting a party not attending one so behave accordingly or don’t bother.

• Get a good nights sleep and drink plenty of water.
• Although posing/modelling feels ridiculous, don’t be embarrassed and get on with it as the finish time will depend on you.
• Keep your mouth shut then the photographer will have no reason to stitch you up.
• If you are having your passport picture taken in a photobooth, always opt for the white background as this will bleach out any lines to maximise your youthful appearance. Choose neutral hair, make up and styling as the picture will still need to look fashionable in 10 years time.
• However, my best advice would be spend a lot of money on a top hairdresser and make up artist and let them do the worrying for you.

• Ladies glide not walk.
• Drop your chin so you can be playful with your eyes if necessary.
• Be able to look through and ignore anything and anybody in your eyeline as you glide.
• Smiling on a catwalk is gauche and vulgar.
• Do not try and copy Naomi Campbell and Giselle Budchen it’s really tedious.