WHEN one sees models strut their stuff on the catwalk, one may get the impression that it is easy but Ghanaian model Victoria Michaels says it is not as simple as people see it.

“A lot goes into modeling and that is what most people don’t know. You have to practice in front of the camera for months and adequately prepare before an opportunity comes knocking at your door. 

“You always have to be in shape so that you are always hot on the market where you find yourself,” she told Graphic Showbiz in an interview recently.

According to her, modeling goes beyond just hitting the runway in a designer’s outfit. “There is more to it than just hitting the runway. For instance, you need to get the right platforms to mount so that you are always busy and this comes with a lot of hard work and connections”, she said.

Asked whether modelling pays, Victoria, who has walked international runways, said it depended on one’s branding.

“There are two main ways that models get work in the industry. First of all, the model has an agent who is assigned to find them work and the second is the freelance where the models are solely in control of finding their own work.

“The two can fetch you money if the model is serious but the one with an agent has the upper hand,” she explained.

Victoria Michaels disclosed that she had been trying in her own way to help those who have modelling aspirations.
 
“I counsel and hold extensive discussions with them on how they can find their place within and outside the fashion industry, whilst connecting them to my contacts. As a result, I have put some of them forward to agencies I think would love to work with them,” she said.

Avance Media magazine recently named Victoria among the top 50 young CEOs in Ghana and she says she feels proud and honoured to be associated with the outfit.

Victoria has featured in major publications including Canoe Magazine, Roots Paris, Destiny Connect, True Love magazine, Bona Magazine, Canoe Magazine, Vogue Italia, OkayAfrica Magazine, Elle South Africa, O Yes! and Glam Africa Magazine.

She has modeled at the BBC Fashion Show, Dubai Fashion Show, African Fashion Week London, African Fashion International Johannesburg, Men's Health Fashion Week, South Africa Fashion Week, Accra Fashion Week, FIMA International Fashion Show, Mercedes Benz African Fashion Festival, and Dark & Lovely Fashion Show.