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Model Watch
male to order
By Azeem Haider
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Gone are the days when modelling, as a profession, was restricted to young girls, in Pakistan. If a male presence was required in a particular campaign, 'uncles' with thick, dark moustaches would be roped in to do the job. But now that the fashion industry has taken a giant leap, the concept of male models has also undergone a major metamorphosis. They comprise a pivotal part of the present promotional campaigns; they walk shoulder to shoulder with their female counterparts on the ramp, and stand tall next to them in photo shoots. And yet all is not hunky dory on the male model front. One hears murmurs of the stunted growth of the male modelling industry, of its inability to take off as a full-fledged profession in this country, of a lack of respect towards male models, as well as the core issue of underpayment. Newsline zeroed in on the top five male models of Pakistan to get their views on the subject…
"An established male model is never paid as much as an established female model" Q: Why are there relatively fewer opportunities for male models as compared to female models in Pakistan? A: There are various factors contributing towards this, the most important one being the fact that there are relatively fewer designers for menswear in Pakistan as compared to the formal women's wear, the market for which is far more lucrative. Recently, however, a lot of fresh graduates from national fashion schools are launching their own design labels, so I am sure that in no time we will see more competition in the menswear sector as well. Coming back to the question, I don't think that there is less work for male models per se, but there is certainly less 'quality work' for us. Q: Why do you think male models are paid less than their female counterparts? A: I don't understand why this issue has been blown out of proportion the way it has. If you make the conscious decision to enter a field that is so female-oriented, you first have to accept it and then work with it. I do think that even if you have successfully established yourself as a male model, you can't get paid as much as any other established female model. Q: How credible are the Lux Style Awards? A: After winning the LSA best male model award this year, I realised how much importance other people give it. After losing the award last year, I never publicly questioned its credibility. After all, a nomination does not automatically mean you are the winner. This time around, having been nominated again, and actually going on to win it, I saw many people bitching about it - it's a matter of life and death for some people. Q: What can be done to boost the market for male models? A: Well, a lot can be done and is being done, by the annual batch of fashion graduates from Karachi and Lahore. Given some time, the future looks a lot brighter. Q: Your take on the statement, "The new crop models are greatly affecting the market of senior models by charging rock bottom prices for C-grade work."
A: I don't need to comment on it. The statement says
it all! On a final note however, when I first started out, I saw
the lack of work available for male models. Additionally, it is
really hard for new male models to make a mark if you are not already
a known face or have the backing of someone really influential in
the fashion world. But, then again, if you have the talent and the
patience, in the long run it does pay off. |
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E-mail: newsline@cyber.net.pk
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