Model 101: What's in your bag?

Hello, Models! I'm Rachel Lauren, your Model Mentor! My mission is to make sure you have everything you need in your model bag! Being prepared is one of the most important keys for a model! Having your model bag packed correctly is the best way to stay prepared!

(Click the photo for more with Model Mentor)

There is a list of the items that are model bag essential! I always teach this in my model workshops to help them to be prepared for all fashion runways, fittings, photoshoots, showroom modeling, and much more!

*Bras- strapless bras in black and skin toned

*Body Shaper- in black and skin toned

*Heels- make sure that your bag also contains black and nude heels (never wedges)

*Deodorant- clear deodorant plus antiperspirant is a must! You do not want to mess up the designer's clothes

*Foundation- perfectly matched foundation and concealer will make sure your close ups are looking as natural as possible

*Tank tops- tank tops in black and skin toned

*Leggings- black leggings are a must!

*Pasties- nipple coverings or pasties in your skin tone

*Thongs- 2 pairs of black and 2 pairs of skin toned thongs

*Light snack- keep a light protein filled snack and a bottle of water; sometimes before you know it, it's been 6 hours! Keeping a snack and some water will help keep going

*Portable Phone charger

*Mints (never gum)

*Band-aids- clear or skin toned band-aids for those little cuts or even a broken nail

*Lotion/Oil- just be sure to clean your hands after so you don't get it on the garment

*Razor- I always suggest to my models a small battery powered razor (and keep a couple extra batteries)

*Feminine hygiene products

*Hair ties

*Change of shoes- no matter if you are between shows or going from one go-see to the next, you must take care of your feet

*Body Wipes- because sometimes we sweat and need to freshen up; just be sure to reapply your clear deodorant

*Masks- you always want to stay within covid regulations

*Book- having something to read helps to pass the time while you are waiting. I don't recommend putting in headphones because you run the risk of missing instructions or your name being called

This next list are items that I recommend to my models:

*Scarf- this will allow you to cover your face to protect the garments from your makeup when putting it on over your head

*White- it's a good idea to have a white tank, leggings, bra, and a pair of heels

*Strappy heels- you never know what look the designer is going for, so having strappy heels in all 3 colors wouldn't hurt

*Wipes- keeping body wipes and makeup wipes is a great idea! You never know when you may find yourself sweating and needing to freshen up and reapply your clear deodorant. The makeup wipes will come in very handy when you have to get makeup for a new look

*Tape- Double sided tape can help you not have a peep show on the runway

*Sewing kit- a small sewing kit can make a huge difference!

*Makeup- sometimes there's no makeup artist and you need to be prepared to get your face camera ready! And don't forget the lashes!

*Hair products- just like with makeup

*Skin toned tights and leggings- just because you never know

*Accessories- if your designer wants earrings or a perhaps a simple bracelet, it's good to have a few go to pieces to choose from in silver and gold

*Fan- nothing is worse than being hot and fearing that your makeup may run

And let's not forget the bag itself! I suggest duffle bags to my models. Suitcases can be big and bulky and tend to get in the way. Your duffle bag can get heavy too, so having a bag with wheels or one that can be worn as a bookbag comes in handy! The inside of your bag needs to be prepared as well. Small bags for makeup and accessories and neatly packed clothes will cut out any unnecessary rummaging!