Q&A with Linda Teo of Carrie Models Singapore

Seemingly everyone wants to be a model these days – who wouldn’t when you get to wear gorgeous clothes, get your pictures taken and sometimes fly around the world. However, becoming a model isn’t easy especially when the market is saturated with new faces every other minute.

While becoming the next Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss or Cara Delevingne is one huge mean feat, there’s no need to announce defeat all together. Linda Teo, the Managing Director of Singapore’s longest running modeling agency, Carrie Models shared with us exactly what scouts are on the hunt for and what models need to possess in order to shine in the business.

Start taking notes.

Marie France Asia: What are some of the things model scouts look out for?

Linda Teo: Our model scouts look for the following:

1. Models that can sell in our local market
2. Strong catwalk
3. Unique face
4. Good complexion
5. Tall with good figure

MFA: Is it difficult to make it big as a model in Asia as compared to Europe or America?

Linda Teo: Yes, it’s challenging to make it big in Asia as there are limited platform for models here as compared to Europe and America.

MFA: What are some of the challenges of modelling in Singapore?

Linda Teo: Most of fashion/beauty clients do not want to engage local talents. They prefer foreign talents.

MFA: Would you say the models you have scouted so far have something in common?

Linda Teo: Yes, most of them have unique features, tall and they have strong walk.

MFA: What kind of training would a model need to undergo at Carrie Models?

Linda Teo: They would go through the basic modelling course and once they graduated from the basic class we will encourage them to take up the professional course.

MFA: Currently, what is the fashion or beauty industry looking out for when hiring models?

Linda Teo: They are looking for strong features, good height and a strong catwalk.

MFA: What are some essential qualities a top model requires, other than looks?

Linda Teo: Other than their looks , charming personality, good attitude, charismatic, punctuality and a sense of responsibility

Who are some of your favorite models?

Linda Teo: Ethel Fong, Carrie Wong

MFA: The word “beauty” itself carries a host of interpretations. What would be your definition of beauty?

Linda Teo: Beauty is within oneself.

MFA: What’s next for Carrie Models?

Linda Teo: We want to continue promoting our local models, with the vision that the market/fashion industry will be able to accept and be encouraged to use local models.

Tarandip Kaur