Wasana, to train models

by Panchamee Hewavissenti

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Modelling is an international career. Sri Lanka has produced many skilful models and Wasana Danthanarayana is one of the best models, Sri Lanka has produced. She expressed her views on `Modelling in Sri Lanka', recently with the Sunday Observer.

As far as the European countries are concerned, modelling is a well acknowledged profession. Do you think that Sri Lankan models get such a recognition?

I don't think so. People look at models in a different angle. That is a matter of their attitude. People gauge all the models with the same measurement. They should think that everyone is not the same.

Is modelling a well paid job? Can anyone do modelling as part time employment?

If you are dedicated and interested in modelling, this is one of the professions in which you can make a lot of money. But it depends on the number of shows you receive. There are times when we get three or four shows per single day, as well as the times that we get only one show for the whole month.

It's difficult for a person to be employed full time as a model because it's not a permanent job. There are times we get plenty of shows and then we are really busy.

Sometimes we hardly find time to eat and have a proper sleep. The problem is that if someone does a full time job it's difficult for her to manage the two professions.

What are the qualifications to be a model?

There're no strict qualifications as such. It's better if your height is at least 5'5" and the waist size is around 28 inches. It depends on the person and the dress. We models often use four inch heels so that even if the model is below the required hight it won't be a big problem.

If you like to enter the field of modelling, it's always advisable for you to get a little training and enter the field.

Does the age matter in modelling?

Not very much. As long as you can maintain a good body shape age doesn't count a lot. The best age limit is between sixteen to thirty. If a model continues to be in the field for more than three years people will get fed up of seeing the same face over and over.

Can a model demand a price?

Of course not. With the economic conditions of the country, models can't demand a price. The designer will budget the model's value and pay her according to that. If a model demands a price which the designer does not agree with, then the designer will hire another one. The model will lose her opportunity.

There are enough and more people to take part in shows at a very low charge such as those who do modelling as a hobby. Therefore we have to be careful when we demand a price for ourselves. If we are going to demand a big amount, ultimately we might end up with nothing in hand.

Do female models outnumber male models in Sri Lanka?

Yes they do. Unlike in other countries Sri Lanka doesn't have a lot of modelling shows exclusively for males. I think people like to see females and female fashions than males and their fashions. Also, designers very often design attire for women. Because they can design female clothing in a wider range creatively.

What are the problems models face very often?

The problem models very often face is with the coordinator. Even if the sponsors are ready to offer large sums, often coordinators keep an under cut. Finally the models will get only 25% of what the sponsor has spent.

How are the Sri Lankan models exposed to the international arena?

They have little chance to take part in international pageants. One problem is that it is very hard to get the visa. The economic background of the model matters a lot because there is no one to sponsor a model. I think we should have an association for models.

Then we can discuss our problems and solve them.

If models get a chance to take part in international pageants we mostly display our own fashions within the boundaries of our own culture. I took part in a pageant in which all Sri Lankan models wore ancient attire of kings and queens. They were designed using the patterns they found in historical caves. Foreigners really like those exclusive fashions.

They don't want Sri Lankan models to display western patterns.

We as models wear spicy dresses. But when we go abroad, we try our best to adopt to the culture of that particular country. For example when we went to Pakistan and Middle East countries we always wore Shalwars so as to cover our body fully. We didn't wear what we wanted.

What are the objectives of conducting classes for modelling at your academy?

Among one of the problems models face today is that they don't have a proper institute to learn modelling in order to be a qualified model. I basically direct my students on personal development such as proper dining habits, the way of eating, walking and behaving. I have a separate panel of qualified lecturers for that.

The main objective of my class is to build confidence in the young crowd to face the society. There are talented young people who have social phobias and because of that they are not confident enough to come forward. I teach the young girls to dress themselves even on their wedding day, carrying a bouquet and many more important things.

Apart from that I give a basic training on modelling for those who are interested in modelling.

Even when a model needs to go for an international pageant they often face problems with their identification as a model. Sri Lanka doesn't have an institute to confer a certificate for models in order to take part in international pageants. My V Academy serves the purpose of an agent for models when they are going to be exposed to the international arena.