Model Pages International Agency, SL Fashion and General Modeling Information

Let me first say, show scripting many times is fairly well executed, but still a very much an overlooked trade in Second Life. It is fast becoming a dying trade as more and more agencies require models to contribute in many aspects of a show. It is one of the most important aspects to putting a show together. It is what is actually said as models parade down around or through the steps of the runway. In the worst case descriptions are often scribbled up in the last hours before a show, and sometimes altered “in the heat of the battle” as the Presenter /Announcer is correcting spelling errors, or simply trying to catch up with the walk order as models crash.
These days in the world of modeling to avoid the last minute rush by the script writer agencies are requesting models to submit a script of their outfits prior to the event and the scriptwriter is pulling the whole package together. This can present a few problems firstly that the scripter has no idea what outfits the models are wearing less they attend dress rehearsals and or have a list of the outfits and visit the designers. The second problem is that some models find it difficult to write a description and as such you end up with a variety of descriptions and a script that does not necessarily flow.

So with this in mind I thought it would be best to encourage all models new and old to think carefully about the way in which they write their descriptions. Thus making the scripting process easier for their agencies. Here are my top tips in no particular order….

#1. Don’t describe the model, describe the clothes. It’s a fashion show correct? The description should about the clothes. The models are of course worth mentioning, but they are there to make the best of the garments being shown. The secret here is to concentrate on the outfit, after having told the model’s name, the outfits name and its designer, unless its a “single designer show” when the latter is obvious after the initial presentation. Point out oddities, interesting detail, together with a general description for the benefit of those who never saw it rezz..This need not and should not be lengthy.

#2. Keep the sentences short and sweet an exciting – A good rule of thumb is that you want at least six well formed sentences to allow the announcer to pace your moving around the runway.

#3. Avoid consistently over used terms. Try to be imaginative, don’t repeat yourself. If you can’t find words, use the simplest possible, a direct description, or a thesaurus.

#4. Personality is good but try not to be opinionated. It is best to be factual, analytical, and not florid.

#5. You are making a mini story so make sure you use descriptive language to describe the type of material and or feel of the outfit as well as where this might be worn. Do not mention other designers names unless its part of the show.

#6. If you are wearing other things you can describe what it is good to go with i.e. Works well with gold earrings and necklace in a circular pattern. But do not mention what jewelery unless its part of the things your showing.

#7. Research the designers’ styles and tastes. Don’t guess at it. Read up about them and visit their stores. Names of the outfits can also be a good clue to what they have in mind (not always though) and give ideas how to describe. You get a feel for what the designer is trying to create when visiting the store.

#8. Lastly always spell check your description – never rely on another person to do it unless they are proof reading it for you. A script writer should always do this but as we know sometimes things are over looked and not done. If they announce the descriptions are done by the models the show then reflects on you.

The following examples are from shows previously done by MPI and give you an insight into how some models write their descriptions. The designer names have been removed as to the names of the models. They are considered to be of a good quality.

Stepping onto the runway in a flourish of deep golds, reds, pinks and blues, XXXX sparkles in Cxxx Cxxx Cosmo, a magnificent creation showcasing a brilliant gradient that may be reminiscent to some of the aurora borealis. Cosmo fits like a glove, accentuating the silhouette of the wearer with its deep, plunging neckline, low-cut back, and daring peeks of flesh on the sides. The form-fitting fabric is finely embroidered with hundreds of sequins from the delicate band encircling the neck to the short modified handkerchief hemlines that draws attention to your legs as you dance the night away. Adding further charm to this stunning cocktail dress is the beaded fringe of gold and blue topaz that graces the décolletage and the open back. Cosmo is a true feast for the eye and is the ideal selection for the bold and daring spirit in you. Thank you XXXXXX.

Our next model is a cheeky devil and as such his wicked ways show in the outfit he has chosen. Please make welcome SSSSS TTTTT. When the weather starts to get chilly, the first thing that comes to mind is hot cocoa, fireplaces, holidays, and ways to keep warm. This comfortable set of white button-up Red Wilderness Longjohns by CCCCC is a great way to keep warm on those nights at home or away on vacation in relaxing mountain cabin. A Brown Fur Winter hat by AAA is the perfect thing for keeping your head and ears warm while relaxing on the couch or sitting on the rug in front of the fire. The Brown plaid Moose Slippers by LLLL keep your feet toasty when you walk to the kitchen for a cup of cocoa or a midnight snack…a little tobacco stuffed in a hand carved wood pipe by Agora adds a little more heat to those cold nights. Thank you SSSSSS.

Descriptions can really make or break the quality of a show. Written well they enhance the wonderful styling of the models,having worked their butts off to style the outfits to absolute precision. A bad description can make all the work done feel rushed and half hearted.
Make your description a priority.