Tuesday, September 13, 2011

iamthewitch.com

iamthewitch.com

Advanced Modeling: Different Types of Gown

Posted: 13 Sep 2011 06:15 PM PDT

After completing 6 weeks of the Modeling Pro course at Amber Chia Academy, it was time to move on to the next level – Advanced Modeling course. The Advanced Modeling course is only offered to those who have completed the Modeling Pro course, and takes 4 weeks to complete. I have just started the advanced classes last week, and the first lesson taught us about the 3 main types of gown which are common in the modeling world.

Mermaid gown (Source)

KK_1

Mermaid gown from Keith Kee

The Mermaid Gown is a dress that shapes according to the contours of the body from the chest to the knees, then flares out to the hems. Needless to say, to wear such a dress one has to be very comfortable and confident with her body since it will highlight the curves and/or flaws. Most of the mermaid dresses also come with a tail at the back, in which case as a model, she will have to show the detail of dress during the catwalk.

Gowns

Example of mermaid gown

In order to present this gown, a model has to know how to kick the dress during posing so that the tail of the dress flares nicely on the floor, displaying the full design of the gown. Just look at the sample mermaid gown below, the details are amazing! The hemline and the tail area are so intricate that a model owes it to the designer to showcase them correctly or these details would be hidden from the audience.

Gowns

Back view of the mermaid gown with tail

The second most common type of gown is the A-Line Gown, where the dress fits the bust and flows out downwards to the ground, resembling the letter ‘A’. This is a very elegant gown and sometimes comes with a slit at the side or back of the dress. Similar to the mermaid gown, the A-line gown may also have a tail that needs to be presented to the audience. Since this gown has a slit, it is not advisable to kick the dress during posing. In this case, a model is required to use her hands to swing her dress such that it would present the tail to the audience.

Gowns

An example of A-line gown

Finally, the third most common gown is the Can-Can Gown, where it has a fitted bodice, defined waist and a full skirt. The skirt is usually lined with a stiff petticoat known as can-can or crinoline. The addition of can-can under the skirt means that the model would be wearing two layers of skirt and sometimes the overlapping of one over another could cause her to trip while walking.

Gowns

A sample of can-can gown

To present the can-can gown, a model has to use her hands to swing the dress while walking and while posing, to give life to the dress.

Gowns

Back view of can-can gown

Of course, what we were taught that day was all theory. Our instructor Ben informed us that we would have the chance to wear the gowns during one of our classes to put the knowledge to practical use. We’re excited! :)

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