Pursue basic education before modelling career: Marc Robinson

Fashion choreographer Marc Robinson has been in the glamour industry for over two decades, mentoring aspiring models at model hunt contests. He believes that basic education is a must before pursuing any profession.

Robinson will be mentoring the models at the fourth edition of Max Elite Model Look in India 2017.

The 53-year-old says fitness and nutrition are key aspects that need to be kept in mind for being in the modelling field as it not just makes the person look good, but even lends a feel good experience.

"Fitness and nutrition are very important aspects of this career not just to help you look good but also feel good from within. Lastly it is important to keep your parents in the loop and do take their advice. In fact, when we audition young talent from across the nation and call the selected ones to Mumbai, we make sure one of their parent travels too.

"It's important for parents to feel secure about their child's choice of profession," Robinson told IANS in an email interview.

"I have always believed and taught to all the aspiring models that come what may -- basic education is a must. I have kids too and I stress on the fact that it is important to pursue your basic education and then look at modelling or any other profession as your career," he added.

Robinson has been a part of a lot of key fashion galas like Lakme Fashion Week, Femina Miss India beauty pageant, Dubai Fashion Week, Ford Super Model of the World and is also the project head for Max India Fashion Icon.

What aspects are considered when he directs fashion shows?

"Firstly, it is important to have the aesthetics in place. It should be in line with the theme for the night, location, date and music. When I finally look at the product, the final show, it's important to spot out fresh talent, fresh faces. It's not just important to be good looking. When we judge, we look at a different personality, someone who can manage to stand out and not just look good," Robinson said.

There are a lot of perceptions that people have about the glamour industry. Robinson says unlike what common people believe, anorexic behaviour is not encouraged in the industry.

"No one is perfect, and models are no exception to this. They too have their bad days with pimples, bad hair days and weight issues. But we do not encourage anorexic behaviour. We do not ignore it either, we offer help. Being healthy and fit is vital and that's what we train the models tO be," he said.

The standard and presentation level of fashion shows in India are always compared to those on foreign shores. What really can be learnt from that side of the globe?

"International fashion shows are exhausting and expensive! Their production value is huge as there is a lot of investment the organisers receive. Even technically, the sound, lights, etc... India is far behind in it. But let me be honest, when it comes to designers, we have fabulous world class designers who create different looks as per the occasion. Our bridal looks are a global hit."

"Where we do lack is in the production part which can be solved if we have investors who are willing to see the larger picture and believe in the power of fashion integration," added Robinson, who has worked with ace Indian and international designers and brands like Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, JJ Vallaya, Manish Malhotra, Manish Arora, Valentino, Ferre and Zegna.

(Kishori Sud can be contacted at kishori.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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