Model & Mode

Meet The Man Behind The October 2020 Issue Of Model & Mode: The Incredible Armand Peri

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Bodybuilding expert and serial entrepreneur Armand Peri is no stranger to hard work and overcoming adversity. He was once a seventeen-year-old scrawny kid who used to be bullied a lot but he made a definitive decision to do something about it. He decided to get into weights so that no one would mess around with him anymore and two years later, he was rewarded for all his hard work with a first-place title in the teenage division of “Mr. New Jersey” which then led to winning the heavyweight division in the same competition two years later.

Armand Peri was originally born as the son of Portuguese parents who emigrated to the U.S.; they settled in New Jersey when he was just 12 years of age. He began competitive bodybuilding in the ’90s and all of his hard work eventually paid off as he started winning one bodybuilding competition after another. Besides coming first in the teenage division of “Mr. New Jersey,” he also placed first in other bodybuilding competitions such as the Junior Bodybuilding New Jersey State Championships as well as the NPC Suburban among others.

Fast forward to today and Armand is now a successful entrepreneur, investor, artist, author, and motivational speaker. His fitness goals are quite different now since he’s older and he doesn’t compete in bodybuilding competitions anymore, however, he still works out though just to stay fit and healthy. In his book “Unparalleled Success”, which was published in 2019, he shares his recipe for success. He’s also frequently engaged as a motivational speaker. His genuine desire to help others to achieve true success, while keeping the focus on their professional and personal well-being, is what inspires others to find their own path to victory. Armand also happens to be a mentor to several high-profile personalities such as New York-based fashion model, actor, and former boxing heavyweight champion Rudy Bundini who has modeled for several high profile brands such as Dolce Gabbana, Nike, Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein, Roger Dubuis, Philipp Plein, and Hennessy among others. He also happens to be one of the world’s top male models who was recently featured on Forbes.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with Armand to discuss his journey in the world of modeling and bodybuilding and here’s what went down:

How did you develop an interest in fitness and what drove you to pursue that passion onto social media?

I developed an interest in fitness when I was a scrawny teenager wanting to improve my physical appearance; I began weight training at the age of 17 years old.

How do you balance maintaining a fit body while being busy with being an entrepreneur?

By making my workouts a priority in my life, I always make time for it!

We also note that you were a former bodybuilding champion, when you were competing, what was your diet like?

I began competitive bodybuilding in the ’90s and the following is a list of my bodybuilding achievements: First place at the Junior Bodybuilding New Jersey State Championships, first place at the Mr. New Jersey competition, NPC Suburban Overall Winner (first place), third place at the NPC Jr. Nationals, fourth place at the NPC Jr. USA Championships and sixth place at the NPC USA Championships. My diet back then was low fat, moderate carbohydrates, and one gram of protein per pound of body weight.

Being now that you’re older, has much changed in terms of your fitness training and diet? If so, what has changed?

Since my fitness goals are different now, I work out just to stay fit and healthy.

Do you have a moment in your career when you felt it was the pinnacle for you?

I’m still climbing up in my career so every day is a new pinnacle.

Do you have any “secrets” to bodybuilding success that you would like to share with everyone?

The secret to bodybuilding success is to just be consistent and stay the course, never give up!

What’s your view on the sport of bodybuilding right now? What do you feel has changed since the days when you were competing?

I believe the sport of bodybuilding has changed in the direction of becoming more of a freak show! I prefer the aesthetics of a physique like “Frank Zane’s” over the big monsters of present-day bodybuilding.

Are there any people you would like to thank for helping you get to where you are today? Is there anyone in particular who inspired you?

Yes, I would like to thank my wife Fran Peri who always supported and believed in me.

We further note that you’re a mentor to some of the top male models in the world, which models are you mentoring at the moment and how do you juggle being a mentor with being a successful entrepreneur?

I mentor Rudy Bundini (@rudybundini) who is a New York-based fashion model, actor, and former boxing heavyweight champion. He was recognised as the male model of the year by IMTA. Rudy has so far modeled for high profile brands such as Dolce Gabbana, Nike, Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein, Roger Dubuis, Philipp Plein, and Hennessy and has appeared in numerous runways, campaigns, magazine covers, and billboards. He is also currently one of the world’s top male models who was just featured on Forbes.

What are some of the difficulties of being in the industry?

You have to get used to being rejected without losing faith, just remember that someone will eventually say yes because it’s just a number’s game!

If someone is going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

Maybe Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (laughs)!

The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:

1. Best comfort food: Tagliatelle pasta topped with shaved black truffles.

2. Best pick-me-up: Just always be yourself, never pretend to be someone you’re not!

3. Last good movie I’ve seen: “The Gentlemen” starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, and Michelle Dockery.

4. Three most important characteristics in a person: Integrity, organization, and loyalty.

5. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? Visit Australia.

For more details about Armand please visit his official website on Armand Peri or follow Armand on social media via his social media accounts:

Instagram: lifeperiway

Facebook: ArmandPeriBodybuilder

Twitter armandperi

TikTok armandperi

Trying To Get “Woke??” Here’s How To Awaken The “REAL” You

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We all recognise that social media is a tool, it is almost a ‘who drones wins’ game of crafting attention, engagement, and a mass following to be garnered and used for any given agenda – whether to fuel ego or for a more enterprising purpose. The landscape can be dominated by influence marketing, get-rich-quick-schemes, and Instagram models. Whilst the platforms all undoubtedly have their applications, the game is still basically about who makes the best moves on the chessboard of popularity.

When even ‘less mainstream’ content is filtered through such a distorted prism, and every human act or accomplishment requires a tick of approval, where can we possibly find any clarity of perspective? We are always showing the idealised side of ourselves and our lives. There is an overwhelming need to display our finest moments and to sidestep our worst.

Where is the reality? Just like that tree in the forest, living in the world of social media means we can’t even fathom stepping outside the frame to understand the bigger picture.

One perspective to examine is that of Nicole Armit, Holographic Kinetics (HK) practitioner (and holistic qualified chef) of ‘The Mind Foodie’. She says “…it all starts with us. Our perceptions and reactions, the world inside our own selves – the ongoing journey. Learning how powerful we can be when we tune in the observation of what is in our hearts and in our spirits. Find what helps you do that, without giving away your own power.”

Her approach – in accordance with the central tenets of the HK as a modality as espoused by founder Stephen Richards – is to access an internal mechanism as the sovereign guide to renewed choice and intent. This refers to ‘Spirit’, an essence that is neither New Age nor religious but, exists purely in its own right, belonging fundamentally to each and every individual on this planet. HK is comprised of the ancient Aboriginal knowledge of the laws of ‘Lore’ and the understanding that all things in nature are alive.

Empowerment is seen as the ability to change and manifest new cycles and patterns in an individual right down to their core, on a fractal level, and on multiple timelines. It is based on the principle that there is an internal invisible world that exists alongside the external. The zero points of these worlds are always the observer.

This means empowerment is the acknowledgment that we are the creator of our universe. This is how we answer the question of the tree falling in the forest: we are the arbiter of our own reality.

This viewpoint is echoed by Nigel Reading, a prominent architect and TEDx speaker responsible for the ‘Asynsis Paradigm’ that examines fractal geometries as embedded in complex systems and living beings alike. He states that “…we need to look at both the animate and inanimate, at the dynamical and space-time, not just the frozen and static.”

Just like the universe in and around us, we are perfectly paradoxical. No bandwagon, no predominant expectation, nor- or any form of outwardly driven phenomenon can give us our power. It is already within.

Despite a conditioned inclination to do the opposite, it is about not shying away from our darker moments, our deepest wounds, and perceived failings. Rather, it is about embracing and redefining them in the present. The process is dynamic. It is transcendental. Most importantly, empowerment is a vital force that is diametric to any extraneous viewpoint. In plain speak, it just is.

Trying to ‘get woke’? Maybe just try getting real.

Meditation To Handle Depression: Why It Works and How To Get Started

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By: Jess Nugent

I remember a few years back when I first started hearing about meditation and to be honest, I thought it was a bit of a joke. A few weeks later my doctor suggested I control my anxiety by cutting out weight lifting and taking up Tai Chi… to which I responded, “oh haha ok.”

This is only because I didn’t truly understand the process or the benefits of meditation. I felt if I had just sat myself on a mat, closed my eyes, and started humming along (my very naive image of what meditation looks like) – I would immediately start thinking of what I need to do tomorrow/next week, or that dumb thing I said to someone five years ago.

MINDFULNESS AND MENTAL BALANCE

To explain meditation I want to explain to you how I view mental balance. Depression lives in the past so when we spend so much time thinking about things that have happened, it affects what we are doing today.

Anxiety lives in the future, again we spend time worrying, not just about things that are happening but things that could happen or go wrong. Or, you may be doing both. I have been there and it honestly feels like you are living in limbo! And no, living equally in the past and present do not balance you out as you are on a different frequency.

Happiness lives in the present. It is inside you right now and is unlockable through practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is being aware and conscious of your surroundings, what you see, and what you feel with your senses. So if it is inside us, why is it so hard? When you are in a depressive or anxious state you are mentally living in either the past or the future, so your body almost goes into autopilot to get you through the day. Do you ever get into your car and drive, then you end up at the destination without even really remembering the journey? That is the opposite of mindfulness and consciousness. We all do this a lot more than we think.

SO WHAT IS MEDITATION?

Meditation is anything that draws you away from your thoughts of past/future and brings you into the present moment. It involves you truly being conscious and aware of your surroundings – it is not being absent of thought as I used to believe.

The great thing is that there are so many different ways to incorporate this into your life, you may already be doing it without knowing, and some of you won’t even need to change your schedule – just your mindset.

EXERCISE

I never really understood why I felt like a new person after most gym sessions (obviously endorphins etc, but it was always something more than this). When I am doing weight training, I literally clear my mind and am purely thinking about what my body is doing, how I am moving, where I feel tension, and pushing through each exercise. That is meditation. Living in the current moment.

I then leave the gym having been brought back to the present, that central position of the diagram, rebalanced and with a fresh new outlook. So I know now that when I am having a particularly anxious day, or I’m feeling really down about something that has happened – a good gym session can usually help.

Tips: Limit your phone use at the gym. Nothing breaks your meditation like a message from your friend saying “omg can you believe that status Becky posted yesterday” or your partner saying “We need to do washing tonight” or “what are we having for dinner”. Forcing you to live again in either the past or future!

If you feel your mind wandering, take a deep breath and really focus on the action you are doing currently, don’t just go through the motions, squeeze the muscle you are trying to target, and think about how it feels.

WHEN ARE YOU MOST HAPPY?

Meditation is not only available while being active. Think to yourself – when are you most happy? Maybe you love to paint, you can get out a big canvas and some paints and concentrate on what brush strokes you are using, how your hand moves, and the combinations of colours.

Activities that require some form of physical movement are best as they make you become aware of controlling your body. Even listening to music and going for a walk can be great as long as you really focus on the way your steps hit the pavement, the way the air feels on your skin, or the way the music sounds.

Think about your five senses and how the environment stimulates each of them. Being around friends can be a good way to get yourself back into the present also, but it is more difficult to control your mindfulness here, especially if you are new to the idea. Organize an activity to do that limits past/present talk, go out for a meal that is an experience. You could even communicate these ideas to your friends and involve them in steering conversation away from negativity or worries, to what is going on at the present moment.

Tips: Remain focused as mentioned above. Do things that you feel comfortable doing, where you won’t be putting pressure on yourself! I.e. If I am terrible at drawing and aim to recreate a work by Michelangelo as meditation, I am likely to get frustrated with myself. The exercise is not goal-oriented but process-oriented. The satisfaction is not in the completion, it is at the moment.

Just breathe and focus, it gets easier the more you do it. Actually, allocate time every single day, your mind will enjoy being brought back to ground zero and you’ll find it easier to get through other tasks afterward.

About the writer:

Jess Nugent is a writer, model, advocate for mental wellness, and a baker! Her passion for all areas of mental health stems from her personal battles, and time spent supporting loved ones through struggles also. She graduated from Macquarie University with a BA – Psychology and uses this knowledge alongside lived-experience to, not only raise awareness and remove the stigma around anxiety/depression but provide strategies for coping. Jess has a strong focus on health and well-being. She has spent 6+ years working in the fitness industry and uses exercise/diet to create balance in her own life.

Influencer Marketing 101: What You Need to Know

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Influencer Marketing is most usually carried out on the platform of choice: Instagram. According to Forbes Magazine, an Insta account with over one million followers can attract upwards of $50k for a single sponsored post.”

Life as an Influencer is becoming an increasingly stacked game. In a world of paid likes/followers, fickle algorithms, and those ‘lurky bots’, it’s become even harder to market yourself in 2019. With more Instagram Models on the scene than ever before; this creates a higher level of competition overall.

Gaining traction on social media often means hitting that elusive fan quota. However, it’s often a vague figure that allows you to qualify. This begs the question: how many people have to follow you or like your page in order to make you a legitimate Influencer? What will warrant enough credibility amidst a miasma of hashtagging and 24/7 responsiveness? You should start by applying a thick-skinned approach to negative comments (ironically, with much skin on show) and all ‘round people-pleasing.

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. What does an Influence Marketer and/or Instagram Model actually do? Well, they create ‘sponsored content’. That means someone sends them something and they promote it to their audience, eg. “OMG this skin cream is the bomb, I now have no pimples”, or “this teeth whitening product is so great I can now allow myself to smile” – all the whilst being paid to give, let’s face it, an entirely biased review.

Influence Marketing is most usually carried out on the platform of choice: Instagram. According to Forbes Magazine, an Insta account with over one million followers can attract upwards of $50k for a single sponsored post: that’s certainly big bickies! What you may not know is that the social media landscape is continuing to change, and it’s not always in the interest of an Influence Marketer.

For example, have you heard of the term ‘Micro Influencer’? These are commonly described as ‘ordinary people’ (whatever that means) with a decent following of around 3000 followers. Usually, they aren’t ‘big-fish’ enough to score entirely free products, and they don’t always garner a genuine ‘hard-dried-ink’ modeling contract with, you know, an actual brand.

While the demand for Micro-Influencers grows (and will continue to do so during 2021); so does earning potential decline. This demographic is more often than not, underpriced. With so many people putting their hands up to assist e-commerce operators, for example, accepting the offer to post about a beach towel whilst wearing a bikini, this means that the value of a Micro-Influencers’ engagement is vastly cheapened. It’s just supply and demand – economics 101.

The fact is, being a Micro-Influencer is generally not something to be taken too seriously. That’s because you can only ever earn a mere fraction of what your more socially mobile counterparts (you know those Insta peeps with the covetable green badge) can attract per post. What does this ‘Verified Badge’ on Instagram actually mean? Well, according to the platform itself, “a verified badge is a check that appears next to an Instagram account’s name in search and on the profile. It means Instagram has confirmed that an account is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or global brand it represents.”

How do you get your very own Insta Badge? You can apply to get one by going into your platform’s settings tab, providing your ID, and waiting for that all-important response. However, there are no guarantees! But, that’s always the way, isn’t it? After all, there are no 100 percent shatter-proof formulas for achieving success in online marketing. Keep in mind that those ‘masterclasses’ will surely tell you differently, though.

Being an Instagram Model and marketing yourself is but a means to an end. It is not necessarily something to hinge your ‘bread-and-butter’ upon. If you are reaping the rewards as an Influence Marketer than more power to you. If you are still struggling and wondering why it’s not actually working for you, then remember things are never what they seem – especially when it comes to the world of social media/influencer marketing!

5 Tips For Success In The Modelling Industry

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Pursuing the modeling dream is never an easy undertaking. The road towards the top will be filled with challenges, with many people giving up before they reach the reality of what they have always dreamed of. Whether you would like to pursue a career in modeling, you will be facing stiff competition. In some instances, you will end up being frustrated and with low confidence. With this in mind, keep on reading and learn from some of the tips that we will be sharing which will help you in reaching your dream of becoming a model one day.

Start with Training

Before you even start with auditions and going to go-sees, the first thing that you have to do is to have extensive training in modeling. There are some schools offering formal training to those who would like to harness their skills. Even at home, you can practice with the help on online modules and tutorials. This will help you to be familiar with the different techniques.

Prepare your Portfolio

This is specifically the case for those who have big dreams to have a career in modeling. This will serve as your resume. Your folio will show how you look in front of the camera and will make it easier for agents to assess whether they should accept you or not. It should be made in such a way that it will be able to highlight what you can do and offer. This will be a tool for marketing yourself, so make sure that it will be convincing enough.

Find an Agent

You should also exert effort in finding a talent agency. The agent will make it easier for you to land gigs in the future. Their extensive network will also increase the likelihood of creating a name for yourself. You just have to make sure that you are working with a legitimate agent.

Go on Auditions

This is another important thing if you want to have a successful modeling career. Be proactive in looking for potential auditions. Before auditioning, make sure that you are fully-prepared. Get enough rest, and as it has been earlier pointed out, practice so that you can deliver an impressive performance.

Never Lose Hope

This is perhaps the best to keep in mind as you pursue your modeling dream. Rejection is part of the game, which will make you frustrated. This, however, should not be areas on to give up. If you fail once, ask yourself on what happened and use this as an inspiration to be better. Learn from your past mistakes. Use it as a motivation to be better.

6 Best Detox Waters For Weight Loss And Body Cleanse

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Did you know that water makes up 95 percent of the human brain and 60 to 70 percent of the entire body? Hydration is essential for both mental acuity and physical performance. Sometimes, it can be difficult to get your eight glasses of water per day. Perhaps your lifestyle/diet has included increased levels of alcohol and caffeine? The detrimental effects of these toxins can be reversed with increased hydration.

Detox waters are great ways to make water more enjoyable. And, they have extra health benefits as well. It’s really simple – just fill up a container or glass with water and add nutritious ingredients. Leave overnight to distill. You’ll find that a lot of everyday fruits and veggies, and also kitchen cupboard staples, can easily transform humble H2O into your personalized detox solution. Here are the top picks:

Lemon

Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin c and enzymes. Nothing really tops the natural cleansing properties of citric acid. Lemon has been associated with boosting the liver’s function and tissue regeneration. This means great things for your metabolism and you’ll be radiating with healthy skin.

Cucumbers

The humble cucumber is one of the most hydrating of all vegetables – it’s mostly made up of water. It’s great for your physical health as it contains the minerals magnesium, potassium, silicon, and sulfur (those last two are particularly great for stimulating hair growth). Also, it’s very high in vitamins C and B, working synonymously to promote good general health and energy levels.

Strawberries

We all know strawberries are a luscious, tasty fruit. They provide a great flavour while also packing a punch of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Actually, it’s the phytonutrients in strawberries (that gives them their distinctive flavour and smell) that provide protective, disease-preventing compounds. Strawberries also have been proven to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cranberries/cranberry juice

Cranberry is perhaps best known for its ability to fight and preventing urinary tract infections. This berry can also improve immune function and lower cholesterol. Cranberry juice is a lot more convenient and easy to acquire in a supermarket than the berries in whole form. The berries themselves are often referred to as a “superfood” for their extremely high nutrient and antioxidant density.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a pantry staple but it’s also a very powerful detox supplement. It contains pectin, which is great for intestinal health. Just one or two tablespoons mixed in water can work well to reduce bloating and water retention. It’s also brilliant in combating indigestion. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can also work to suppress appetite and increase metabolism.

Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper has long been used therapeutically by many societies throughout the world. It stimulates circulation and helps to neutralise acidity. It works hard to get the digestive tract moving. This means increased metabolism and weight loss through the assimilation and elimination of toxins. Helping the body to sweat and to increase lymphatic and digestive rhythms, cayenne pepper in your morning beverage provides a great total body detox.

5 Fabulous Beauty Tips That’ll Make You Look Like a Star

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We all know that looking and feeling beautiful helps you feel more confident about yourself when you are in a crowd right? Well, if you want to look and feel like a star with rockhard confidence then you need to try the following beauty regimens:

Create your own mode of fashion

Let’s face it; beauty and fashion are inseparable. Therefore, to attain a higher level of beauty, you must also stay in fashion so that you get noticed whenever you are out and about in public. In connection to this, you need to make sure that you look fabulous and organized with your chosen look. A carefully curated look that reflects who you are on the inside, matches your values and aligns with your goals – can speak volumes on your outside appearance. You need to use the power of your personal style to dress for success, and boost your confidence. You also need to create your very own signature look because that’s the epitome of personal style. It’s the icing on a classy and sophisticated wardrobe, but at the same time the best foundation for any style journey.

Beauty enhancement

Natural beauty is ideally better. But then again if you want to enhance your beauty even further, you need to use innovative products that can enhance your look. With the use of quality cosmetics, you can now have the chance to look like your favourite celebrity.

When you look beautiful you feel great about yourself. You stay poised and confident most of the time. However, you must also give attention to your hands as well as your feet. To completely achieve your beauty goals, you must look good and feel good from head to toe so you probably need to engage in foot scrubs and pedicures to keep your hands and feet looking neat and healthy.

Eyelash extensions are a big deal these days because they enhance what most women consider their best feature – the eyes. Eyelash extensions make your lashes look thicker, fuller, and longer. The curl at the end of the extensions also helps the eye look more open, giving a more dramatic and attention-grabbing look.

Most celebrities do laser treatments because they have long-lasting effects. Lasers can be used to remove hair from almost any part of your body, take away any unwanted wrinkles as well as other discoloration. They are typically used for beauty enhancement because they can help boost your appearance by giving you a much younger look.

Facial creams are a must if you want to enhance your look so you can look like a celebrity. There are dozens of facial creams out there that can smooth wrinkles and make your skin look firmer. These creams use special ingredients that can stimulate your skin which can give your face a healthy glow and a younger look by hiding blemishes and tightening the pores.

Proper hair care

We’ve all heard of the saying “your hair is your crowning glory.” With proper care and maintenance of your shiny, and glowing hair, you can have a look that will surely be the envy of others. To maintain the health of your hair, you must regularly use high-quality shampoo and conditioner. In saying that, don’t wash your hair more than you have to. Whenever you can, try to skip a day here and there – water can make your hair swell from the inside, and because of that, you can get frizz or breakage in your hair. When you use a conditioner, try to leave it on your hair for at least five to ten minutes, and then rinse your hair with cool water so that residual conditioner will be left on your hair leaving it nice and soft. Also, if you want your hair to look shiny, try using dry oils because they can create the most fabulous shine. Dry oils smooth the hair’s cuticle giving your hair that impeccable shine.

Dress sophisticated and classy

It is a highly known fact that clothes make the man (or woman). The mode of your clothing reflects your personality. If you want to add sophistication and class to your everyday outfits then you need to put together essential elements to make sure your style and confidence shine through. Try going for clothing made of materials that will last well into the next century – this is what you should be looking to add to your wardrobe. Something along the lines of cotton, wool, linen, and silk. These four basic fabrics will certainly go the distance if cared for properly. Once cleaned and pressed, outfits made of these fabrics tend to give off a sophisticated vibe. If you’re also going for that sophisticated and classy look, try outfits with neutral colours such as white, black, gray, beige, or cream. Lastly, make sure your outfit isn’t too big or small for you – fit is the perfect style. Skirts should be just above or below the knee and blouses, and sweaters should always follow the curve of your waist.

Establish a regular exercise habit

Your fitness is an essential ingredient when it comes to maintaining your beauty. With this, you must exercise regularly in order to look good and feel good all the time. This can be your best way to attain the perfect body shape that you have been dreaming of. Anyone who makes a habit of going for a jog, playing sports or going to the gym fully well knows that the rewards of exercise extend far beyond just slimming down or adding muscles in your body. When you exercise you feel great and you look great, your skin looks a tad smoother and more radiant, your stress level goes down, your body has better immunity and you feel more confident about yourself.

Meet The Model Behind The August 2020 Issue Of Model & Mode: The Stunning Maia Fuchs

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Maia Fuchs is a half Australian and half Israeli model who was initially doing TPF (Time for print) shoots with various photographers once in a while when she came across a pageant called Miss Auto D’Elegance – it was looking for contestants last year. She decided to apply and she actually made it as a finalist for Miss Auto D’Elegance 2019 where she eventually ended up placing 4th overall. From then on, she got scouted by the CEO of a modeling agency who was in the audience at the time and she has been modeling full time ever since.

Model & Mode Magazine recently caught up with Maia to discuss her journey in the modeling ndustry and here’s what went down:

Tell us your full name and something about yourself

My name is Maia Fuchs and I was originally born in Australia. I lived in England for a few years, after which I then moved and grew up in America, and now I’m back home in Sydney. I live here with my mom, dad, brother, 2 pet birds, and my gorgeous pet greyhound.

Photo Credit: Dave Choo

How did you get into the modeling industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?

I was doing a few TFP shoots every now and then just for fun when I saw that the pageant, Miss Auto D’Elegance, was looking for models. I ended up applying and making it into the finals where I placed 4th. From there I got scouted by an agency that was in the audience at the time and I’ve been modeling full time ever since.

What do you like most about being a model?

There are so many talented and passionate people in this industry and it’s just such a pleasure getting to meet and work with every single one of them. You always come out of a shoot with tons of helpful tips and friendships.

The downside to being a model?

It’s a whole lifestyle. If you really want to be the best model you can be then you need to make sure you’re eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising daily, and just overall taking care of your mental health. If those are not things you normally do it can be quite difficult to change your whole routine around to add them in.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the modeling industry so far?

Last February I was flown to Bali, Indonesia for the Australian Supermodel Of The Year competition. It was so amazing getting to meet all the talented models from all over Australia and being able to exchange all of our different modeling stories, all the while being in Bali and learning about the world of fashion from various industry professionals.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

When I was in Bali the ASOTY team brought in Esma Volder, the current Miss World titleholder, and she was absolutely an inspiration. She is an amazing spokesperson for the company Bully Zero and just overall an amazing role model. It was truly inspiring to hear her speak about what she stands for and how she got to this point in her life.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the modeling industry. This can be about the industry or yourself.

That everyone is beautiful and its good to be unique and different. I used to get bullied for my pale skin, freckles, and red hair which is now all of the things that help me stand out in a casting and book jobs. Modeling has really helped me appreciate all of my “flaws” and that even though I may look different I am still beautiful.

Working in an industry whose only emphasis is on the outside characteristics of a person, how have you stayed grounded?

I like to constantly take myself away from work and put myself out in nature. I always go for hikes and walks with my dog to remind myself that there is so much more to life than just what I’m doing or working on in that current moment.

Is your family supportive of you being in the modeling industry?

Absolutely! It was their idea for me to give modeling a go. Before I got my license they used to drive me to every shoot as well. I am so grateful for them for giving me this opportunity, I would have never been able to start without all their help.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I’d love to work as a full-time fashion model one day. It would be an absolute dream of mine to be featured in Vogue magazine.

4 Fabulous Style Tips Every Model Should Know

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Knowing how to look stylish and chic every time you step out of the house is a skill every model should have. Now if you experience difficulties with this, we’ve got you covered with four essential fashion tips. These tips are fashion foundations you can build upon to become the next trendsetter!

If you have a special event coming up or you simply would love to look good daily, follow the tips below to create a fabulous and stylish wardrobe.

1. Pair prints and patterns with plain apparels

The first thing you should know when picking out outfits is that prints and patterns should not be paired together. Instead, pair patterned apparel with plain colours. For example, you can wear a striped blouse with black pants/skirts and a polka-dotted skirt with a yellow blouse.

A combination of prints and patterns is riotous and the biggest fashion mistake anyone can make so make sure you avoid them!

2. Don’t be scared of bright colours

While dark colours like black, grey, dark blue, and dark green are safe colours in fashion, wearing them repeatedly can get boring and force you to blend into the crowd. So minimize your use of these colours and go for more colourful apparel like yellow, pink, white, red, and light blue. Bright colours are exciting and make you more approachable. If you don’t want to attract too much attention to yourself, you can combine light and dark-coloured apparel.

3. Make sure an outfit fits perfectly

When shopping for new clothes, make sure you choose outfits that fit perfectly. Don’t buy clothes that are too tight or too big. Both errors can ruin the look you’re trying to create with your outfit. Clothes that fit perfectly make you look smart and stylish so before purchasing an outfit, make sure it’s the perfect fit.

4. Accessorise

The impact of accessories on an outfit cannot be over-emphasized. Accessories enhance your look stylishly and make you stand out. So fill your wardrobe with as many bags, earrings, bracelets, belts, scarves, and necklaces as you can afford. Don’t forget to accessorize moderately for a better impact.

While fashion trends change almost as frequently as we blink, these basic tips will keep you on top of the trends at all times. So experiment with bright colours, don’t pair prints with patterns, make sure your clothes fit perfectly, and accessorize for a trendy and stylish look.

One On One With The CEO Of Royalle Modelling: George Bastoli

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Royalle Modelling is an international talent agency based in Sydney with a reputation for being one of Australia’s most prestigious agencies.

They recruit, train, and develop unique talents for various photo shoots, TV commercials, video shoots, and runway events. Founder and CEO of Royalle Modelling, George Bastoli has over 15 years of experience in the modeling industry combined with 10 years of experience in corporate marketing.

Model & Mode magazine recently caught up with George and here’s what went down:

Firstly, congratulations on the 11th year anniversary. How do you feel?

Thank you. I’m very proud of what we’ve created.

So how did Royalle Modelling get started?

Good question. I actually got into the industry when I was 12 years old, helping my uncle behind the scenes for a beauty pageant in Dee Why.

I didn’t really know what it was all about, I was just helping out and I guess I liked the excitement and fast pace of it all. When I turned 18, I actually started doing some modeling work myself part-time and was pretty popular in the club and social scenes. Soon, lots of people wanted to know how I got into it so I started helping out friends and random people get modeling and promo work. In 2008 I thought, I should start a company, so I created Royalle and we kind of did everything from promo modeling, artist management through to events management. It was very different to where we are today.

So you’ve been in the industry since you were 12 years old?? Amazing! So, how old are you now if you don’t mind us asking?

I’m 31…but sometimes people think I’m 18 (laughs)

You started the agency in 2008. We’re sure a lot has happened in the 10 years that Royalle has been around. What were some of the key things that you have learned about the industry?

Wow, big question! There’s so much I’ve learned and I still learn more every day. I’ve literally managed thousands of models around the world and have worked with all sorts of clients; from backyard brands to companies as big as YSL, L’Oréal, and Reebok. I guess the main thing I’ve learned is that the trends will always change, but you need to make sure your values don’t.

I really enforce this to all our models to uphold our values as a fundamental that they bring into every conversation and situation and its one of the things I’m the proudest of most. I have so much more to share but I’ll be here all year if I keep going…

We love that. What sort of values does Royalle Encourage?

Well, what makes a person memorable in my opinion isn’t how they look, but how they make you feel. When someone is genuine you can really pick it up. When you’re genuinely doing something you’re passionate about, it’s almost impossible for anyone else to do it better than you because passion and love is way more powerful than ‘technique.’ But because technique is also very important, I make sure we invest lots of time in training and developing our models to be the best at their passions while also encouraging them to explore their diversity and to learn from one another. You also need to have integrity. Integrity builds trust. I can happily say that I trust our models. We have an open relationship and I know our clients really appreciate that about us. It’s really those values of Passion, being open-minded, and having Integrity that Royalle Modelling Encourages.

What would you say is the main thing that separates Royalle from other agencies?

Oh, I love this question. Royalle has ALWAYS been the industry dark horse as we do things VERY differently (laughs). It has created some unique reactions over the years but now we sit as one of the top 4 agencies in Australia so I feel like the world is ready for what we offer.

To answer your question, the main thing that we have always done differently is providing a family-style environment to those that wouldn’t normally even be given a shot because of ‘set industry standards’ (175cm tall, size 4-6, Caucasian). I mean, we employ many models that fit that profile, but that’s not entirely who we are. Our gift is that we love to find naturally beautiful people in a thousand unique ways and teach them the Royalle Standards. Our values are heavily enforced and the training and development opportunities we provide, from production through to mentoring, is strong and consistent. We absolutely LOVE getting our models their dream jobs and have zero tolerance for bad attitudes and people who treat our modeling opportunities as ‘just a job.’ I’m very proud to say that we have one of the lowest turnovers of models and clients in the industry and we do this WITHOUT the need for contracts.

Sounds amazing! We also noticed that Royalle has one of the highest ratings with the most reviews on Google. Well done. Now for the last question, what is one piece of advice you want to give to anyone out there who is thinking about becoming a model.

The modeling industry can be a very fun and rewarding place, but also a very damaging place if you don’t know how to navigate it. It is a professional industry that is often polluted by creeps and naive people who think that Instagram likes equals modeling credibility. My advice is to treat the modeling space like a professional career job because it is. Act professional, communicate professionally, learn, and dedicate yourself.