So you want to be a top model?
So you want to be a top model?
Well you just might have what it takes. Meet one of the most powerful men in the modeling world today. He’s Director of New Faces for Wilhelmina New York and is an expert on scoping out the best in what models have to offer the fashion world. Roman scouts Union Square, the streets of the Upper East Side and even attends teenager events, in the hopes of discovering the next “it” girl. Do not think for a moment that Roman would not like to see you, should your profile pique his interest. He vows that you can find a top model anywhere; you just need to be on the lookout!
Roman is of Hawaiian, Chinese and English descent, quite a diverse background, and exactly how he likes his models. We asked Roman all types of questions aspiring models would want to know the answers to. Enjoy!
I think you should definitely look out for Miao Bin Si from China as well as Sun Fei Fei and Charlene.
ASIANCE: How did you know that you wanted to work at Wilhelmina?
Roman: I met the wonderful team here and knew right away that it was the right fit for me! The history of the company and the chance to help reshape the image for the future was also an amazing opportunity…
(If you get a chance, read about Wilhelmina Cooper’s fascinating history and contribution as an agent and advocate for ethnic diversity in the “Models as Muse” Met exhibit book. She was a pioneer!!!)
ASIANCE: What is the first thing you look for when you scope out a model? Then, what is next? How do you assess?
Roman: The first thing I look at is the face 🙂
Then the body to figure out where they could fit into the marketplace and the world of modeling (high fashion, commercial print, plus).
ASIANCE: What separates the girls from making it, into the girls who are the one hit wonders and may walk in a few shows or have a few editorials?
Roman: It really comes down to their personality and how they were raised… If they are not afraid of hard work and confident in their sense of self they always go far.
It’s how you react to the things happening around you that tells a lot about you…
ASIANCE: What is the latest trend in models? Is it the Asians?
Roman: I would say there is definitely a rise in the presence of Asian models which is absolutely wonderful… Also classic beauty is back… I think next we will see the typical pushback from fashionistas who try so hard to be different… so naturally they will move towards more linear, tomboyish extreme beauty. I believe there will be room for both types over the coming seasons.
ASIANCE: What do you think of Shu Pei and Liu Wen who just received large cosmetic contracts? The first Asian Women to ever do so!!!
Roman: I think it’s phenomenal! This opens the door to conditioning people’s international perception of what global beauty can be.
ASIANCE: Give us some other Asian models that we should look out for?
Roman: I think you should definitely look out for Miao Bin Si from China as well as Sun Fei Fei and Charlene. By the time this prints I am sure there will be 20 amazing new Asian models from around the world which brings a HUGE smile to my face!
Sometimes as Asians we have a tendency to prize the pale skin ideal to a fault.
ASIANCE: Are South Asian models the next big thing?
Roman: I believe it’s time for Asians to embrace South Asian beauties as well… Sometimes as Asians we have a tendency to prize the pale skin ideal to a fault. With the rampant use of bleaching creams we have almost become overly focused on this standard and myopic in how we view our own ethnicity with what we consider beautiful.
My mother is a gorgeous mix of Hawaiian and Chinese and was/is often mistaken for Filipino or Southeast Asian. Growing up she was always teased by members of the family as “the dark one” which I know bothered her as a child. I am always mindful about this history in my own family and think about what kind of damage our business can do when we fail to be representative of all shades of Asian beauty. I know it’s one small step at a time and I am actively pushing the envelope with scouting and reminding clients to redefine to themselves how vast the variety of Asian beauty can be. Every new face in this business is an opportunity to change the global standard… Just look at Alek Wek and imagine a time when she was not a model…
ASIANCE: Gives us some insight into what types of models you think we’re going to see at Fashion Week this September?
Roman: I think we will see the true classic beauties this season, as well as multiple ethnic groups, and some severe very edgy types.
ASIANCE: What is the best way to go about getting signed if you are an aspiring model?
Roman: Email me your pictures!!! roman@wilhelmina.com
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite Asian model?
Roman: That’s a hard one… Jenny Shimizu and Navia Nguyen were amazing to see in pictures… And Ling in Armani! Ai Tominaga’s legs take my breath away… Watching her walk the runway is magical!
The new beauty for me is definitely Liu Wen. And the all time chameleon was Daul Kim.
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite all time model?
Roman: Yasmeen Ghauri
ASIANCE: Do you have any closing advice for Asian girls who want to break into the modeling business?
Roman: If you have what it takes, don’t give up… Don’t feel that you have to be a stereotypical Asian beauty to make it in this business… One of my closest childhood friends Maggie Q (who stars in the new CW show “Nikita”) always thought she was too short to be a successful model and nothing could have been further from the truth! I always say that in this business if you can’t get in through the front door don’t be afraid to climb in through the window!