Bite Autumn 2012

bite fashion

Photography: Laura McKinnon Make-Up: Katie Sproull Clothing: Suits from £75 at Slaters Glasgow www.slaters.co.uk

editor saying well done, which felt so good.” Isla Rafferty said, “ Unfortunately, in Scotland male models that are less commercial do not get as much interest from bookers. In the European market models with a more edgy look, like Elliot, are very popular. In Rome Elliot has come across many fantastic opportunities.” Since working in Rome, Elliot’s profile in the fashion industry has risen. From working on large scale photo shoots with pieces designed by

women. I feel that male models are sort of like their counterpart. Do not get me wrong, there is definitely a market for male models but it is not as big.” Isla agreed, “In Scotland, particularly, there is much less work for male models than female. The models at mainboard level are more likely to succeed. When a male model joins our agency we urge the importance of self- promotion and having a positive working attitude.” Whatever challenge is presented, Elliot Mackie will

Dior, Givenchy and Balmain, his knowledge of the fashion industry has expanded. Elliot preaches the importance of international work to any model hoping to succeed. “I have learnt so much more from working in Italy. Everything is on a much larger scale, there are more resources and everyone is incredibly stylish.” Behind the extravagant exterior of high fashion editorials, Elliot has experienced both the positive and negative aspects of the men’s modelling industry. Reflecting back on his journey so far, Elliot advised, “ You have to be realistic.Always be ready to be disappointed because, in fashion, nothing is guaranteed. Although, when things do work out and fall into place, working in fashion is fantastic.You really need to work hard. Do not rely completely on an agency, you need to network and do as much as you can. Once you are established, you can be more selective about who you work with. Only work with someone who is going to give you good images and who will

be beneficial to you.” When looking at the modelling industry from the outside, through photographs in magazines and televised campaigns, it can be easy to lump all the sectors together and to presume that the experience of male and female models is relatively similar. However, this is definitely not the case.The women and men of the fashion industry experience many different challenges and pressures. Working alongside female models is a regular occurrence for Elliot who said, “I think male models do not feel as pressured to fit into a category or to be skinny. As a male model, I tend to find that there is less pressure to be of a certain weight. Most people rarely see a boy and comment on how skinny he is but I hear people comment on girls’ weight all the time.” However, Elliot also believes male models face their own separate difficulties, especially whenworking in a woman’s world. “ The industry is generally more focused on

rise to the occasion. The teenage model has proven himself despite concerns over his height and is sure to further succeed in the future. Having learned more about the fashion industry over the past year Elliot has taken an interest in photography, something he hopes to pursue after his modelling career has ended. Animated, speaking quickly, Elliot said, “Some of my biggest personal achievements have been to work with amazing photographers I aspire to, like Tommaso Salamina and Erica Fava. I really enjoy photography and it is something I am looking into. I think having experienced life on the other side of the camera it is almost a natural progression.” With increasing emerging talent on the fringes of the men’s modelling industry, the future looks positive.The successful young men of the modelling industry,like Elliot,are setting the tone for the next generation of models and a new and improved industry. www.superiormodelmanagement.net www.iconmodels.it