Did you know for years I helped young models live a healthy and organized life? For instance, on September 1st 2011, Anne-Marie van Dijk and I went to my agency IMG for the first annual IMG Model Prep which happens right before the agency’s new girls start Fashion Week.

Fashion Week preparations

Not only is the fashion industry a demanding industry, the weeks leading up to Fashion Week season, and fashion weeks themselves can be mentally and physically exhausting. (Young) models have to run around town going on castings, fittings, shows, and afterparties, subway in and out, and this continuous for weeks from the early morning until late at night.

IMG which is the top agency in the World, was the first to create this event where they bring in industry professionals and experts to advise the girls on tips on what to do doing castings and shows, support and how to handle the crazy business that is fashion. Most girls need to HALT at some point because they are “Hungry, Anxious, Lonely & Tired: HALT”. A great clinical worker named Betsy Selman-Babinecz explained this principle to the girls.

READ MORE: IMG Model Talk 2012

My IMG model talk

I shared with the girls my past experiences in the industry and starting at the very young age of 13, and how I continued having a successful career. I advised the girls and gave them valuable advice about how to handle the stressful fashion week season (i.e. always carry water, snacks and take time by yourself to recharge and breathe), but also about having longevity in the business, which in my view is most crucial. It is about caring for yourself, so you are able to have a long and healthy future in this very demanding and competitive world.

My friend Anne-Marie introduced her CLEANSE program. It works with models, and the CLEANSE team which is comprised of experts ranging from nutritionists, personal trainers, psychologists and beyond. They have a model counselor who works with the girls individually and allows them to have a healthy body, mind and soul.

READ MORE: IMG Models open to all

Girls were given goodie bags with nice things to help them in their modeling work. There were different tables with nice companies that were giving samples, like the sample juices from BluePrintCleanse.

At the end of the night, everyone left inspired. It was a wonderful evening on the beautiful IMG terrace, celebrating health and hopefully a lot of success of the girls this season and in their modeling career.

Love, Lonneke

First published on September 1st 2011, updated in 2009