IMG Model Talk 2012

In August 2012 I spoke at the IMG model Prep 2012, an event organized by IMG models for their young models who will experience New York Fashion Week for the first time. The past years this event has become a solid part of preparation for Fashion Week by IMG, with great speakers, healthy food, nice drinks, and great goodiebags for all the models!

People speaking at the IMG model Prep

* Nian Fish – Producer

* James Scully – Casting Director

* Betsey Selman- Babinecz – Board Certified Clinical Social Worker.

* Lonneke Engel – IMG Model and Certified Health Counselor

*Anne-Marie van Dijk & Amanda Nicole Gilpin – CLEANSE

* Jessica Stam – CFDA Health Initiative Ambassador

Antoniette Costa, who also contributes to Organice Your Life®, also came to watch me speak. Coincidentally me, Antoniette & Jessica Stam went to Jimmy Fallon and Dinner with a friend of ours just last week!

IMG Model Prep booklet

they also make a cute booklet for everyone each year with my tips in it, and information for everyone about the people speaking, but also on health stores, doctors, and other important phone numbers.

I have done this now I think 4 times in a row, and I really enjoy doing this!

READ MORE: IMG Model Prep 2011

MY IMG model talk 2012

My focus was that the girls should see themselves as a business women, and that they should take care of their bodies as businesses. The better the organize their lives, the more chance they have to have a successful, long lasting career. The most successful girls in this industry, like Gisele & Heidi Klum, are true business women. While you can never know what fashion designers and casting directors want that season (meaning: if you will be picked or not) You can do your part by making sure you are taking care of all the things you do have a say in. Like eating healthy, and being prepared by bringing healthy foods with you. If you don’t eat (cause you think that will help you stay in shape during fashion week) think again: nobody is going to book the girl who looks tired and has no energy. Also important: Make sure you have all the things with you at shows and castings that you need, like a phone charger. Being prepared is key. Jessica Stam, who spoke as well, put emphasis on being on time. And David Cunningham, who initiated these meetings years ago, also said: “If you get 10 shows or not one, it does not matter. We. Don’t. Care.” That’s so nice about IMG models, they think longterm. Any girl that was present yesterday, can depend on the trust of their agents even beyond fashion week. And that they can call them throughout Fashion Week, and anytime, with anything. If they are waiting too long for a casting, or they have to see a doctor, the agents are there for them, and that is nice to know! I wished them a lot of luck in their career!

READ MORE: IMG open to all

Goodie bags

At the end, all models got a personalized goodie bag. and I got one too as a Thank You! What was in it? So many awesome things!

My favorite was the black skinny Rag & Bone jeans in my size!

Other things: Uggs, Converse All-Stars, Mavi Jeans, Makeup by Covergirl & Lancome, Zumba fitness DVD’s, Reebok Easytone top and pants, BR Guest gift card, Calvin Klein nude thong (u need to wear nude underwear as a model going to do shows and castings). This was a very valuable goodie bag!

Afterwards a few models came to me and thanked me for speaking. And that they felt so much better and less scared about Fashion Week. And that to me is the biggest reward of doing these speaking engagements. Looking forward to more in the future!

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Love, Lonneke