Our very own Tyra Banks

Aspiring to be a model? Here’s your chance!

KARACHI:

In the 1980s, the aspiration to become a model was relatively rare and, well, frowned upon as well. But some determined women took the bold step and pioneered in the field.

One such woman is Frieha Altaf, whose name is synonymous with modelling. After she launched her career in this field, she took quick strides and, in 1993, started her modelling agency called Cats.

Cats is credited for introducing those faces that launched a thousand ships in this small fashion industry. From Vaneeza Ahmed Ali and Tooba Siddiqui to Fayeza Ansari, just to name a few. Cats Modelling Agency has not just been involved in bringing the models to the ramp, but also in creating celebrity status for them.

Today, Cats is involved in furthering this cause and, in collaboration with Veet, has introduced a model hunt, which is now in its second year.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Altaf said: “We are not just introducing models, but also training them as per international standards, which is the motto for Cats.”  Along  with Veet, Cats has explored immense potential in the fashion industry, identifying new faces and making the annual success of the event a ritual.”

Altaf rightly believes that her agency has not just “created models, but celebrities”.

Last year, at the Veet Miss Super Model Contest, 10 girls were short listed from a pool of 300 applicants. Saima Haroon became the winner of the first Veet Miss Super Model Contest in 2010. Haroon was the face that was seen at the opening of the Gulabo store launch and was part of the PFDC Fashion Week, as well.

This year, buzz has it that the event is supposed to take place in the third or fourth week of May and Altaf promises: “Veet Miss Super Model 2011 is going to be a bigger and much more glamorous event. This year, the event is on a mega level and includes participants from Lahore as well. Above all, Veet Celebration of Beauty — in its sixth consecutive year - includes a famous international designer and three international models, making the event a much awaited experience for the audience.”

Altaf feels that this is a “fabulous opportunity” for any girl who dreams of becoming a super model, as the agency gives “fresh faces a chance at success with hands on training and exposure”. Altaf states the fact that this is a country where: “there is no training institute for aspiring models to go to, people don’t have many options. Cats Modeling Agency is by far the only agency that has taken up this challenge and managed to train new models.”

Frieha Altaf handles the whole process with delicate care, and once the Veet Miss Super Model contest is over, it is a new beginning for the new face that has entered into the small scale fashion industry. “Putting the models in events, shows, introducing them to agencies, designers, getting their shoots done etc, these are all a part of Cats Modeling Agency’s responsibility,” says Altaf.

She warns though, that this opportunity is essentially meant for a girl who takes this responsibility seriously. Having a positive and very professional attitude is imperative. “In our industry, most aspiring models have no training and there is a total lack of exposure. It is essential to have the right attitude above all. Through experience and expertise, I will try to guide them in this field.”



Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2011.