Putting on  A New Face

The Making of a Model-

From Doctor to Model in 1 Day

By Diana Rohini La Vigne

Starting Off The New Year with a Flash

Most people start the New Year with resolutions and new things that they promise to try or accomplish in the upcoming year. With the help of fashion photographer, Shawn Robbins, Chanel’s makeup artist, Christianne Hanna, and Barbizon Talent Scout Ilona S. Rocheteau, Adele Yarrington, a local Otolaryngology Surgeon, was transformed into a model in 1 day! Her experiences give readers an insider’s glimpse into the making of a model.

Insider’s Scoop of a Model Talent Scout

Admissions Advisor at Barbizon, Ilona S. Rocheteau knows what she is looking for. Her role includes interviewing prospective new talent and enrolling them into professional modeling training or personal development training. She works with potential models of all ages, styles, and from a wide range of backgrounds. She knows what styles and looks sell but add that ‘personality is essential’.

"Personality is important! Lots of people have a special look or style but it’s personality and the confidence that one portrays that makes a successful model," explains Ms. Rocheteau.

Ilona’s personal experience as a model from age 6 to 16 helps her to determine the opportunities available to up and coming models. She is able to work with people who seek out Barbizon as a first step to the modeling industry and also people who seek out Barbizon as a way to learn how to show off their best side! Not everyone who comes to Barbizon is looking to grace the runways in Paris or get their photo featured on the cover of Vogue. Some are looking to build their confidence and others are looking for professionally taught finishing classes.

Serving over 243 markets around the world, Barbizon remains a modeling school giant since its inception in 1939. Spain, Canada, Santiago, Thailand, Dominican Republic, and nearly 60 locations throughout the United States make up the school’s dynasty. Their graduates’ success stories are far too many to list but include Gena Lee Nolin-seen on "Baywatch," Audrey Anderson- a Mademoiselle cover girl, Melissa Gardner-signed with Wilhelmina Models and featured on Saturday Night Live, and spokesperson and model for Ponds, Scarlett Chorvat. Luckily, Boston has its very own center as well!

"Being located in the Back Bay area gives us the advantage of having our finger on the pulse of the trends as far as fashion is concerned in the Boston region," notes Darryl Jenkins, Executive Assistant to the President at Barbizon.

Model in the Mix

Dr. Adele Karen Yarrington, who works for the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary as a Surgeon, was selected for her great facial bone structure, her luscious hair and, of course, her wonderful personality. Having zero experience in modeling, she was introduced to the photographer, Shawn Robbins and the makeup artist, Christianne Hanna from Chanel Boutique to start her transformation into supermodel!

Adele said, "I was certainly intimidated before I met the photographer and the studio owner, thinking that they might think - SHE really wants to be a model? In reality, it was more like great people just doing their job. Professional and enjoying it at the same time."

Her first impression was nervousness about being under qualified to pull off the modeling shoot. She quickly moved from nervous to comfortable as she became relaxed with her new setting and being in a studio filled with people watching her closely.

"The makeup artist was key in making me feel at ease, too," said Adele. "She was so wonderful and that really helped bring out the character in me, both with makeup and also psychologically."

Located in Back Bay at 5 Newbury Street in Boston, Christianne Hanna can be contacted at the Chanel Boutique by phone at (617) 859-0055 or visit its extraordinary web site at www.chanel.com.

Want to Be a Model?

If you think you have what it takes, contact a local modeling agency to be discovered. Here is a list of local Boston agencies to call. Get some photos of yourself and call to find out their process for considering new models. All it takes is a phone call! Do it today!

Barbizon - 607 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 266-6980/ Copley 7 Models & Talent - PO Box 535, Boston, MA 02117 (617) 267-4444/ Dynasty Models & Talent Agency - 207 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 536-7900/ Elie - 93 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 437-9038/ Ford Model Management - 297 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115 (617) 266-6939/ Maggie Inc - 35 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 536-2639/ Model Club - 229 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 247-9020/ Model’s Group - 374 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 (617) 426-4711/ New York Model & Talent Management - 249 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 262-7910