The weird, whacky and wonderful world of modelling is not one generally understood by most. In fact, some would argue that even those in the industry don’t fully get the hang of it until well into their careers.

To many, it’s a creative outlet that focuses on beauty, the body, the model’s ability to walk in a straight line while exuding sex appeal, style and forever remaining as chic as possible when staring down the barrel of a camera.

Naturally, something that plays on an innate human ability to walk and stand still with an infallible amount of finesse and confidence requires a guide or collection of first hand stories and experiences from someone who’s been there and done that with which to base one’s next step off. A handbook, if you will.

For model’s, it would act as a tome of reflection which they can refer back to after a sterling, or conversely humiliating shoot or runway presentation, assuring them that they’re path is meant to be either as straight and narrow or rickety as their experience would dictate, respectively.

Thankfully for models facing such scenarios, this tome is now readily available. The Model’s Handbook by Marlene Donovan was officially launched in Melbourne recently to a crowd that comprised some of Melbourne and Sydney’s loveliest faces of fashion and modelling past and present.

The book is a must read for any aspiring model or fashion lover wanting to expand their understanding of the whimsical industry and further appreciate what those who model do for the art, creativity and prestige of it all.

The book is a guide on how to be a model: from how to get into the industry as well as what to do once you’re there. It also delves into the future and covers life after modelling, the ins and outs, the do’s and don’ts with inside information from industry experts and some anecdotes, which Marlene recounts with humorous flair. Her recounting of an early experience as a young model combining bikinis, a pub and then political heavyweight and soon-to-be Prime Minister of Australia Bob Hawke is certainly one of those oh my moments, which Marlene recounts with tongue-in-cheek wit.

Pages from The Model’s Handbook
(photo via Booktopia)

Marlene’s inspiration to take this project on was thanks to her sister, a published writer herself and an extensive history in the industry. After Marlene left her role as a modelling agent at one of the country’s most prestigious organisations, her sister planted the seeds of thought. Marlene with nothing but memories in her mind and a keen and itching author’s finger, set pen to paper and created the must read for book lovers, fashion admirers and model aspirers.

Click here to order
The Model’s Handbook from Booktopia,
Australia’s No. 1 Online Book Shop

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About the author

James Banham
James is a fashion and style writer from Melbourne. By day a well spoken retail professional, by night a fierce and passionate blogger and writer for onlines and print. Fashion is what makes his world go 'round, retail his bread and butter and good clothes his zest of life. With a great interest in emerging and independent talent Australia-wide, James loves scratching the surface of what the fashion industry has to offer, all the while acknowledging those who've made the world what it is today.

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