Ever been told you have GREAT hands? BEAUTIFUL hair? SEXY feet? Ever considered being a parts model?
Parts-modeling is a
subculture of the modeling industry. Models have been stigmatized as perfect,
and the average model is presented as a whole entity. For example, a regular
print model might be shown in a catalog, his or her whole body in the shot, modeling
an outfit. Parts-models are models who are utilized for a singular – and
“perfect” – attribute, such as great hair, a dazzling smile, capturing eyes,
etc. Their strength lies in an aspect that, when solely featured, makes for a
great advertisement. And usually, if not always, the “perfect” part of that
parts-model is used in an equally perfect conjunction to the product. There are
hand models for rings, for example. A model with healthy hair might be used to
sell shampoo. Someone with pretty eyes and long lashes might be a good
candidate for makeup, and close-ups can be used of their eyes.
Just as the
standards for the typical model are demanding, if not nearly impossible, to
meet, those for parts-models are just as specific. In fact, since it is a part
that is being zoomed in on (figuratively and literally) – as well as being
relied on to sell a specific type of product – the demands might be even more
intense, with less room for error or deviation.
A visit to a website
that hires parts-models might reveal that they need hand models, and that their
skin must be flawless, with well-shaped nails. Feet are required to sell shoes,
so the feet of a parts-model must look pampered and healthy, with perfect skin
and no veins, blemishes, or anything off-putting.
Another aspects of
parts-modeling has to do with maintenance. The average model must maintain
their body at the very least slim – body, must be fit, must keep their skin
youthful, etc. For a parts-model, extra care must be lavished on whatever part
they are getting paid to model. Someone modeling their hands needs to be
careful: a cut, chipped nail, or other imperfection can mean no work for the
model. There are torso models, and they must stay in tip-top shape, as well as
keep their skin tone attractive. Someone who uses their eyes in ads needs to
also maintain skin, and avoid getting crow’s feet, lines, or bags. People using
their teeth to model must maintain good oral hygiene, and need to keep their
teeth white. The body part will be under intense scrutiny, so it must be well
taken care of.
