Weekly Reporter: Nolé Marin

Nolé Marin is a renowned stylist in the world of fashion. As a former fashion editor for ELLE magazine, he is known for his work on America and Canada's Next Top Model. He is also the fashion director for the international fashion and entertainment news agency Runway Magazine. Nolé is currently the head scout and creative director of VNY Model Management, based in New York City, and he can be seen judging the contestants on the reality show “True Beauty.”

What is the most important part of the modeling industry?

There isn't any one part that supersedes the other. Modeling is so fascinating because there are many pieces that need to fit in order to have the perfect puzzle. It's the talent's looks, it's the talent's development, it's the environment, it's the people the talent surround themselves with.

There is so much to know and respect about this industry. A lot of people don't see that.

How much of this industry is 'just looks?'

Looks are 50 per cent and personality are 50 per cent, but the most important part is professionalism. It's 100 per cent professionalism. You can be the most beautiful girl in the world, but if I can't work with you or you don't show up on time, you're not going to work in this industry. That's the way it is. Trends change and models change, but the rules don't.

What does Nijah / New Faces Development give to talent in the modeling and entertainment industry?

I would be mistaken if I did not mention that some models, who possess natural gifts (physical traits, or a “knack” for picking up something easily like walking the runway) will transition easier to this career choice. If you have those natural gifts or talents, you're already a step above everyone else. But what you're physically born with can only get you so far.

You have to be truly devoted to training and developing yourself. Nijah / New Faces Development provides that. They have been in this industry a long time, so they know what works and what doesn't. When they want you to work on something, it's because their sure it's going to give you abetter opportunity when you're marketed. There are so many dimensions to this industry and if you want to do well, you have to educate yourself on all of them. Smart models are the ones that last. They surround themselves with people who can contribute to their career. They learn the “model code.”

What is the “model code?”

It's studying the magazines, looking at the designers, the poses, the angles, the light. It's learning how to walk, how to greet an agent. It's how to respond to questions. It's looking at someone in the eyes when they speak to you. It's smiling even when you're rejected. It's a part of this business and it is something that development prepares you for. Only people who have been in this industry can show you how to work the camera, how to be versatile, how to be confident.

Everyone gets nervous, everyone stumbles. The talent that is not developed quit when they do. The talent that is, keeps going.