Supermodel University | Cynthia Kirchner

28 Apr Supermodel University | Cynthia Kirchner

What makes this “classic beauty” a “supermodel,” and how will she use this status to help others achieve their dreams.

How did you get your start in the modeling industry?
The day after I graduated college, I was discovered by Kenya Knight at Nous Model Management in Los Angeles. My first job was for Abercrombie & Fitch with Bruce Weber and my second job was for Guess?. After working for these two prestigious clients, I went to Milan, Italy to hone my modeling skills. While in Milan, I was scouted by Marilyn New York and Marilyn Paris. Two months later, I found myself living and modeling in New York (my hometown) and globe trotting for some of the biggest clients in the world.

You’ve worked for a plethora of clients, which do you feel were your most prestigious jobs?
Yes, I have had the great honor to work with some of the best brands on the planet. I would say working with Paul Marciano and Ellen Von Unwerth for Guess?, Raphael Mazzucco for Victoria’s Secret, and gracing the covers of Cosmopolitan and Vogue were a few of my most prestigious jobs. The above-mentioned photographers are three of the most iconic fashion photographers of all time; and in the modeling industry it is very important which photographers snap your photos. High caliber photographers typically shoot for clients that are considered the crème de la crème of the fashion industry. Some other legendary photographers I have been blessed to work with are Steve Hiett, Terry Richardson, Patrick Demarchelier, Russell James, Max Vadukul and Howard Schatz. When clients look at your portfolio and see that you have shot with major photographers, then you are able to book the coveted “money jobs”.

You mention “money jobs” and you have often been called “one of the most bankable faces in the industry”. What do these terms mean and how did you earn these jobs and titles?
These labels mean that I am a “money girl”, who books some of the highest paying jobs in the industry such as skin, hair, and lingerie advertising. Having healthy skin and hair were key to becoming the face of brands such as L’Oreal, Pantene, Jergens, Clairol, Redken, Kerastase, Matrix, Garnier, Vidal Sassoon, Avon, Mary Kay, and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. My natural hourglass shape, made me a lingerie company favorite, and I worked for top brands around the globe, such as Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood, Warners, Vassarette, Wonderbra, La Senza, Christian Lacroix, Bras-n-Things, and Barbara Paris.

You are often referred to as a classic beauty and supermodel, how does a model earn these distinctions?
It is said, “A classic beauty is born, not made.” The classic beauty designation is given to models that have perfectly symmetrical features, oval faces, almond-shaped eyes, slim and delicate noses, high-sculpted cheekbones, and medium-full lips. Typically this type of model is the envy of other models because they are not limited to just one category of work, the perk of being a classic beauty is that it often leads to a model being elevated to supermodel status. A supermodel is a model that has worked with top clients in the five main categories: editorial, advertising, catalog, runway and television commercials.  So basically my facial features and modeling work have earned me these titles.

You formed Supermodel University & Hollywood Academy of the Arts to help others achieve their dreams in the modeling and entertainment industries, can you tell us more about that?
Supermodel University guides individuals on how to break into the modeling industry. Hollywood Academy of the Arts educates students on the various arts fields of the entertainment industry. I combined these two institutions into an efficient and streamlined two-day entertainment industry intensive.

DAY ONE is the Supermodel Bootcamp; it is hosted by me, and is open to everyone, tall or short, newbies, as well as more experienced talent. This holistic modeling industry intensive is founded on the principle that “beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, genders and skin tones.” Participants discover what type of model they are, learn how to use their unique assets to the best of their abilities, and become the best model they can be. Students are educated in all aspects of the modeling industry, receive insider secrets about skin, hair, nutrition and exercise, and learn how to use Meditation for the Creative Mind to build a strong core, control the ego, and build true confidence from within. All graduates leave with their first modeling photo digitals, receive a diploma from Supermodel University and are featured in the Supermodel Directory, a secure scouting database, which is viewed by managers and agents worldwide.

DAY TWO is the Talent Bootcamp, this intensive is structured for participants to explore the arts and discover their creative passion. The day starts with students being introduced to the twenty-minute Meditation for the Creative Mind, followed by seven mini-bootcamps led by leading industry experts. Students delve into acting, commercials, hosting, music, fashion design, filmmaking and writing. The day ends with students shooting a headshot and a scene for their reel.  All graduates receive a diploma from Hollywood Academy of the Arts, and are featured in the Performer Directory, a secure scouting database, which is viewed by managers and agents worldwide.

Interested participants may register at www.supermodeluniversity.com. I was born in Brooklyn to parents of very simple means, and my life was forever changed by the generosity and wisdom of mentors and my community. I would like to return this gift and will be offering scholarships to inner city youth and individuals who find themselves without a home. Applications can be requested from scholarships@supermodeluniversity.com