Midster Model Search – Could You Be an Over 40 Model?

I’ve long been a champion of older women doing things they’re not “supposed” to do, or things they’ve not traditionally been known for doing. Like a regular woman becoming an over 40 model, for example.

I am actually really excited about this – after winning for the second year in a row at the UK Blog Awards, I can say with my hand on my heart that being over 40 isn’t a barrier to ANYTHING. Never did I think that I would be blogging as a profession and discovering a whole new career – as a self-employed person, no less – in my 40s. Never in my wildest DREAMS did I ever think I could win one, let alone two, national awards for the job that I do and enjoy so much.

Therefore if the title of this post has tickled your fancy in even the slightest way, please continue to read on. I want to do everything in my power to make that little tickle of yours a full-on squeezy bear hug that says YOU CAN DO THIS, GIRL!! GO FOR IT!

If I can achieve something as nuts as winning two major awards in a category (fashion and beauty) traditionally dominated by girls a lot younger, lither and poutier than me, then you can do this.

 

The JD Williams Midster Model search

So here’s the crux of it: JD Williams, a fantastic brand I was lucky enough to work with on several occasions last year, have launched a search for TWO over 45 models. As long as you’re female and over 45* (and a UK resident, sorry overseas readers), there are no restrictions on what you look like. So you don’t have to be Elle Macpherson, in other words: they want anyone who’s a size 10-32, of any height, with any ‘look’ to enter.

[Just to be clear this is isn’t a sponsored post and I wasn’t under any obligation to feature this competition. I was merely sent the details and chose to share it as I think it’s a brilliant idea. I’m also glad they haven’t used the expression “real women”… my alternative expression is “regular women”. It’s how I choose to describe women who are not supermodels or don’t have Victoria’s Secret-level looks.]

So ladies, if you or someone you know has aspired to be a model but was maybe too short, or thought themselves too curvy, or feels she’s now too old… this could be their (or your!) time to shine. They’ve told me you can nominate someone on their behalf; therefore if your mum/sister/grandmother/auntie/friend is hesitant (or just wouldn’t do it themselves) – why not enter them yourself?

As someone who has done a few photoshoots with JD Williams – and is most definitely NOT model material at all! – I can say that if nothing else, you will have the most wonderful time. Their team was the friendliest, most fun bunch of people I’ve ever worked with. Don’t pass up this opportunity – what have you got to lose? Er, how about £1,000 of clothes and the chance to be in JD Williams campaigns and a live fashion show…?!

I entered a model competition for Fever London a few years back and won(!) – five ladies from sizes 8 to 16 were chosen via public votes and we modelled their SS14 collection… it was a fantastic experience and one I’d love someone else (who’s never modelled before or always dreamed of doing it) to get the chance to experience as well.

I’ve written before about how brands should be using over 40 fashion bloggers as models… for this you don’t need to be a blogger!

(both images: JD Williams)

Here are the main details and key dates from the JD Williams site:

The Midster Model Search

Do you have what it takes?
We are on the hunt for two women aged 45+, sizes 10-32, who are embracing the most colourful and exciting phase of their lives to be the UK’s next top Midster models!

Our winners will:
Walk the walk in our fabulous live fashion show in September
Represent our brand and feature in our future campaigns
Receive £1000 worth of JD Williams goodies

How to Apply:
It couldn’t be easier!

Email 2 photos of yourself, your full name & your age to press.office@nbrown.co.uk

Alternatively, post your photos on Instagram and tag us with #JDWMidsterModel

We will need:
A close-up headshot
A full-length body shot
Don’t forget a caption! Tell us about yourself and your colourful, exciting Midster life.

What happens next?
Successful entrants will be invited to an exciting casting day in London and our expert panel of judges will then select our two Midster Model winners.

The key Terms & Conditions:
~ The competition is only open to UK residents aged 45* and up

*It currently says 40 in this sentence, but you do have to be 45 or over, they’re amending the error which I spotted

~ The Competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessary. Only one entry per person is permitted
~ To be eligible to enter the Entrants: a. must be female, UK residents and aged 45 or over; b. must be eligible to work in the UK without the need of any additional visa or work permit requirements; c. must not be represented by any modelling agencies; and d. must be available during the dates set out below
~ If selected as a winner, the winning Entrant must be available during the following dates: a. 18 July 2018 for Final Casting (as defined below) during which all Shortlisted Entrants (as defined below) must attend a Final Casting to progress into the final stage of the Competition; b. Week commencing 17 September 2018 to attend a one-day ‘Midster Fashion Live’ fashion show and walk in the catwalk; and c. attend a one-day photo shoot in October 2018 to shoot the SS19 ‘Look Book’. Exact date of photoshoot will be agreed with the selected winner.

Read the Terms & Conditions in full here.

 

REMEMBER what I said in my ethereal vintage evening dress for the UK Blog Awards (I won!) post:

[tweetshare tweet=”Say NO to being invisible, say NO to being told what to wear. Say YES to opportunities that come your way and say YES to making things happen.” username=”notlamb”]

THIS is an opportunity that has come your way… CARPE DIEM (seize the day and all that)!

WILL YOU BE ENTERING OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!

P.S. If you need to take photos especially for this comp because you maybe don’t have any that have already been taken, DO NOT take them without reading this post about how to improve your blog outfit photos (or phone, it’s the same principle). I will be very cross if anyone takes bobble-head photos with tiny legs on a wide angle lens, so remember: Stand BACK and ZOOM in…!

LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…

– How I Fake Confidence When My Self-Esteem is Low
– My Fever London ‘Perfect Fit Model Competition’ Photos

So all that’s left to say is – I’ve shared my thoughts/stories/tuppence-worth this week, now it’s time to share yours… LET’S GET THIS [LINK UP] PARTY STARTED!

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for writing this post or under any obligation to feature this competition (click here for my full disclosure). Opinions are my own and 100% honest.