New London based modeling agency today launched a ‘world first’ free app. It has been developed by the one of UK’s most successful commercial model agency, MOT Models.

With offices in London and Berkhamsted, the agency has produced a new MOT Portfolio app that shows collections of images of the 400 male and female commercial models who typically promote Europe’s most successful brands.

Available in both IOS andAndroid formats, for their business clients, it allows users to quickly download the portfolios of any chosen model.

MOT Models Director Mike Illes commented, “You’d be surprised how many clients have meetings on flights or in clubs that totally lack internet access. By using the app, creative agencies can show their clients the prospective models without fear of technical failure. We are in effect giving people a ‘virtual lightbox’ in their pocket on their mobile, or on their tablet.

Mike Illes, the agency’s long-standing independent website developer, concluded, “As far as we are aware, this is the first Model Agency app worldwide designed to assist the creative industries. It’s already proving to be a hit and is particularly helpful to those who are almost 100 per cent mobile-orientated, typically those in the music and fashion industries. It’s such a simple idea that’s so efficient, I’m surprised we didn’t think of it earlier.”

Is this the next step in model management in a digital society?

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Running specialists, Sweatshop, have announced the launch of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus running shoes, just in time for summer.

The new range, available in-store and online, can be found at http://www.sweatshop.co.uk

The Nike Pegasus running shoe has been upgraded, returning for its 32nd edition, and has all the required features for fast runners. Pegasus running shoes deliver ultra-responsive Nike Zoom Air cushioning for everyday fast-paced runners. Flywire technology offers a secure fit and lightweight support whereas the engineered mesh upper offers much-needed breathability.

The Pegasus range is supported by Olympic champion, Mo Farah, and the latest running shoes come in a variety of colours. For runners who want a fashionable look at an affordable price, the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus running shoes are a perfect fit.

https://www.facebook.com/Sweatshop

http://runhub.sweatshop.co.uk/

To mark its commitment to affordable fashions, Online retailer, Laila is offering 10% off all its men’s and women’s lines. Shoppers can simply visit the online store, browse and find what is needed, and get 10% off the total order at the checkout when they spend £50 or more. It couldn’t be easier.

Not content with offering just 10% off the total order cost, Laila has also slashed the prices of 87 of its products online. Everything from party dresses and midi dresses to military style and slim-fit men's shirts can be found at a low price in the Laila sale, so savvy fashion shoppers are encouraged to head over to Laila’s Sale page and find a stylish bargain.

Items listed on the Sale page are also eligible for the 10% reduction at the checkout, which could translate to some major savings on a whole new wardrobe.

Laila is an online fashion boutique specialising in elegant and luxurious men’s and women’s styles. Based in West London, Laila has built up a strong reputation for providing up-to-the-minute fashions and a range of on-trend styles at affordable prices.

I had a dream, (not in a MLK way) an actual dream while I was sleeping that I was making a job search tutorial. It was an interesting dream, where a group of people in a large room spoke into computer screens on the walls that recorded each tutorial. It seemed like a "video tutorial factory" a sort of "Brave New World" - an assembly line of fun-loving Vloggers. I may have envisioned the future of social media and YouTube, but likely just a result of my day job constantly being on my mind all-the-time.

Anyway, here are my tips for job hunting.

1. Who are you?

In the digital world we are in now, it can be a little daunting looking at job vacancy boards with all their technical words. The online job board says there are hundreds (even thousands) of jobs but what are they for, what do you actually have to do? Sometimes though, the words are just put there because someone is trying to be fancy. I see many jobs with wonderfully written headers but when you read the the JD and Person Specification it is actually for a sector specific "administrator." If you know who you are, what you're key skills are and what you can do, it is easier to find the jobs that you can realistically apply for.

2. What do you want to do?

Be realistic here because you may want to be a city lawyer or a brain surgeon but if you haven't been to law school or medical school it is not going to happen. Rather have a think about the type of person that you are. For example, if you like to meet people and talk a lot, a database clerk where you may be sat at a computer all day with papers may not be ideal. If you get queasy at the sight of blood, maybe don't apply to be a medical receptionist. Have a think about what you want and then move on to my tip number 3.

3. Do you need to update your skills?

We are in an era of new technological and scientific progression which is amazing but does also mean that jobs in real life change. Even my media degree from ten years ago is "good to know" but in real time it scores little today. Don't be afraid of doing adult courses to bring your skills up to date. What also adds to your employability is real work experience. "Catch 22" dilemma aside, volunteering options are available. Don't immediately block out something that is unpaid if it adds to you. Value as a quality is not just about monetary gains. There is that poster on London public transport where the zoo keeper started out volunteering. Building your skillset is key to improving employability.

4. Your CV

Your CV is like a personal ad on a newspaper dating page. This means that while your autobiographical account of your teenage years may be compelling to read, a CV is not the correct format to do it.

A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae of Latin origin is defined by many source as "... course of life..." And should be 2-3 pages that detail your work, education and training history along with other sector specific details that an employer must know. The information supplied on a CV must be tailored to suit the sector and the job applied for. If the employer wants "good IT skills," it should be clear from the skills, education and employment section on the CV that you do in fact, based on evidence have good IT skills.

There are many different templates that can be used but your CV must give a snapshot of who you are, what you offer an employer and why you should be chosen. Don't forget in the digital era, expect that recruiters will check your social media profiles so give that all a professional makeover too.

For comments and requests: abi@fashionmusicetc.co.uk

Image credit: TTYA Long Tall Sally