Model mum

Dubai-based International model from South Africa talks about modelling after becoming a mother

Whatever happens to models after marriage and children? Ask Kim Whitfield and she has all the answers. Kim's entry into the world of modelling was more destined than intended. It all started when at the age of 14 she was 'deported' to a modelling school by her mother because she was already 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Primarily a ramp model and a participant at numerous beauty pageants, Kim has seen the modelling world from close quarters. She says, "I have always followed a healthy diet and a few treats over the weekends. After all, a teenager has to be a teenager." Even with skin care, there was no fuss as Kim was one of the lucky ones who rarely got a zit. "I followed a very basic skin care regime and it was easy sailing for me."

When, after nearly a decade of active modelling, Kim decided to walk down the aisle, she had little regrets. True, assignments had dwindled to a few, but Kim was content. She says, "At the age of 25 one was considered a little old for modelling. I was very happy at every stage so, slacking off the modelling scene was fine for me."

While marriage changed things only slightly, it was motherhood that seemed to change everything for Kim. She confesses, "Motherhood changes many things in one's life. You cannot be selfish with your time or love. As a teenager you are mostly thinking of yourself. Priorities however change and you learn to focus on what is most important to you in your life. Definitely my body changed to a more rounded figure. The truth is, the transition from one stage to the other happens rapidly and one hardly realises it."

Today, Kim is a mother of two boys, manages a beauty centre and has recently decided to give back to modelling what she had learnt as a teenager. Only this time, she sees the world of modelling differently. It is a new chapter in her life and Kim is enjoying every bit of it. At a recent fashion show at Wafi City, Kim sashayed in outfits that flattered her motherly demeanour.

Distinct sartorial elegance was the order of the coffee morning where most models were mothers who just wanted to dress up in a different light. Kim says, "When Angela (the owner of Oasis fashion) approached me to assist her with modelling her latest creations, I was quite eager to try my hand at modelling after all these years. There are clothes to suit everyone's figure, without feeling frumpy or too old to wear a particular style."

Kim claims she was nervous, a bit like riding a bicycle; a little wobbly in the beginning. She says, "I feel I would rather be a healthy size at this stage. Being too skinny plays havoc with the elasticity of your skin, and this makes you look older than your actual age. I have learnt that a healthy weight and size would be more beneficial in the long run. Again, being overweight is not a good sign for your health or well being. I was wrong in thinking I did not have to work hard to stay in shape, as I had always been a skinny, tall person with no problems of weight. Even after having my first son I went back to my original weight very quickly. However, the older you get, the more you need to exercise and watch what you are eating. A happy balance can be achieved simply by maintaining yourself. Very often, women tend to snack on their kid's food without realising how many kilograms they can add to the all expanding figure!"

What is her observation about the modelling scene today? "I personally feel that girls are getting into modelling very early. Perhaps they might be more mature at this age than when I started out. Also, styles tend to run a full circle. I remember in the 70s the wide hems at the bottom of jeans were in fashion and hey, they are back in fashion! So are low waisted jeans. I tend to feel that many fashions from the past tend to get recycled and changed a bit in this day and age."

How important is a size 6 to her today? "When you are young, a size 6 is everything. Today, I have seen many older women desire for a size 6. I think it is what you feel comfortable with. There are always those tucks and discreet visits to the surgeon if you have the money to do so!"

Looking back, Kim feels every stage in life carries a certain significance. She has always been happy in whatever field fascinated her. She says, "Once you have achieved what you set out to do whether modelling from a young age or winning a few beauty pageants, the glamour seems to fade away and that's when you move to the next stage of your life. Each field has its own beauty. It is what you make of it at the end of the day."

Like every fairy tale with a happy ending, Kim's rendezvous with modelling continues happily every after.