FEMALE People Cam: Basic Models Casting
A special edition of our monthly style compendium captured at the Basic Models' open casting earlier this month
By Pang Jia Wei & Emma Ashlee Goh ,
For aspiring models in Singapore, the annual Basic Models' open casting event, which began in 2013, is not to be missed. After all, this is the same agency run by model-maker Bonita Ma, which has produced the likes of former Gucci campaign girl Layla Ong and top models like Nicole Liew.
Around 500 model hopefuls signed up for this year's call, all there hoping to be signed by the agency. Armed with our FEMALE People Cam, we captured some cool faces and some members of the Basic Models crew among the crowd. Scroll on for more.
Name: Russell Su Jun Xian
Age: 21
Occupation: Unemployed
His fit: "The cropped top I'm wearing was thrifted by my girlfriend, who lent it to me while she was away on exchange. I've spent the past two months in Europe with her, celebrating the end of my two years in NS. That's where I acquired the rest of my pieces. The flared jeans were thrifted in Norway, the necklace was from a vintage shop in Prague, and the three rings were from flea markets in Osaka, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Additionally, my belt was thrifted in Athens. I bought my Dr. Martens Wincox boots for half price on Carousell."
His personal style: "Chill, fluid style? Something stylish yet casual, suitable for approval in Berlin."
One beauty item he always carries: "I swear by Vaseline. You'll never catch me without a small tub of it for my lips. It keeps them hydrated and glistening."
His current beauty obsession: "Gua sha. I'm not sure if it's just a placebo effect, but I ensure to do it every morning as part of my skincare routine, otherwise, my eye bags tend to look puffier due to water retention."
A beauty tip: "I've shared this with everyone who's asked about my skincare routine. Before going to bed, make sure to sleep facing the ceiling, and always beat your pillows and fling your blanket away from your bed. Dust them off, especially if you prefer sleeping on your side. If you handle your own chores and clean your floors regularly, you can imagine that there's nearly the same amount of dust collecting on your bed."
Name: Michelle Quek Shu Ting
Age: 25
Occupation: Creative
Her fit: "I bought the oversized blazer from a thrift store. I'm a H&M girlie, so I got my top, jeans, and heels all from there."
Her personal style:"I'd say I don't really adhere to a specific style. I dress based on my mood."
One beauty item she always carries: "Definitely lipstick."
Her current beauty obsession: "I'm not particularly interested in beauty, but perhaps blush?"
A beauty tip: "Drinking iced black coffee and using gua sha to reduce morning puffiness around the eyes and double chin."
Name: Dione Tan
Age: 24
Occupation: Model signed to Basic Models
Her fit:"My top is from Matter Makers, a contemporary streetwear brand from Thailand, and my pants are from Minjukim, a Korean fashion brand available at SocietyA. Completing the look with my boots from a collaboration between Charles & Keith. I chose this outfit for Basic's Open Casting with comfort in mind, knowing I would be on the move all day."
Her personal style: "Happy-go-lucky. You might find me all classy at events one day, then the next day I'm in baggy jorts and jeans. However, my go-to style is basics. I enjoy rotating tank tops and long pants."
One beauty item she always carries: "Lip balm. I might go out without makeup, but I'll never leave with dry, crusty lips... A lip balm with SPF is ideal, but my favourite is Vaseline's Rosy Lip Therapy."
Her current beauty obsession:"The Korean-inspired no-makeup makeup look. I'm currently honing the skill of achieving a natural makeup appearance. I used to apply numerous products and colours to my face that didn't complement me. Now, I'm obsessed with tutorials on TikTok to perfect this look."
A beauty tip: "Always cleanse your skin thoroughly. You never know what might be clogging your pores. It will help prevent acne and remove any dirt or grime."
Name: Kee Yong Yi
Age: 22
Occupation: Soon-to-be business undergraduate
His fit: "I'm wearing a simple casting outfit – a white tee and straight grey jeans from GU, paired with loafers I bought in Japan. I added my own touch to the casting outfit by opting for grey jeans and loafers."
His personal style: "Experimental yet practical, suitable for Singapore's weather. My style embodies elements of minimalism, hints of old-money sophistication, and a touch of starboy flair."
A beauty item he always carries: "Lip balm. Nobody's catching me with crusty lips."
His current beauty obsession: "One beauty obsession I always have is clear skin that illuminates your face wherever you go."
A beauty tip: "Double cleansing makes a difference, especially if you're wearing makeup."
Name: Haiyue Wu
Age: 26
Occupation: Product manager
Her fit: "My top is from Sweaty Betty, the jeans are from Agolde, the hat is from Barbour, the belt is from Diesel, and the shoes are from Fila. As for jewellery, the silver star earrings are from Maison Margiela, and the sandalwood beads with pearls are from Soft Mountains. Lastly, the bag is from Thierry Mugler, which I found on Depop. It came with a touching postcard from Amsterdam. It's the perfect bag for work and travel, exuding fashion inspiration from the year 2000. Every time I flip the bag and touch the signature bright star, it uplifts my mood."
Her personal style: "Simple and chic."
One beauty item she always carries: "At the moment, I always have on my pearl and wood perfume bracelet from Soft Mountains. It evokes the softness and steadiness of human life, and it also smells wonderful, carrying the scent of my chosen perfume for the day."
Her beauty tip: "Don't wear anything that makes you uncomfortable, whether it's clothes or makeup."
Name: Fellini Rose
Age: 25
Occupation: Model
Her fit: "This is my favourite casting outfit. I've worn it in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and New York, and have attended numerous casting calls with it. I feel like it helps to accentuate my figure and posture."
Her personal style: "I enjoy experimenting with various fashion styles and trends, especially since I frequently thrift. Thrifting is a hobby of mine, and I find it really enjoyable. Therefore, my personal style revolves around thrifting and flexibility. I dress according to the purpose and context of where I am."
A beauty item she always carries: "Concealer. I enjoy blending moisturiser, concealer, and sunscreen together as a hobby. It helps me achieve a natural look."
Her current beauty obsession: "It's not an obsession, but I consistently incorporate retinol into my nighttime skincare routine. I've been following this regimen for a long time: I apply a thin layer of moisturiser, followed by a layer of retinol on the areas that need it, and then another layer of moisturiser on top of that. Despite using 1% retinol, my skin never gets irritated or red, even with nightly use."
A beauty tip: "In the morning, upon waking up, I massage my face with two ice cubes instead of using a skin cleanser. Then, I apply moisturiser and sunscreen. That's my simple daytime skincare routine."
Name: Melanie Jane Fernandez
Age: 24
Occupation: Model signed to Basic Models
Her fit: "It's actually my go-to casting outfit: simple, body-hugging, and all-black. I bought this top from Supre when I was in Australia, and my jeans are from Zara. The boots are from Pull & Bear, and the phone strap is from Casetify. My outfit is essentially something a model would live in."
Her personal style: "I'd say I'm actually quite indecisive when it comes to my style. Whenever I feel inspired by something or someone, like a character from a movie, I tend to overhaul my entire wardrobe... it's a bit excessive. Last year, I was really into the clean girl aesthetic, so most of my pieces were neutrals and suitable for a capsule wardrobe. Lately, I've been binge-watching Sex and the City, and I'm particularly inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. Now, I'm trying to incorporate more 'flair' into my outfits – more colour, patterns, and bolder pieces."
A beauty item she always carries: "Lip balm. My current favourite is the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige."
Her current beauty obsession: "Sun-kissed blush look! The motto is: the more blush, the better."
A beauty tip:"Your makeup will only look good if you prep your skin properly."
Name: Vivienne Sim Enxi
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
Her fit: "I'm wearing one of my favourite studded jeans from Missme. They're nearly $300 on eBay due to their rarity, but I snagged them for just $40 at an online vintage shop. And they were my size too, so that was a lucky find. The henley tank top is from Esprit, the black leather booties are from Nine West, and the bag was from my mum's closet."
Her personal style: "I tend to favour Y2K, 2000s-era outfits, such as low-waisted bootcut jeans, vintage henley tops (some favourites are Abercrombie & Hollister), tight tanks, and off-shoulders. I prefer wearing flattering and slim-fitting outfits rather than baggy ones, and I keep my accessories minimal – a simple pair of hoops is usually all I wear. When going out, I try to curl my hair as much as possible."
A beauty item she always carries: "Tinted sunscreen to keep my skin protected and give it a brighter appearance."
Her current beauty obsession: "Water lip tint, because it keeps lips pink and it does not have the sticky after effect."
A beauty tip: "Discover your style, perfect your makeup routine, and find skincare products that suit you best. Most importantly, take care of your diet and stay hydrated. Confidence is essential when wearing an outfit, so don't hesitate to express yourself."