French expat LUCIE PETIT is the Creative Director of HK Model Camp (HKMC), a modelling school in Hong Kong where the aim is not only to perfect “the walk”, but to instil self-esteem, promote body positivity and more.
About Lucie
Lucie has more than 10 years of international experience in the creative industry; she has worked for more than 30 fashion houses including Calvin Klein, Armani, Kate Spade and others, and presented Victoria’s Secret Fall 2020 collection to former CEO John Mehas. In 2019, Lucie was mentored by supermodel and successful entrepreneur Coco Rocha in New York and then online in 2020. She joined the production of the Chanel Cruise show in Monaco in May 2022.
Needless to say, she has plenty of industry knowledge to impart at HKMC, where she teaches classes supported by her assistant Sophie and occasionally model guests.
Tell us a bit about HK Model Camp and how it got started.
HKMC is a platform for aspiring people. We create experiences that inspire people to express themselves artistically, no matter who they are, by using modelling as a medium to develop a creative mind and enhance individuality.
In the summer of 2020, we set up some workshops for aspiring models between 14 and 22 years of age. A year later, it became a business and started being shaped into what it is today: an empowering platform to boost confidence and self-esteem, accessible to everyone, not just models.
Who is a typical participant at HKMC?
Whether it’s in a group or individual sessions, our typical participant is a teenager or young woman, but we accommodate everyone by offering different services that are all personalised. Confidence is a lifelong process and is valuable to everyone! In the past, we’ve taught:
- kids whose parents wanted them to have fun with a photo shoot experience;
- some who were keen to learn French through our Creative French programme;
- teenagers seeking to improve their posture and social skills;
- aspiring models wanting to learn the ropes of the modelling industry;
- working women keen to acquire better presentation skills and assurance on camera;
- mothers wanting to feel good and have some time for themselves;
- groups of friends strengthening their bond for birthdays and bachelorette party activities;
- and even some reserved men looking to come out of their shells!
Who is the HKMC Masterclass designed for? Do you need previous experience with modelling?
The HKMC Masterclass is our signature programme designed for female participants above 13 years of age that combines Runway and Pose Classes across two days. We also have open discussions about the creative industry, body positivity and individuality.
The programme is adapted according to the age and experience of the students. Someone with little to no experience would join the Masterclass on an entry level, whereas aspiring models or someone who already has some modelling experience would join the level above.
Each Masterclass experience is different as the students also get to learn from each other. It’s a great way to get a taste of all our services and to discover one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Where is it held?
Unless there are particular requests, our main studio is at The Hive in Kennedy Town.
What are some specific elements of runway walking and posing that students learn?
Through stretching and posture exercises, students learn during Runway Class to adopt a confident walk – the essence of a good first impression when enhancing presentation skills. During Pose Class, they learn how to improve the composition of an image using different elements and become more at ease in front of the camera.
For those with little to no experience, we work on correcting slouching, improving body coordination and acquiring a strong, confident walk, in flats or in heels, depending on their age. We analyse the students’ best angles and work on fine-tuning facial expressions to combine with body posing.
If they have more experience or catch on quickly, they learn the ins and outs of the runway, different styles of walking (slow, upbeat, formal and so on) and how to turn and pose on the catwalk. Students also learn and practise different styles of posing from commercial to high fashion and how to create variety in posing, with and without partners or props.
What are some add-ons that are available with the programme?
Students can opt to add on the Casting/Confidence session, an introduction to the programme where they learn about job interviews and resume building. We also discuss some of the expectations and reality of the creative industry, body image and inclusivity.
They can also add on the Masterclass Photo Shoot, a professional photo shoot with a makeup team, published photographer, styling guidance, creative direction and coaching on set. It’s a great way to put everything they’ve learnt into practice, keep a memory of the experience and close it on a high note.
See the highlights of our recent photo shoot in the video below.
What have former Masterclass students gone on to do in modelling?
Our Masterclass alumni have added brands such as McDonald’s, Adidas and Giordano to their growing clientele while Her Own Words and Nyrelle have hired several HKMC participants for their campaigns. One of our youngest students has recently booked an online campaign for Calvin Klein Jeans! We also have a student who was crowned Miss International Hong Kong and will be representing Hong Kong in the final competition in Japan later this year.
Personal development is at the heart of HK Model Camp so it’s great to see former students tie in what they’ve learnt through our Masterclass with their own personal endeavours. Last year’s Masterclass student Kylah returned to be our intern, learning more about modelling in front and behind of the camera and the business of it. Some have found jobs in content creation and digital marketing while others have started their own businesses!
Keen to strut your stuff, or have a child who might enjoy the experience? Email HK Model Camp at info@hkmodelcamp.com or visit hkmodelcamp.com to find out more about the modelling school’s programmes and services in Hong Kong.
We hope you enjoyed this article about HK Model Camp modelling school. See more about life in HK in our Living in Hong Kong section.
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2022 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
