Designer's unusual casting call: Models told to fall to the ground

Designer Raimedas Latvys sought more than just traditional models for his upcoming collection, 'MAX DRAMA.' His casting call welcomed individuals of all ages, genders, and appearances, emphasizing charisma and self-confidence above conventional industry standards. "This time we are not just looking for models, but for people who will bring their story, character, and real emotion to the catwalk," Latvys stated.

The casting process was designed to test models' ability to embody a role and express genuine emotion. Unlike typical runway shows, Latvys' presentation will be highly theatrical, requiring models to perform additional movements and react authentically. This led to a unique challenge: models were instructed to dramatically fall to the ground, a task designed to assess their courage and conviction.

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This time we are not just looking for models, but for people who will bring their story, character, and real emotion to the catwalk. I am not interested if a person fits the traditional model standard. It is much more important whether the model is brave and confident enough.

Over 350 participants attended the casting, which unfolded over four stages. The selection aimed to find approximately 45 individuals who could bring a unique narrative and character to the collection. Early rounds involved walking the specially designed runway, followed by stages requiring different emotional expressions and the dramatic fall. The final stage involved a last walk, allowing the judges to make their final decisions.

Latvys expressed initial tension about the casting, feeling it was a "waste of time" from his work schedule. However, he acknowledged that such events eventually become enjoyable, especially when seeing the diverse participants and how they will bring his collection to life, transforming the clothes into "someone else's part."

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Now, for the time being, there is such tension because it feels like I would prefer to sit and work further, and this is such a waste of time. But at the same time, I know that it is always like this, it passes later and then it becomes fun. Especially when you see how many people have gathered, what interesting types and how beautifully they will fulfill it – they will crown the entire collection. The clothes will finally become someone else's part, not just my studio's.