Thursday 25 / April / 2024
As the first Omani model to earn international recognition for his defined body, beauteous face, and fascinating personality, kamil is an inspiration to those of us in oman and around the region who share his passion for the fashion inDustry.
Modelling is a cruel industry; it is the glamorous version of the Hunger Games. One must carry patience and positivity at all times as it involves rejection, a lot of waiting for casting and auditions, as well as heartless criticism. “Constantly being judged on your looks can be hard, especially on days when you don’t feel great,” said Kamil Al Hinai, Oman’s first major international model. Despite the challenges he faced, modelling has opened Kamil’s eyes to the world around him, he has gained respect for all walks of life by meeting people from different countries with unique stories to tell, and it has given him a greater appreciation for life.
Kamil’s career started in 1997 when his colleague, Lakshmi Kothaneth, introduced him to casting director, Mark Robinson. The model’s beauty is undeniably fetching; from his ideal height to his striking jawline, and he was seen as a perfect fit for fashion. “I was told by Mark that I had an interesting look for fashion,” said Kamil, adding, “I really didn’t think much of it as with most teenagers I was still discovering who I was and wasn’t 100 per cent confident in my own skin.” But Mark saw great potential in Kamil and invited him to walk in Oman’s first fashion show, a collaboration between Omani and Indian fashion designers. This opportunity to meet and work with major designers in the Indian fashion industry was a pivotal moment in Kamil’s career, and he was subsequently booked to work with three different designers.
While strutting the runway in Oman, Kamil also captured the attention of the Dubai-based designers in attendance, who saw that the model possessed something special. He seized the opportunity to start doing small fashion shows for their boutique brands at shopping malls in Dubai, which led to having contracts with a few modelling agents. With bookings in hand, it was finally starting to look like fashion could really be a career, rather than just a passion.
Born and raised in Muscat, Kamil had been working for Oman English FM on the weekends during his high school years, and was then a full-time employee at Oman Air. Given the instable nature of the fashion industry, his family did not approve of his choice at first, but as time went on, they began to see the potential their son had to build a career in modelling.
After becoming acquainted with modelling industry in Dubai, Kamil moved to Germany for three years to explore the modelling scene in Europe. He experimented with other creative types on a few fashion projects and even participated as a judge for the Mr and Mrs Hessen contest, a modelling competition to select the Germany representatives for the popular Mr and Mrs World contest. But there was an utter lack of diversity in the Germany modelling industry, so Kamil moved to one of the capitals of world fashion, London.
Kamil found that in the UK, ethnic models were embraced and celebrated for their rareness and he was able to further develop himself as a model and an artist. Drawing inspiration from fashion and art, from Nick Knight, who he considers to be one of the best fashion photographers of our generation, to works of classic beauty, the free spirited young man especially enjoyed being around other like-minded individuals in a creative environment. Kamil began to see modelling as a form of performance art, like being an actor without the luxury of conveying messages using words. As he sees it, models must interpret a particular vision to their audience using only their emotions, and those feelings have to come through and be understood in a photograph or on the runway. “That (modelling) in itself is art because you are giving the audience, the viewer something to think about,” he explained.
Still residing in London, Kamil’s career has blossomed. He has walked the runway for John Galliano, Gaultier, Gavin Pierre Medford, Calvin Klein, and Armani, just to name a few. He starred in ad campaigns for Denison Boston in London and New York, iPads, Vaseline, Toni and Guy, and has been featured in numerous magazines. As an admirer of thought-provoking art, he was especially excited to land a project with British designer, Gavin Pierre Medford, recreating a modern version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. And after his long journey to reach international success, it was especially meaningful when he was invited back home to be featured in a Jawahir campaign in Oman.
Kamil is now focusing on exploring the business side of fashion, working with the luxury Swiss brand, Akris in Harrods, as well as training to become a life coach. He wants to share the lessons he has learned through his challenges and successes. “It’s natural for us to be afraid of stepping out of our comfort zone, and being a model you have to do that all the time. It’s important to realise when you are standing in the way of your own success,” he said. Perhaps the most significant thing that modelling has given this young Omani dreamer is the confidence to push himself beyond what both others and what he himself, thought was possible. This is an aspiration that would serve us all well.
Modelling Tips from Kamil
The modelling industry is still growing in Oman. Although there is lack of resources and proper exposure, it is still possible to overcome the challenges and become a successful model. Kamil shares his experiences and some important tips for aspiring models who want to better their chances of becoming successful internationally.
How did you develop yourself as a model?
I like to observe a lot. I took advices and cues from photographers and casting directors. To build as a model one has to do a lot of test shoots with various photographers.
What are the best ways to become a successful model globally?
If you are lucky enough to be picked up by a very good agency, then the first thing you will need to study is your face and how it captures the light. Then you have to perfect your walk for runways, and, more importantly, know how to become disciplined both with your lifestyle and body.
How do you prepare for a modelling shoot?
Doing research on the designer and the photographer, getting plenty of rest, and drinking enough water, at least two litres a day.
Which fashion magazines do you recommend for aspiring models for inspiration?
V magazine, Wonderland, and Vogue Homme are good resources for learning about designers, photographers, and upcoming trends.
What distinguishes a good model from a bad one?
Having a good attitude and, more importantly, good work ethics.
How should young models cope under the pressures of a shoot?
Always take your time, take a deep breath, and clear your mind. Then focus on the task at hand.
What is one of the major challenges of being a professional model?
As a model your job revolves around your look, so being able to look different in images is very important. As a model you are always re-inventing yourself.
What grooming tips do you recommend as a model?
Having a good skin care routine is vital. I try and use natural products such as Kiehl’s and L’Occitane. I also drink a lot of juices, and make fresh vegetable and fruit smoothies.
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
Always follow your dreams. With
hard work and sheer determination, anything is possible.
Modelling Agencies in Oman New Heights Agency
CB Modelling Agency
Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
+968 9947 9353
cbmodelsoman.com
Bausher, Muscat
+968 9641 2121
facebook.com/newheightsagency
