Art Bra® Models – Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Models
Q1. Who can model?
Art Bra® Models are testaments to the work BCRC does for its clients, and therefore need to be able to speak to what BCRC has done for them personally and/or for the women in our community. This requirement is paramount to the success of our show – if you do not have any prior experience with BCRC, nor do you plan to outside the commitments of Art Bra® Austin, then we kindly ask you do not apply. The opportunity to model is first and foremost offered to existing clients of BCRC, then to new clients (new as of January 2020), and lastly – pending availability – to breast cancer survivors who are not BCRC clients but are active members of our community and strongly wish to participate.
Q2. I’d like to model but I ain’t no size 2! Can I still model?
Absolutely! Our Art Bra® Models come in all sizes, shapes, ethnicities, age, and even gender! Our Art Bras® reflect this diversity and our Alterations Committee will help ensure your assigned Art Bra® fits you like a glove! We will also have a team of some of Austin’s best hair and makeup professionals attending to you on the day of the show to make sure you look and feel your absolute best!
Q3. If I have modeled in past Art Bra® Austin shows, could I still model again this year?
Yes! We encourage and rely on former Art Bra® Models to return for another year and help mentor the new models throughout their ABA experience. Due to this year’s high demand to serve as an Art Bra® Model, we kindly ask that clients who have served as an Art Bra® Model for two or more years understand their application will initially be placed on a waiting list to ensure new models have the chance to participate.
Q4. Can I choose to be either a Runway or Floor Model?
Ultimately the Art Bra® assigned to you will determine if you are a Floor Model or Runway Model. Sometimes an Art Bra® is so intricate and detailed in its design, it needs to be seen by guests up close on the floor. Other times an Art Bra®’s design calls for costuming that is best featured on the runway. It all depends! While BCRC reserves the right to decide which Art Bras® will be featured on the runway or floor, we will never make an Art Bra® Model walk the runway if he or she does not feel comfortable doing so.
Q5. When will I know if I’m a model for this year’s show?
We will notify you via email sometime before the first week of March 2020.
Q6. As an Art Bra® Model, do I have to raise the minimum amount of money online?
Yes, all models are expected to obtain at least $1,000 in donations through an online personal fundraising page. You will be assisted in the creation of this page by members of the Model Committee and BCRC staff. BCRC will also provide extensive training and ongoing support to ensure your personal fundraising success!
Q7. Do I have to buy a ticket to Art Bra®? Does my significant other or friend?
If you are serving as an Art Bra® Model for the 2020 show, you do NOT need to buy a ticket. However, your friends and family DO!
Q8. Can I make my own Art Bra®?
Yes you can! However please keep in mind ALL Art Bras® will be judged by a panel of art and fashion professionals from the Austin area, who will determine which Art Bras® will be featured in the show. If you decide to also participate in Art Bra® Austin as an artist, please complete BOTH the Model Application Form and the Artist Entry Form.
Q9. I’d like to work with a specific artist to create my Art Bra®. Is this possible?
Yes, absolutely! The Art Bra® still needs to be submitted by the March 16th, 2020 deadline and it still needs to pass through the jury selection process in order to be featured in the show. Once approved, your Art Bra® will be set aside during our Model Fittings event to prevent other models from trying it on.
Q10. I’m not creative, how do I put together a costume?
Not to worry! BCRC staff will work with each Art Bra® Model to help design the costuming and theme for each Art Bra®. In early May, we schedule costume consultation appointments for all the models at Lucy’s in Disguise on South Congress Ave. And lastly, the dedicated members of our Model Committee and Alterations Committee will assist in all costume swap, tailoring, and alteration needs.
Q11. I can’t afford to rent or buy a costume, what can I do?
If you are concerned with costuming costs, please advise a BCRC staff member and we will do our best to assist you. BCRC has an exclusive partnership with Lucy’s In Disguise that allows us to pass along a rental discount to all our Art Bra® Models. We also have a Costume Coordinator on our Model Committee who can help locate costume assets among other models and arrange for costume swap and borrowing.
For Current Models
Q12. How are models paired with their Art Bra®?
BCRC will invite models to the BCRC Administrative Office on a selected Saturday to try on Art Bras®. During this “fitting” we will take photos of you in the Art Bras® you like. When you are finished trying on bras, we will ask you to review the photos and select your top 3-5. A panel will decide which bra you will wear. Because we want you to feel comfortable, our goal is to assign you to one of your top choices.
Q13. Can an Art Bras® be altered to fit my body?
Some Art Bras® can be altered, but it depends on the bra, what materials it is made of and what alteration you are seeking. Remember, these aren’t just clothes, they are works of art.
Q14. When trying on a bra, can I take a picture of myself wearing it?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of yourself in the bras for personal use only – such as to help you find costuming accessories later. However, please avoid posting any photos of the Art Bras® to any social media sites or share them in any way until after the Art Bra® Austin event.
Q15. What are the pre-show activities this year?
Pre-show activities include: Model Fittings, Model School, and Costuming Clinic. There will be one post-show activity, Artist Reveal Night, where you get to meet your artist and the person that purchased the bra you modeled! Once the roster is confirmed, the model chair will provide a list of dates and activities to each model. They are also listed on the website
Q16. Will there be a designated forum or other way to swap costume pieces with other models?
You are welcome to borrow/swap costume pieces with other models. If you have a specific need, we suggest you contact the model chair who can then create a group email to help you.
Q17. Will there be any time to practice for the runway?
Yes, there will time to practice at model school where you will also receive tips and tricks from veteran models. You can also practice at home. Please don’t overthink it. There is such a thing as practicing too much.
Q18. Will someone be taking pictures at the event?
BCRC partners with several professional photographers to photograph pre-event festivities such as model fitting, model school, and Reveal, as well as Art Bra® Austin. During the event, BCRC will have one photographer to specifically take staged portraits of you in full costume. There will be several others to take photos of the floor show and guests as well as the runway. These photographers are well acquainted with the event and are mindful that women are changing.
Q19. Can I take pictures with my phone at the event?
Yes. Please be mindful that people are changing and there might be models who don’t want their photos taken or posted before they are in full costume.
Q20. When will photos from the night of the event be posted?
This depends on the photographer and the number of photos taken. Photos of guests, the floor show, and runway show are typically posted to BCRC’s Flickr account within 2-4 weeks of the show. The staged portraits of fully costumed models have taken up to one month. BCRC will notify you and send a link to the photos when they are posted.
Q21. Can my family volunteer for the event?
Yes, we will post a volunteer sign up form on the Art Bra® Austin website in April. BCRC typically recruits 150 volunteers for various placements. Please keep in mind that volunteering for the event means your family members will be working and depending on the job, they most likely will not get to see the entire show.
Q22. After my runway walk, can I go out and see my family?
All runway models are sequestered backstage for the entire show. When the entire runway show is finished, you will have some time to go out, see your family, and take some photos. The after party begins 30 minutes after the show ends. Don’t forget to leave yourself enough time to change, carefully place your bra in the box in came in, and meet your family at the party.
Q23. Can I wear my bra and costume to the after party?
Only if you own the entire costume and the Art Bra® was purchased specifically for you.