Filipina-Irish model Siobhan Moylan takes us to the world of modeling and how she goes through its challenges
Many fashion enthusiasts are aware of the other side of the fashion industry. There is something that happens beyond the glam and the flashing lights, where a busy group of people go around the hustle and bustle of their work in order to present what we see on catalogs and social media. And though the end product never fails to be in its most perfected state, the majority is mostly left in the dark as to how it came to be.
It’s a wall that MEGA wants to break as we continue to produce fashion stories for the world to see, and we get to break another wall as Siobhan Moylan uncovers what it means to be a model in the fashion industry.
The Filipina-Irish model had her eyes on modeling at an early age and she started to pursue it while she was a student in university. She kept herself busy with her studies, but with the idea of modeling making a home at the back of her mind, Siobhan would often accept projects during her breaks. Low and behold, the model fully went into modeling right after college, which then opened various opportunities for her career. Siobhan looked back on the beginning of her career and expressed, “I’m glad I stuck with my gut and went for it because modeling has given me so many amazing opportunities and I’ve had the chance to meet the most talented people.”
As time went on, Siobhan’s eyes were opened to the ecosystem that the modeling world has. While her role would mostly consist of being in front of the camera, her professionalism goes beyond her modeling career and would make it a point to be kind to the people on set. Where a team of people would exert a lot of effort to produce the perfect shot, the model would also make an effort to keep the atmosphere easy. The model stated, “It’s important for me to be respectful to everyone and to let everyone know that whatever we’re shooting is a team effort.”
Being in the fashion industry, expect to meet various people that would help you go further in your career. For Siobhan, she received advice from her overseas agent that stuck to her to this day. “If someone’s rude to you, it’s because they haven’t made it in life.” And while the model found this humorous at first, she then realized that the fashion industry isn’t as forgiving and would often put a person in a worrisome state. However, she claimed that this is where one’s initiative to stand firm should come in, and to not let oneself be fazed by criticism.
“Fashion is a bitchy business, and modeling comes with a lot of criticism and rejection. It’s important to not take things personally and to realize that people will project whatever they’re feeling about themselves onto you.”
Like many of us, we work with the influence of the people who came before us, and Siobhan shared that she would often look up to icons like Kate Moss, Kiko Mizuhara, and Devon Aoki, who were able to craft their unique way of modeling—a craft she resonated with as she models. She never fails to portray her during shoots while keeping in mind how versatile one should be in the world of modeling. Just like the ones before her, she values the importance of staying true to her identity despite the many concepts.
It’s a lifestyle that demands a lot of time from an individual and it can be damaging in both mental and physical health, which is why it’s crucial to keep a tight-knit group that will help ground you amidst the busy schedule. For Siobhan, she finds solace with her boyfriend and small group of friends who share the same mindset when it comes to work—a mindset that would constantly remind them of their purpose and the drive they have in their respective industries.
Though she’s been having quite the speedy ascend in her modeling career, there is always a goal that replaces the one that’s been achieved recently. In Siobhan’s case, she can only see her career expanding to the global scene with the thought of working with international fashion brands. And with that, how can one stop her when she’s already moving onto the next step of her career?
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY
Creative Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Art Direction BRIE VENTURA, assisted by MOIRA MANILAO
Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU
Styling JOAQUIN RODRIGO, assisted by NAVEENA ABDURAJAK
Beauty Direction MARA GO
Makeup GERY PEÑASO
Hair PATTY CRISTOBAL
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Producers MEGA DIGITAL (CARYLL CABUHAT, JEMIMA CRUZ, CHLARINE GIANAN, MARA GO, and MIKA REYES)
Video Production REGINA ACERON
Videography KIERAN PUNAY
Production Design JOSIAH HIPONIA, assisted by JOB CONSTANTINO
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO
All pieces by CHRIS NICK
