If you have ever wondered why you see more Caucasian models than Asians in our local fashion spreads, there is a simple reason for it.

Terence Lee, fashion editor for Female, states it succintly: "Asian models are not tall enough to carry off certain clothes.

"Certain clothes look weird on Asian models."

Height - it seems - is what stands between Asians and a bright future in fashion.

And within a finicky fashion industry, you don't have the luxury of getting it wrong.

Freelance fashion photographer, Ivanho Harlim agrees.

Models getting a touch-up

He said: "The fashion industry is a bit tricky, and we have to follow international standards of beauty. Even in Japan, you still have magazines which feature blonde girls and Caucasian models. I won't say that's bad, but in Asia, you don't have the liberty of creating a standard of beauty."

So, just what goes on behind a fashion shoot? Is it all picture perfect models, lounging around in that just-right setting and wearing those gorgeous clothes that you see in your super-sleek fashion magazines?

Try an uncooperative weather that made it impossible for an outdoor shoot that will send you dashing for a last-minute contingency plan instead.

Fashion magazine Female, managed by SPH magazines, brought AsiaOne on one such outing to give us a peek into what goes on behind the scene at a fashion shoot to meet the people who make it possible to churn out the glossies.

We trailed the Female team to a run-down church in Dempsey Road for their first shoot of the morning. The shoot had originally been scheduled to take place at the Lower Pierce Reservoir, but plans were changed when a sudden downpour caused everybody to change directions for a more sheltered place.

When we arrived, the church, stuffy, the air was choked with dust from what feels like years of neglect, and was in the process of being torn down. The construction workers milling around at the opposite end of the church eyed the fashion people with curious glances, even as the team continued to set the scene for the models in a corner of the church.

From left: Photographer Ivanho Harlim, Stylist Jonathan, Female Fashion Editor Terence Lee, Maket-up artist Shawn Lee

Terence said: "It takes about two weeks to plan and do a photoshoot. After the initial idea, we have to get the people and the models.

"All fashion shoots evolve from the season's trends. We digest the trends and pick up details and tell readers what trends to look out for. From there, we get our theme and storyline for the shoot."

And all the models were - as you guessed - tall and Caucasian.

But despite the obvious danger from the ongoing construction work, the the trouble was worth it.

Photographer Ivanho said: "In Singapore, it's very hard to obtain permission to enter premises for photoshoots. Fortunately, I know the owner of this place.

"But the light in outdoor places such as this church is very natural. Also, the theme of the shoot is 'Bohemian', so even the tiles in here suit the theme."

And how do the models still look good despite the stuffy air and humid weather?

Make-up artist Shawn Lee advised: "Use more make-up base and less foundation, or make-up might melt". As for your tresses, hairstylist Allen said: "Create your basic hairstyle first, then use hairspray at the location to set hair."

Those would be useful beauty tips for anytime. And of course, don't forget those gorgeous clothes. Never mind if you are not a Caucasian.

Click here to see the vodcast of the behind-the-scene fashion photoshoot.

Get a copy of Female's latest issue at all newsstands now.