Recently, as many of ye have already seen, there has been numerous models coming forward stating they were ‘body shamed’ out of their job. For example see the Charli Howard piece via Dazed Online
I sympathise with them. Having modelled for over 5 years, 2 of those full time, I was constantly told that my hips were too big and I needed to ‘work’ on my measurements. No matter how it is worded, that isn’t a nice thing to hear. To be very honest, while I took it on board and I did feel conscious of my hips (all 36.5cm of them) from time to time at jobs and castings, I didn’t really do much to slim them down. Much to my agency’s dislike I continued to drink beer (something I was constantly scolded for) and didn’t sign up to a gym. I was, and still am a slim size 6/8 standing at 5’9.
I knew I was never going to be the next Karlie or Kate and I rarely did catwalk work but I still managed to make a healthy salary despite by body ‘flaws’. There are plenty of clients out there who specifically book girls that are fit and healthy, and clearly look it.
With all these models coming forward and people ganging up on the model agencies, people seem to be forgetting two things: Firstly, like many other jobs there is a certain criteria to be a model. You have to have a certain physique ( just like a ballet dancer, gymnast etc). Secondly, if attaining this physique is hard for you and is something that is making you unhappy then don’t be a model.It sounds harsh but why do something that clearly is making you bitter? I completely understand how it can be frustrating to work out everyday,eat healthy and put all your energy into achieving the goals your agency have set for you, yet you still aren’t getting work.It’s sh*t but you have a choice.
If you feel the industry as a whole needs to change, then by all means voice your opinion but don’t blame an agency or slate them for ‘body shaming’ when they are doing their job and trying to get you where you need to be to get booked for work.
At the end of the day an agency is a business. A business needs to make money. It can be a cold and unforgiving industry but if you don’t want to be a part of it, then leave.
Across The Pond 