Whether we are interested in it or not, the modeling industry undeniably influences our everyday lives.
Starting with what we see on TV or in magazines, ending with sizing in clothing stores. Women compare
their bodies to the ones the fashion world presents as perfect. They convince themselves that if they are
as skinny as the models in the magazines they will also be as happy as the models look in the posed
pictures. However, are models really as happy as the modeling industry wants us to think?
Here is one of the short episodes from Vogue’s documentary-series “The Models”. It shows a few models
telling their stories about the modeling industry. They share how it has influenced their body image,
caused eating-disorders and put pressure to lose weight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKd38G338Qw
QUESTIONS:
What is your opinion about a model's job? Is it such a dream come true?
Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept
the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in
magazines or on television as perfect ones?
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
Comments
I think they already know and aware with industry, ofcourse profession which they choose they should have knowledge and idea about it. and it is not like they always need thin body sometimes they need model with healthy body to do marketing or brand advertisement or whatever...
Here, I amcombining answer for 3-4.
That is so strange some wants healthy body , some wants thin body and it keep viceversa. Somehow it is true that only thin body influenced because of the the look and skinny closet, also according to the people it look perfect ,thin body will make any outfit fashionable. what we see we accept it. It affect on real life also . I have seen so many people make fun of fat people, if they have wear some stylist clothes than people laugh on them, Unacceptable behaviour hurts.Youngsters also feel something same but now the era has changed. People accept the fat not fat healthy body. It's just a biological reasons to get fat body for example not proper digestion, junk food, sometimes side effect of medicines, some disease and ofcouse in your home always make delicious food than you will get output according to your inputs.
2. I think that at this point so much awareness has already been brought to this topic and so much information spread through the internet that it's no secret that this industry has some pretty strict standards. So going into this job girls usually are already aware of what might follow. I can't say that I agree with the standards set by the industry leaders but thankfully they have been shifting quite a lot in the past couple of years. And more diversity has been introduced.
3. I've never really thought about it, to be honest. I kind of always had a mindset that different jobs have different requirements and I never really associated myself with the modeling industry. With that being said, I don't think I've felt pressured to have a body like models do.
4. I love it! I think it's a change that needed to happen in the industry. I wish more people were accepting of it but I'm pleased to see diversity in the advertising campaigns and runway shows. I mean, at the end of the day everybody is beautiful so why not show it.
I'm a traditional woman and I keep my feet on the ground. In my opinion, modeling's work isn't so hard compared to another work like doctor, engineer or even firefighter. I don't deny that their job is important but in my opinion nice face shouldn't be more profitable than activities which may save lives.
2. Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I think that people who start with modeling's industry don't have this possibility to refuse proposed options. Fighting with the body requirements started a few years ago which caused the change in modeling's world but in my mind in the long run it won't change anything.
Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
No, I don't. I like my body and that's probably a solution for every person who have got problems like that. We're not perfect. No one of us are and if we don't understand that fact, we won't be happy.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
In my opinion it's a wrong approach, as the same as modeling in the traditional way. Both of them promote unhealthy style of life - one of them propose overweight and second of them underweight.
This isn't to say that modelling itself is inherently bad, and it's not to say that the women who model are in any way at fault or engaging in something unethical. The real evil here is the dominance of wealthy old geezers over society. If the world we live in were to change and become more truly egalitarian, I think modelling could in theory exist in a wholly ethical manner (and would ideally include and celebrate male and nonbinary models as much as it does female ones). Until then, perhaps the internet might provide us with infrastructure necessary to put the models in control of their own bodies, independent of the modelling industry. I'm not particularly well informed about this subject, but I do seem to recall that there are now independent models who utilize services such as instagram and make money off of either advertisements or donations.
The thin body requirements have been the cause of many cases of severe health issues and even death due to self-induced starvation that some models have to force themselves into to stay competetive in the industry. The sad part of this, is that this body standard is completely artificial and not in any way an objective measure of beauty. People have very varied tastes, and the canon of beauty has been mutable across the ages and places. Just two hundred years ago in Europe, being fat was seen as physically attractive, because thinness was associated with peasantry and the working class, with being lowborn. I'm not going to come out and make proclamations of how being fat is desireable or good, because there are genuine health issues associated with being overweight that I cannot in good conscience not point out. However, I sincerely believe that the unnatural celebration of excessive thinness is causing very real problems in our society.
Honestly, I don't know what to feel about plus-size models becoming more mainstream. I feel like this is nothing more than a cynical ploy to make the industry look more palatable to society which is slowly becoming more progressive (at least in the west). I doubt the industry will celebrate the entire spectrum of human form, or even just phenotypally feminine form, and will instead allow a few token plus-size models to exist while keeping the old horrid standards for the rest. But I suppose this might be a sign of times slowly changing for the better all the same, if the forces of capital feel the need to make some concessions, no matter how small and tokenic.
In childhood, I used to think about being a model like something exciting and cool. There was also a popular TV show America's Next Top Model with Tyra Banks on MTV. I was a fan and tried not to miss episodes. I remember Tyra`s advice always to smile with your eyes. :) It also was a period when I dreamed of going to the model school.
But with time, my interests have changed. My attitude to the model profession now is different. Nowadays, there is a big competition among models, and this job is associated with huge stress and pressure. Also, it is not a job for the whole life, at the age of 25-30, you will not be demanded. Of course, there are some advantages of being a successful(!) model, like for example, the opportunity of travelling.
2.Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I think that the fashion industry is a system (sometimes conservative) that has been developed by years. And it is not so easy to change requirements. But, of course, these standards of beauty seems silly nowadays. In real life, there are not so many people with thin bodies, and they are the customers.
But, in my opinion, models who do not accept these standards should try to do something with it. Even this short speech in the video may help somebody to feel relief. From year to year, there are more brands which show different skin and weight models, like H&M, for example. There are also fashion shows of lingerie with women of different sizes, races and ages. And such changes are great.
3.Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I used to be overwhelmed by it when I was a teenager. Now it also can be such periods when I compare myself with girls from advertising. But I like myself and my body much more.
4.What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
Honestly, I do not agree that it is a compromise and that plus-size models break the fashion industry standards of beauty. They also presented many requirements with regards to growth and parameters. A model of short stature or with a not enough good belly will not be hired. And it not good at all.
Also, what to do women with size M or L? You can be neither an ordinary model nor a plus-size.
2.Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
This one is tricky. On the one side when you are aware of what kind of job you are going into you should accept it or just turn a different path in life. On the other hand, this industry has a huge impact on how we perceive body image. Fighting those standards may bring lots of positive things. Also watching this documentary was heartbreaking! All of these beautiful girls that were said they were too fat didn’t seem right.
3.Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies that are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I was influenced, especially when I was younger. Nowadays I’m more aware of how this shaped my body image and how the human body looks like.
I remember when I was younger I heard serval times that models in magazines are heavily photoshopped but somehow it never realized how exactly looks photo before and after. For example, I was obsessed with the look of smoothness on the model’s body. I wanted to achieve this and I truly thought that this image is realistic.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I’m a little bit worried about what we are considering “plus-size”. I saw some woman who has a size 40 - 42 (European) called “plus-size”. I truly believe that fashion should be for all people and everyone should have representation. I would like to see all colors, races, heights, and all various types of beauty. One week ago on MyTheresa.com (a website that sells high end and designer clothes), I saw a model with Down syndrome. She is beautiful and I felt happy when I saw that picture.
However, I’m a little concerned about anorexic thin models and morbidly obese ones.
Nowadays I follow lots of body-positive Instagram accounts which helped me accept my body image! I like to take care of my body and to feel beautiful but also I want to have fun in my life even with a bloated belly, rolls, or cellulite. For me, the most important is balance and health.
If you can’t love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else?
I think that the awareness of what the modeling market is like is very important and you have to keep mental health in mind when entering it.
As a teenager I was certainly overwhelmed by the promoted lean bodies and even though I was very thin, I wanted to be slimmer. Over the years I have grown out of it and I am glad that I accept my body, even though it has grown a little.
I do not support the movement plus size because I do not think that being fat is healthy and worth promoting. The reworked pictures of fat models are as bad as they are too skinny. I think that we should pursue normal shapes, neither 0 nor plus size.
I don't perceive it as a serious work. Not as it is easy but it seems to me that nothing extremely valuable comes out of it.
Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I don't know if they should fight with it, but I'm absolutely sure that they should be aware of how it looks like behind the scenes.
Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I don't feel it but I'm certain that it has some effect on me. I want to look good and fit. Don't know if it is the influence of media or trying to be healthy
What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
Good for them! :) Tbh, I feel the same as @Taduesz, it seems to me that it is just a cynical move that is made only to satisfy certain groups and earn more money.
If it requires you to lead an unhealthy lifestyle like it was pictured in the video then I don't like it at all. Other than that being paid for having a pretty face doesn't sound as bad :D
2. Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
They definitely should know what are you signing up for before trying to pursue career as a model. I don't think it would be easy to fight with the requirements and build your career at the same time, you might have a hard time finding a job.
3. Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
Definitely. I think if you ask any man what's their dream body their answer will be some kind of athletic, aesthetic body of greek god. And noone talks about how much you have to sacrifice in order to reach that chiseled body. Constant workouts, diet regime and even steroids - it's simply unobtainable for an average person.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I don't like it. Promoting any kind of unhealthy lifestyle behind the idea of being yourself can be dangerous. Being overweight shouldn't be envisioned as normal, same as being underweight.
2. I guess that model's weight requirements are agreed upon in that environment. I find it funny that there are ultra-slim models and plus-sized fat ones. There are no in the middle. In my opinon, neither (super-slim or super-fat) are appealing. I would've hope, for the models to fight and try to make some more balanced standards.
3. It's a tough question. I believe that showing fit (not super-slim) bodies as perfect ones is pretty healthy. It show's the goal to achieve. What I strongly believ is unhealthy, is whole fat-acceptance movement. It tries to let people be fat, instead of changing their lifestyle for better health and life quality.
4. I think it's terrible. Like whole fat-acceptance movement, it's unhealthy, unappealing and honestly. highly disturbing. There is no thing as "plus-sized healthy pearson". Plus-sized is just obese, ergo it's unhealthy. I think most disgusting thing is telling people it's ok to be obese, instead of motivating them to get healthier.
I've never wanted to become a model, but I can see why so many people dream about this type of career. It can involve traveling and fame, getting to know world of fashion and big celebrities. For many people becoming a model would be a dream come true, however for me this type of job would be too stressful and competitive.
2. Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
Models are just tools for designers. Their job is to have a body with proportions ideal for their designs and unfortunately most of the clothes look great only on skinny models. I think that there should be a better representation of every body type, but that's up to designers and not models.
3. Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I am not too overwhelmed by the way bodies are introduced to us by the media. I am aware of how much work models put into looking the way they do and I do not strive to look like them. Also, I bear in mind how much these "perfect" bodies are manipulated by graphic programs to look so ideal.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I think it is great that plus- size models are getting represented in the industry. It's good for spreading body positivity and helps people accept the way they look.
I do love fashion and everything connected to it. A lot of young women is dreaming about becoming a model. I think that it is great to dreaming, or wishing for something but a lot of them don’t know the cruel truth. Professional model needs to fit in some settled frames. They need to weight well, look well, be flexible and in a good condition. It’s not like everyone is nice to you, or complimenting you because you’re so beautiful or something. They have plenty of people on your place, so they don’t need to be. Being a model is connected to being constantly criticized, exhausted and monitored. This is hard work, resolving in many health issues and mental illnesses. Imagine posing for a whole day. Sounds easy, but in reality that means that you need to be stiff all the time, there is no such thing as being tired - you need to do your job or you’re fired. Of course when you are at the top of the tops situation change a little, since your face or body is becoming a brand itself. Fashion industry is cruel, and what we see is not how it actually looks. There are a lot of bad things going on there, and it’s a really hard work to do.
Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept
the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
It’s a tough question. On the one hand it is nothing new that fashion industry have its demands, and everyone should know what to expect. If you don’t like the smell of bread don’t work in a bakery. ;) On the other I think that all the trends are changing, people are changing and so their expectations. I think that people should fight for their rights, but there are some things that we cannot change, especially one person. It is cruel to look at people like at the material things, but in modeling you are basically becoming a product. Maybe I’m overreacting a bit, but I think that fashion industry has such long history, that now it is hard to change it completely. There are visible changes, for example in Gucci campaign, one of the leading models was a person with Down syndrome.
Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in
magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I was, when I was younger, now I don’t care why others think in most cases. :) It’s more overwhelming than influencing. Our bodies are not perfect and we must to accept it. Of course it is very important to take a good care for ourselves, trying to eat healthy, exercise sometimes. But I think that it’s bad to compare ourselves to models, actress and the like shown on a front pages in magazines. Sadly, their job requires them to look good, but when you are a celebrity you have plenty of people working on that! Also, no one is using raw photos for the magazines or something. They must to be corrected, photoshopped when needed, so we are not looking at the “real” persons, rather at their perfected image. :)
What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I think it’s great! Most of the people are looking more similar to them, than to those very slim girls from Victoria’s Secret and the like. I don’t want to discriminate anyone, for me there is beauty hidden in everybody, so there is no need to judge. But as far as I know, mostly women we’re trying hard to look like those perfect magazines covers, letting themselves fall into various health issues, just to look like them. Now, when body positive thinking is spreading around, I think it’s nice to appreciate beauty in all kinds. :) Skinny, curvy, tall or short, we don’t need to be framed by some rules dictated by a person we didn’t know ever existed. Plus size is one step to open a little bit fashion industry to a potential, regular buyer and it’s showing that we don’t need to starve ourselves to feel pretty.
1. What is your opinion about a model's job? Is it such a dream come true?
I believe that in many cases, getting a job as a model is often just an unreachable dream for many people that have some aspirations in modelling industry. Being a professional model is a little bit like being a superstar football in Europe or basketball player in USA. Being a successful model requires passion, dedication and countless hours of commitment to perfection and even then, you still might not succeed. However, if you are good enough and have some luck you are going to accomplish the goals that you have never dreamed about.
2. Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I believe many models are aware of the commitments and strict regulations that have to obey to be successful. This is a cruel industry and unfortunately, I do not see how it might be changed. The main reason is that there are countless models that would literally do everything to become a model for Dior, Saint Laurent or Prada. They have been dreaming about this one opportunity, which could bring them to the top of the modelling industry, and they are willing to sacrifice almost everything to achieve their dreams.
3. Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
Absolutely not and to be honest I do not think that anybody should be overwhelmed by this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the model’s job requires and puts pressure on the models to be as beautifully good looking as they possibly can. Secondly, nowadays we live the world of photoshop, so most of these models do not look as great on the picture as they look naturally “on the street”. And thirdly, when we look at the photo that was taken for example for Vogue, we need to be aware that this particular picture was chosen from thousands of pictures that were taken during the session.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
Maybe I should not have this opinion about the plus-size models, however I really believe it is just wrong and I do not support it. I think it really does not send a great message to millions of people. Because in my opinion the message is: “Being overweight is absolutely okay” and it is absolutely not okay. And I am not talking about whether it is beautiful or not, this is really more about the unhealthy way of living by millions of people. Being overweight have an impact on how long people live and how your bones are affected in you 60s, 70s and 80s.
1. I believe there is no job which one could describe as a dream coming true. I have plenty of friends working in the industry and their careers are very different and unique. It’s always hard, no one becomes successful for free.
2. I think everyone around is aware about how the industry works and how strict the rules are. I know that it really differs from the territory. I mean there are always different beauty standards and borders of these standards. Diversity of bodies is a trend in New York, when in Paris they have concrete requirements which is hard to call flexible.
3. I would say it caused some form of dysphoria in me, as I didn’t see any representation of someone who would resemble by body. I guess that once I have just decided that I will never become a model and that was a resolution to all my questions and negative emotions.
4.I believe it’s a natural flow and development of the industry. I hope one day the industry will find out that there are people with wide hips and very small waists and start to produce jeans which will suit me 😊
I think it's great opportunity to travel around the world. If you do not put a lot of pressure on yourself and you don't take your failures personally then it could be a good adventure.
2. Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
Models should be aware of the dangerous aspects of theese kind of industry from the begining of their career so I think they should try to fight it. This industry should be fixed in some aspects for example cases of sexism directed mainly towards women.
3. Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I was always thin so I never had a problem with my body. Maybe sometimes I am a little influenced to have more muscles but it was never a problem to myself.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I think it's a great thing. We should show more diversity between sizes so everyone could feel comfortable and included.
I know how difficult this job is. I have some friends who are or were models and I've heard a lot of stories about what it looks like. It requires a lot of effort and dedication. You have to travel a lot, which is sometimes very hard to reconcile with school or studies. Also, if you want to be a model you have to start very early, at the age of 14 or even 13 which can adversely affect your education process.
2.Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept
the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I think that model agencies should inform, especially young candidates, about all body requirements and prepare them for this job. It is not for everyone. This a very specific environment and there are a lot of stressful situations. I had an offer to be a model and I remember how many restrictions they told me that I will have to respect. Starting from a special diet and ending with lifestyle. I didn’t agree because I wasn’t ready for such a scarifice.
3.Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in
magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I think that I used to be influenced by some body standards when I was a teenager. I was comparing myself to some celebrities and models. I think that especially nowadays this is inevitable because of all the social media like Instagram or Facebook. Fortunately, I started to be more confident and feel good in my body as soon as I understood that what we see in magazines and in social media is an illusion and that everyone is different. I think that this is very important to talk with teenagers, who are most prone to feel unattractive, that the appearance isn’t that important and that beauty standards are changing all the time so it's impossible to meet all the requirements.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
I think that there is still a lot work to do. It is great that some big companies started to hire normal or plus-size models with some natural body imperfections. Nevertheless, it should be something normal, but unfortunately it is still considered as something new and unusual.
2. I think it depends on the type of movie, or what kind of filming she is engaged in. For example, there are standard models, there are big size models, or unusual thematic shooting of models.
3. Often I face this kind of pressure, but quickly bellow and ignore this fact. Since the 21st century, there are many types of people.
4. I think this is a great step into the future and towards humanity and people in general.
Probably a lot depends on what gender we are. It has been assumed that the profession of a model is more suited to a woman and that women dominate this industry. Surely more girls would like to be models than guys would like to be models. It is ingrained in our genes. Women pay more attention to their appearance and like to be complimented. Referring to the question, it does not seem to me that a model's job is a dream job. I dare say that it can be boring and often very unhealthy work. Unhealthy in terms of both nutrition and stress in this industry.
2.Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept
the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
In my opinion it is good that the models are represented by girls with a slim body because slim people are healthier people. This means promoting a healthy lifestyle. Overweight people struggle with cardiovascular problems, frequent heart attacks or strokes. If we are to strive for a pattern of appearance, it is good if these people are slim. A big problem begins when there are very thin, even anorectic people in modeling. This condition is as unhealthy as obesity. Such models literally suffer on the catwalk and sacrifice their health instead of enjoying their work. In modeling, we should strive for moderation that is healthy for everyone.
3.Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in
magazines or on television as perfect ones?
I do not care at all about what is presented on TV and is considered beautiful. The most important thing is that we feel good in our own body and take care of our own health. Let us not allow ourselves to be manipulated by these extreme patterns of appearance shown in social media. They are presented only to make us feel jealous and want to buy some product that will supposedly make us look like this too. It's pure marketing.
4.What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
It's good that they exist because they show that we cannot be ashamed of our own body. However, the downside is that they promote the fashion for overweight life, which is also bad. In everything we should strive for moderation also in modeling.
I think this is not a dream job. At least not my dream. Models are often very beautiful, but if you will know them better, you will understand that they are the most insecure people in the world. They constantly hear criticism, agency managers expect them to undress wherever they want. They often get rejections from the model agences with the text "too thin", "too fat", "ugly legs" and so on ... Just think about it. You won't get paid for a magazine cover. This happens because many models are ready to work for free, just to get on the first page and become the face of the next magazine. Therefore, if you ask for money for your work, there will be a hundred ready to work for free
2.Do you think that models should be aware of what kind of industry they are going to and accept
the thin body requirements or maybe try to fight with it?
I think they know it, it's not such a secret. And if they try to fight, they won't have any contract.
3.Do you feel influenced or overwhelmed in any way by thin bodies which are introduced to us in
magazines or on television as perfect ones?
No, it motivates me to exercise and take care of my health and nutrition. But I also understand that these photos are changed by artists.
4. What do you think about plus-size models slowly getting into the industry?
To be honest, it looks unaesthetic to me.
2. I think they have to accept it, the employer has certain requirements and they have to meet them, if they don't like it, they can look for another place where someone will want models with their profile, or start their own company
3. I think that for women it may look like this, because thin people are promoted, people may have problems and not accept each other due to the fact that only skinny models are seen on television and in other places
4. I believe that there is nothing wrong with that. When there is a demand for something like this and it does not hurt anyone, let new things arise