HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

The road to becoming a successful model is often rocky and bumpy. It may seem really cool walking the ramp, but dear friends, be cautious! Life of a model is not always a bed of roses, rather, there are thorns like stress, health concerns and changes in lifestyle that pose a serious threat on a model's physical and mental health.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: stay away from it to become a successful model. (www.ehow.com)

Let's take a look at some of the issues associated with a model's health. I don't intend to scare modelling aspirations but all I really hope for is to pen down some of the risks that come with a modelling career. If a person stays focused about his/her health and keeps the lifestyle positive, a modelling career can earn him/her everything-wealth, name and fame with the health just being fine too. The following are few of the most serious health hazards that need to be taken care of and avoided in order to make a successful career as a model:

• Substance Abuse- Modelling often brings with it, the risk of substance abuse. Stress is one of the key elements that often trigger the risk of substance abuse. So an aspiring model should always try for ways to keep stress at bay and stay away from substance abuse.
• Anorexia- People in the modelling profession may often suffer from Anorexia, which leads to developing apprehension over getting obese and losing contracts. The key to keep anorexia at bay is to eat healthy diets and exercise along with techniques such as yoga or aerobics that help to keep mental and physical composure normal.
• Irregular Work Schedules- Irregularity in work schedules is a part of modelling career. your sleeping timing and diet timing may often change, thus impacting your health. Appropriate diet and sleep should be preferred to socialising and parties.

ANOREXIA: eat healthy diets and exercise to stay healthy. (www.anorexia10.com)

If you are cautious and make positive changes in your lifestyle, the sky is the limit in a modelling career. So eat healthy, stay fit and I wish you good luck in your endeavour of becoming a model!

ARE THE DIETS AND THE DRASTIC CHANGE IN EATING HABITS WORTH THE TROUBLE?

How much should you eat to get your body to match the stats of Size Zero? Models and girls across the world diet and reduce their food intake to become skinny and look good in fashionable clothes. But are the diets and the drastic change in eating habits worth the troubles?

Emotional Eating: The trick to staying slim. (www.foxnews.com)

In today's society, we are bombarded with messages from all sides on what to eat and what not to eat. On the one hand we should control ourselves: fat or sugar or whatever is taken out of certain foods and they are sold to us as diet foods, while on the other we should give in to desire: fat and sugar is added to other foods which are sold to us as indulgent treats. According to a few fashion communities, Size Zero means the woman has treated her body like a temple, working out and dieting smartly to achieve a beautiful figure that complements the strong woman beneath the surface. Apparently, Size Zero clothing accentuates the way woman feel inside!! Well, I don't think so.

Pizza Express: Eat pizza, stay thin! (www.fabfrocks.blogspot.com)

Are the diets and drastic change in eating habits worth the trouble? The calories required for an average woman to turn herself into a "Lollypop Lady" are 400 calories. The lack of calories causes a metabolic melee in the brain resulting in fierce mood swings, loss of sense of proportion and the inability to see outside the immediate world (www.lovepanky.com). The uproar over the Size Zero brings a new debate on the quotient of beauty. What is beautiful? Who is beautiful? It goes without saying that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, who are these beholders? Wherever you are on this planet, is beauty just skin deep?

MODELLING SCAMS

Suckers are not born a minute, but dreams are. We all dream of fame, fortune and glory, and for teenage girls, all three are rolled into one tenacious fantasy: the dream of being a fashion model. What are you going to do if your agent says you're fat and tells you to lose weight? You're not fat and you know it. Your friends think you're thin and maybe your mother feels you're too thin. But the agent explains you need to be slimmer to get bookings. What if you try to shed some kilos but can't?

MODELLING SCAMS: Is that great offer a fake? (www.modelingscams.net)

Thousands of young women are interested in modelling and get scammed every year, but surprisingly few books have been written about modelling scams. In fact, you would be lucky to find half a dozen books ever written on them in general or about one of them in particular. The bad news about the modelling industry is: it is full of scams. The good news is: education can keep you from avoiding them.

SCAMS: Spot fake modelling agencies. (www.ehow.com)

The Internet has become a force for both education and relevation. Some sites help you learn what scams look like, while others specifically name which one are frauds. www.ModelingScams.org emphasizes modelling scams in the United States, but very similar if not identical schemes are found in South Africa and other English-speaking countries, as well as virtually every other country that has models. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Take some time to learn the history of the modelling industry so you can avoid big mistakes or small ones. 

MY LOVE AND VIEWS ABOUT THE MODELLING INDUSTRY AND THE POWER OF IT ALL.

I love anything that has to do with modelling. I will watch any old reality TV show if it has models in it, I used to be majorly addicted to America's Next Top Model so much! I dislike the manipulative editing that makes it seem as if everyone is constantly fighting or crying, but I will watch it anyway. What I like best is the bits when they are working it because of the glimpses into the model's lives.




Myself (Refilwe Pearl Makamedi): I love anything that has to do with modelling.


I wish modelling was just treated as a job with pros and cons like any other, but I just find it so weird that it's this thing that so many young girls aspire to the extent that they will completely screw their life chances in other areas such as education to pursue it. i can understand why it appears glitzy, since models are the public face of the fashion industry. Unfortunately, the things I have found out about professional modelling are not so encouraging:

1. Clients demand models with 31 inch hips: Which is basically not physically possible.
2. Models don't get paid for Vogue covers: Editorial models basically work for not that much at all in the hope of getting their face recognised  hope so that eventually they will pick up one of the many big advertising contracts, but obviously there aren't many of them.
3. Fainting is not an excuse: Agencies never understand why a model is so tired. (www.oranges-and-apples.com)



Myself (Refilwe Pearl Makamedi): Not sacrificing chances in life to pursue modelling.


So why then am I so interested in all things modelling? I'm not even into high fashion that much, and my fascination definitely goes beyond clothes... The best I can explain it is that what I love is the transformation and I take heart from the fact that gawky teenager with thin short hair can end up as internationally renowned symbol of beauty.

MODELLING CAN ADD VALUE TO ONES LIFE...

The training a reputable modelling agency provides their models can create essential building blocks to be successful in life or prepare a young person for a long term career. Modelling can teach aspiring models life skills such as: poise, posture, personalised branding and style, grooming, business acumen, etiquette, how to work well under pressure and with an extreme variety of personalities, anger management, how to work independently a s a team, flexibility, negotiation and customer service skills.

MODELLING CAN CREATE ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCKS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE: Don't give up on your dream of becoming a model (www.happyquotesworld.com).

The other bonus to modelling is not just the financial incentives or learning money management skills but the exposure to successful businesses and their associates, travelling and building long term friendships with other young people in the business that can often last a lifetime. However, the dark side to modelling is that young models can be exploited if managed improperly, drug use can become a method to lose weight quickly and eating disorders among models have never been sorted.

LIVE YOUR VALUES: Don't let criticism get to you (www.trueinspiration.com.au).

Criticism plays a big role in the modelling industry, always think the positives, be passionate about what you do and be driven to what you believe in. When you finally accomplish it, the best part is looking back on how strong you are and how much you went through and focus on how you'll become a role model for someone, for people.

POSITIVE CHANGES IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY...

Many critiques in the modelling industry have less in common with the loving mother who tries to flatter you with compliments that empower you and more in common with a devil's advocate who tells you to skip your next two meals because your bum looks to large in your favourite pair of jeans and that you need to hit the gym daily for about three hours minimum. Both their have their place but one is said in love, the other is much more forceful and can affect ones self-esteem, income and career of an aspiring or professional model.





CURVES ARE NOT BAD: THEY REDEFINE AND RESHAPE THE WORLD'S STANDARD BEAUTY. www.examiner.com

 

For years, fashion designers created the demand for models to be thin, preferring human hangers on the runway and models of picture perfect perfection in their advertisements. Major changes were noted when modelling agencies Ford and Wilhelmenia first expanded into the plus size market. In the late nineties Mode Magazine launched its first fashion magazine targeted for the plus-size consumer and was also supported by Wilhelmina. Then in 2004 Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty began pushing the envelope further with a national campaign using plus size models. The main stream public was accepting more variations in curvaceous beauty with people like Anna Nicole Smith, Mia Tyler, Emmie Aronson and Queen Latifah shining in the spotlight.



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW HER CURVES: MYSELF (REFILWE PEARL MAKAMEDI)



Thankfully the plus size movement has continued with Wilhelmina W. Curve Models Organisation, Curves for Change where the models are removing the superficial shell of the fashion industry to become personal mentors of success. They utilise their good looks and sharp wits to advocate for a variety of charities that empower and help women. Two of the organisations they are currently supporting are:

• www.hardygirlshealthywomen.org which is a nonprofit organisation that works to create opportunities, develop programs, and provide services so that all girls and women experience equality, independence, and safety in their everyday lives.
• The other organisation Curves for Change supports is the www.komeraproject.org, an organisation created to assist girls in Rwanda where most struggle to be educated beyond elementary school.

The expectation is for every woman to be able to come out and show off her "curves" to support both these great causes and to celebrate how far we as women, have come to redefine and reshape the world standard beauty.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

Fifteen years ago, all a model had to do was show up and look pretty. But in today's social media-saturated world, a great pair of legs and killer cheekbones do not make a supermodel. More and more, a model's earning power is derived not only by how many shows she walked or magazines she covered, but how many Twitter followers she has.




SOCIAL MEDIA: A powerful asset in a model's career (www.memeburn.com).


Name recognition has always been a powerful asset in a model's career, but whereas in the past the public mostly got to know the industry's biggest players through countless covers, campaigns, gossip columns and paparazzi photos, today's social media has enabled models to make names for themselves. Now, any business-savvy model can get her name out there, and control her brand, through Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook (www.newyork-tokyo.com) .




KATE UPTON: First supermodel to use social media as a powerful asset (www.theplace2.ru).


Kate Upton is the first model to use social media as a powerful asset in her modelling career. She is an American model and actress known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue first in 2011 when she was named Rookie of the Year, and again in 2012, when she was announced as the cover model. Today, up-and-coming young models like Kate Upton, have their web-savvy skills and digital popularity to thank for their skyrocket to fame. Social media imprint (from Facebook and Twitter) has ranked the following models as the top 5 for using social media as a powerful asset (www.ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com):

1. Tyra Banks:          9 126 761
2. Adriana Lima:       2 310 529
3. Heidi Klum:          2 191 447
4. Miranda Kerr:      1 838 532
5. Gisele Bundchen: 1 797 789

My question is, while a large social media presence is no doubt a useful tool, does it really equal more success????

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?

We've heard horror stories of high fashion models starving themselves to stay thin, and seen skeletons walking down the runway. Influxes of images showing extremely thin women lower young girls' fragile self-esteems as they strive for this unattainable beauty. It has been proved that these unrealistic images have contributed to the rising number of eating disorders especially in America and around the world. So what is the future of the modelling industry?




GOOD HEALTH IS BEAUTIFUL: Refilwe Makamedi (myself) standing up for and representing petite models.


Vogue has come up with new standards which will highlight healthier, beautiful models that can serve as inspiring, not demeaning, images for girls. These standards are revolutionary in the modelling industry, especially because models' shrinking waists have been such a topic of concern in recent years. Vogue has started setting these standards in June, whereby the policy states that Vogue will no longer willingly hire models that are too thin and appear to have an eating disorder, or that are under the age of sixteen. Vogue is finally being proactive and trying to portray the idea that healthy is beautiful and in addition to these new guidelines, Vogue is also beginning a mentoring program for its younger models to help raise awareness about their health and how to portray their healthy is beautiful campaign (www.lhrtimes.com).




THE VOUGE HEALTH INITIATIVE: AIMING TO ENCOURAGE A HEALTHIER APPROACH TO BODY IMAGE
www.allwalks.org


However, I feel that this doesn't necessarily mean the entire modelling industry is changing. While Vogue plays a big role, standards aren't necessarily altering for other magazines on the runway. Question is, will models portray healthier body images and set more realistic standards for young girls struggling with their self-esteem? Will underage girls be kept away ffrom the very adult world of the modelling industry? MAYBE. But one thing is for certain: Models will stay thin, but hopefully not skeletal. 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

You don't have to be an ad or media professional to be aware that our communications world is highly sexualised these days. But how does this charged environment affect the lives of the women who give give their bodies and sexuality up for our objectification? Sexual harassment in the modelling industry is not a pretty picture!

SPEAK UP AND SPEAK OUT: SAY NO TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT (http://www.speakinupandspeakingoutfromcairo.wordpress.com/)

The well worn modelling stereotype brings images of glamour, gorgeous clothing and evenings full of champagne, however, things can get boozy backstage: under-age girls mostly work without parental supervision, agencies put lots of pressure on models to lose weight and sexual harassment is definitely not rare. The Model Alliance, a group formed to improve conditions for models, is dissolving that glossy veneer. Sure we've heard all horror stories of rampant anorexia, but the group's new survey found a slew of other problems. Only 85 models took part so the sample is small, but gives some deep insight. From the study published on Fashionista:

• Roughly a third of models have eating disorders.
• Anxiety and depression is the number one health concern and roughly 68% of those surveyed said they had suffered from both.
• 77% say they have been exposed to drugs or alcohol while at work. Some 50% have been exposed to cocaine on the job.
• Nearly 30% have been touched inappropriately on shoots and 28% say they've been pressured to have sex with someone at work.

STOP IT BEFORE IT GETS UGLY: STAND AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT (http://www.ideasandtraining.com/)

It is awful, especially in a field where most girls are super young. If you feel like you are being sexual harassed, feel free to complete a Sexual Harrasment in the Modelling Industry Survey (http://www.thefashionspot.com/). Be part of the Model Alliance group and stand against sexual harassment.

PLUS SIZE MODELS... IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH OUR BODIES??

Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less. Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modelling industry continues to be questioned. Is there something really wrong with our bodies? I am a plus-size model and to me it is surprising to seet the majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14. I mean 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater for sizes 14 and smaller. I honestly feel if we continue to ignore and rely on others to decide what we want to see, change will never happen. It is about time we as plus-size models or women who are a size 14 and larger to start becoming more vocal and proactive, patient and realistic.

REPRESENTING PLUS-SIZE MODELS: Refilwe Makamedi (me) at a photoshoot by Jessica Otto at the Emerentia Botanical Gardens.

Why are we expected to respond to pictures of small size 6 and 8 women? There is absolutely nothing wrong with our bodies, its just that we are bombarded with weight-loss every single day and we're in an industry that preys on the fear of being fat. Not every one is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and I am not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy. Our desire is equality to shop and have fashion option just like smaller women.

WHITNEY THOMPSON: first plus-size model to win America's  Next Top Model cycle 10.

How do we bring about change?

• Support clothing outlets who market you.
• Use social networking sites to let brands and designers know how you feel about clothing and the use of thin models to market you.
• Your money counts. If you stop buying at "Store A" and let them know you will not be purchasing their clothes until they market you, this will raise concern.
• Use every opportunity you have available to you for your voice to be heard.

Why can't we move  towards  that goal??  Why are we being affected by the brands who want our money??

IS THERE ENOUGH GAY MEN IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?

There is a growling tension between those who feel they are discriminated against and those who feel somewhat favoured by a perception. I am in the mist of gay friends and one of them feels that there aren't enough gay men in the modelling industry. Well, I honestly feel that there are enough gay men in the modelling industry. Times are changing and greater acceptance of "The Gays" has led the way for gay men to excel in traditionally straight male fields, but real-world examples remain few and far between-often only in cities or countries where gays and lesbians enjoy greater equality with their straight co-workers.

Kim Stolz: is a well known American fashion model and television personality who is an out lesbian. http://www.fanpop.com/

Gay culture rewards creativity. The heroes in the gay community are generally not the rugby players or the fireflighter, although they do exist, but the drag queens, musicians, filmmakers, writers, actors, artists and dancers. This is partly due to the fact that these were once the only careers gay men could excel in while still maintaining a sense of who they are and an exuberant pride in what they could accomplish.

Robel: is one of the finalists of the  first black African contestants for Mr GayWorld.http://www.timeslive.co.za/

Back to the question, is there enough gay men in the modelling industry? Many gay men tend to be image-concious in a similar way that heterosexual women are because typically their objects of affection are stimulated visually. The modelling world is somewhat more accepting of stereotypical "gay tendencies" and gay lifestyle therefore a gay individual may feel more comfortable working as a model and making that a goal. Yes there is enough gay men in the modelling industry and have a variety of competitions or activities like the Mr Gay World (http://www.mrgayworld.org/), which is an annual contest for gay men seeking to establish ambassadors for Gays and Human Rights.

RACISM IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

When we look at the issue of racism in the modelling industry, you can only shake your head in shame to know that racism exists even in a world of fashion and glamour. Since when should colour be included in the modelling spectrum? I hope that all designers will start considering using models of colour because in the past two yeras, models of colour have not been used on runways. According to DYME magazine, it is evident that ethnic models have been missing on the runway and in editorial for a long time.

http://www.fashionbombdaily.com/

Today when we think of black models, we think of Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, just to mention a few that have not only ripped the runway across the globe, but have gained international attention and celebrity status. How should young girls of colour feel when they do not see their skin colour and their physical features celebrated as beautiful? I feel that there should be more diversity projected in the world of modelling, because black male and female models also have what it takes to showcase beauty and talent.

http://www.weheartit.com/

It is interesting that some of the top black models in the world, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Liya Kebede and Tyson Beckford "launched a campaign against race discrimination in the fashion industry-which they say is at its worst since the 1960s". It is sad to know that there hardly any campaigns in South Africa that are against racism in the modelling industry.

CAN ONE MAKE IT AS A FASHION MODEL?

A fashion model is a person who practices modelling as his or her profession, that is he or she uses her body and face to display clothes and become what the designer wants her to be and what he wants the model to represent, and the model is paid for that. In an ideal world we would all be at least six feet tall with slender bodies and immaculate looks. The fashion model is the depiction of the fashion designers preference and therefore will posses physical attributes that are out of the norm. If you succeed, a career in fashion modelling can be highly rewarding with the chance to meet the best professionals in the industry, with opportunities to appear on the covers of top fashion magazines and promote top brands' products, the possibilities are endless.

www.fashtash.tumblr.com

Can one make it as a fashion model?

A model is a blank canvas on which the designer's fantasies and creations are painted upon, and the models who achieve this brilliantly are the most often used. During a catwalk show the fashion models will move along the catwalk, walking and turning to display clothes in front of an audience. In photographic and advertising a fashion model will pose for photographers in a studio or on location and follow directions from the photographer. A fashion model works closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors. However, fashion modelling is not always as glamorous as it seems. A fashion model will also spend much time going to castings for jobs, keeping in contact with the fashion model agency and looking after his or her apperance. I honestly think  that one can make it as a fashion model if they are determined, hard working and also have interest in fashion.

www.mambaonline.com

Here are three designers that I believe are the best in South Africa:

1. JJ Schoeman is one of South Africa's top Fashion Designers since the 90's.
2. David Tlale is an award winning and Johannesburg based Fashion Designer who stands out from the crowds.
3. Gert Johan Coetzee is a former recipient of the Cape Town Fashion Festival's award for Most Promising Designer in South Africa.

SHOULD ONE AGREE WITH THE MODELLING INDUSTRY'S DEFINITION OF BEAUTY??

After reading a comment made by one of my followers on my blog about what is legitimate and what is not legitimate in the modelling industry, the question of how should one define beauty came to mind. Beauty is the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations as shape or colour, a meaningful design or pattern, or something else such as personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest. Before reading any further, what would you say beauty is and how would you define it?



Alek Wek
http://www.wordpress.com/



Through the years, our perception of beauty has gone from fat to thin. I think that the modelling industry should look for someone who is presentable, not necessarily  beautiful or skinny, but someone who has passion for modelling and knows what the industry is all about. The industry usually prefers a girl with less meat on her bones and who will look good on camera. Take Grace Jones and Alek Wek, they are not particularly models that are claimed beautiful (by the media) however, through their passion for modelling they are amongst the most ranked models in the world.



Grace Jones
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/

 I believe that many women feel left out by the modelling industry. Petite women are one of many groups that are not represented by the media and the modelling industry, the standard of beauty promoted by the media and modelling industry represent an unrealistic, rare and unattainable ideal. however, Bella Petite http://www.bellapetite.com/ offers encouragement and support to petite women trying to succeed in the modelling industry.

"It is foolish to wish for beauty. Sensible people never either desire it for themselves or care about it in others. If the mind be but well cultivated, and the heart well disposed, no one ever cares for the exterior"- ANNE BRONTE.

ANOREXIA... WHY CAN'T WE LOOK THE WAY WE WANT?





http://www.smartgirltips.com/



"Looking good sells"... "Clothes do look better on slim models than fat models, unless the model has hour-glass figure". Fashion models and celebrities have always been blamed by society (parents, teachers, media, politicians and even other models themselves) for encouraging anorexia. Let's face it, fashion magazines edit "flaws" from their pictures to the effect that most pictures appear to be air-brushed. There are studies which showed that males prefer females with 0.7 waist/hip ratio because it looks more attractive and sexy. So? Why can't we look the way we want? A lot of women have problems with their belly, breasts and figure and I feel we shouldn't be worried about how we look because we all look great!

http://www.dietpillsreview.co.uk/

ANOREXIA

Anorexia is an eating disorder, this disorder is thought to be common among people involved in activities where thinness is especially looked upon, such as modeling. It becomes a totally different scenario when it comes to anorexia, people can't be against skinny people because its a psychological disease and some people find it easier to be confident to cut down on food because of how they look.



Woolworths has recently come under five from consumers for an ad campaign for its Studio W range of clothing featured on models who look painfully thin. The brand's Facebook page, "Woolworths SA",was inundated with comments from folllowers calling the campaign "a terrible advert for your brand",and accusing it of promoting anorexia.http://www.iafrica.com/. It is sad that we have a very few anorexia campaigns in South Africa compared to the United States, because I feel it is a serious disease that needs to be given attention. It is about time we accept who we are and revel in it.

WHAT IS LEGITIMATE AND WHAT IS NOT LEGITIMATE IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?

There is a whole industry built around taking advantage of your dream of becoming a model. The modelling industry thrives on your enthusiasm, your ignorance and your money. But mostly it thrives on the uncertainty and lack of information generally available on modelling. In the modelling industry, it is far more likely for you to fall into a rip-off situation while trying to become a model than to find an actual legitimate path to actually see if modelling is for you.

With modelling, it can be hard to tell the difference at times as to what is legitimate and what is not legitimate. A legitimate modelling agency makes money when you make money or actually provides a service that in most cases leads to actual paid work. A non-legitimate agency thrives on your money that you pay to them and it never leads to any significant work. When you start contacting modelling agencies, remember to read as much about the agency as possible before you contact or visit them. the more you know about the agency, the more informed you will be about the legitimacy of the establishment. It's important to start your modelling career with real professionals, so be careful, as not everyone is as trustworthy as they might seem. Here are three modelling agencies that I believe are thee best suited to reach your success:

1.http://www.promodels.co.za/ 
2.http://www.iconsmodels.com/
3.http://www.gapa.co.za/