Thinner and unhealthier models treading the catwalk: a societal vicious circle?

“Shrink your belly!”, “Slim body, fat wallet” or “Why don’t I lose weight?”. These are headlines coming from women’s magazine covers. But where does all this nonsense about losing weight come from? Are we all masochists, continually wanting to be thinner and thinner, without really caring for the consequences? A modelling agency gives the world a reference. We want to look like this reference, but it seems that the more we identify to models the thinner they become, far past the healthy line. What role does the individual play in this oh-always-so-thinner society? Is it modelling agencies influencing us or is it the contrary? Where will it stop and shouldn’t we try to do something against it to protect ourselves and our children?

It is very common to see very thin models treading the catwalk and many people think it is bad for teenagers’ body image as these models are in. They are the ones to which young girls identify and forcing a super thin image on the world is dangerous for them.

It is true that some girls seem to naturally be as thin as all get out but most of them don’t and keeping such a thin body is not only really difficult but also very unhealthy. It means that the person should not consume the basic elements needed to be able to deal with a whole day.

Most designers think that clothes look better on thin models and people who see clothes advertized on thin models tend to respond more positively to the advertisement, thinking these clothes will make them look better. But this trend actually started only a short time ago. Indeed, a couple of centuries ago, the tendency was reversed. In order to be beautiful, women needed to be plump. Even though fashion evolved, models from the 1950s or earlier put fuller figures on display without them looking less beautiful. Most fashion models nowadays have a weight that is considered unhealthy for their height but if we have a look at emblematic figures of the past, such as Cindy Crawford or Marylin Monroe, we realize that today’s tendency is getting extreme. Marylin Monroe was a size 12 though she is considered one of the most important sex symbol that enamoured the world and goes on stirring it through her reputation. Today’s size 12 is much smaller than a size 12 in the 50s. The more idealistic a vision we display, the further models have to go to be exceptional and it seems that this vicious circle is going round and round, always wanting more from the modelling industry and always challenging individuals further down the line.

This thin obsessed culture clearly affects public taste and can be harmful as young girls might attempt to drop weight to Barbie’s goals, thus being unrealistic and fundamentally unhealthy. We should really be cautious about which criteria we decide upon as far as beauty is concerned.

The good news is some designers seem to care for their models’ health. As a matter of fact Spain made a clear statement in 2006 that models should have a minimum weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) and this seems to be a trend spreading in quite a few magazines where “normal looking people” have a role to play, where fuller figures are simply another representation of beauty and what’s more a healthier one.

The question is: who draws the line? Models, designers or society? Maybe all three at the same time and it was high time somebody steps out of the circle.

Written by Anne de France.

Labels: modelling agency, models, thin models

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 01:50   2 Comments

And Vogue..

It’s that smile that makes you want to buy that toothpaste, the fit of the jeans on the model that has your credit card screaming for cover and that child's giggle that lets you know this cereal can turn any day into a great day. The modelling industry is that catalyst that makes it all happen. Smile for me, chin down, walk down that line for me....click click, and we have our shot. It is always growing, vibrant and exciting. Big eyes, short hair, long legs, petite frames.... the order of the day is ever changing too. Armed with luscious lips, long legs and high heels, the modelling industry has the most unlikely tools for battle.... however, luscious lips, long legs and high heels sell! The modelling agency spots the potential, captures it and we in turn are enamored with the models and the products. Today's industry encompasses a variety of different types of modelling, runway to catalogue, high fashion modelling and even modelling for child models all combine forces to sell sell sell. Ever see a child in an ad and think, my child's smile is way cuter? The child modelling agency might just agree, launching young ones into the spotlight, after all its not just high heels that sell, those cute baby smiles can sell just about anything. The modelling industry is a hive of glamour and entertainment and plenty of hard work behind the scenes. Its a beautiful job.. but someone has to do it!

Written by Helen Appiah

Labels: child models, modelling agency, models

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 07:01   0 Comments

Too young to model?

It begs the question. When is the right time to go into modelling agency? The one career you have set your heart on. In an increasingly disturbing contest, girls as young as 12 and 13 are made to parade themselves for a beauty contest. Even more disturbingly, they are encouraged to do so by their own mothers.

In an age where being young, pretty and slim is subtly and cleverly encouraged by the media, those who should be protecting us could be infact doing the exact opposite. The girls are child models, but made to parade beauty contests as though they are professional, women models.

According to the dailymail tabloid, younger and younger girls are becoming more aware of their body images and how the celebrity world is changing at such a rapid pace. Thirteen year old Tayla for example is a straight student with a desire to take part in beauty contests. Many have also criticised that the mothers of these child models are living their lives through their little girls and it is unfair for them to be categorised into the women-modelling category, when they are still children. However, Tayla’s mother insists that her daughter is mature and sensible and wants her to have the opportunities that are available today that she herself was unable to have.

Ghazala Ishaq

Labels: child models, model, modelling agency, models

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 10:33   0 Comments

Size Zero is not attractive

Would you ever want to be a size zero? If yes then why? All you will be is skin and bone and unattractive to the majority of men and even women for that matter. This is what a good modelling agency recommends.

The media world portrays girls to be seen as slim, however this does not address the need to balance this with the need to project an image of healthy eating and the fuller figure woman which is more reflective of our society as a whole.

This increase has been provoked by the media and the modeling world today. Being size zero puts a lot of girls at a serious health risk. Figures have shown that there is an 80% rise in the number of girls admitted to hospital with anorexia in the last decade!

Marilyn Monroe was a voluptuous size 12 with gorgeous curves and is a legendary female in the media world; she has never been seen as fat or overweight as she had a perfect figure in many peoples opinions. However, Women have become more pressured to become slimmer as a result of the ‘photo shopped’ images which grace our magazines and the waif like bodies of the models who we regulary see on catwalks.

Models are role models for women and men today as models are seen everywhere, on television, magazines, newspapers and billboards. Models do not realize that girls want to be like them more and more every day. Girls will want to know what makeup their role model wears to what diet they are on, and they will do anything they can to do the same.

Size zero is not a joke. The health risks of anorexia are severe and very dangerous. Anorexia can cause heart problems, osteoporosis (where bones become very brittle due to lack of calcium), mental health issues and if a person is not helped to deal with their anorexia it can even lead to death in very extreme cases. Approximately 1 in 10 women with anorexia will die of starvation, cardiac arrest, or other medical complications, this has made the death rate for anorexia the highest for a psychiatric disease.

Size zero is not attractive, and it has many health risks linked to it. If you are thinking about trying to become a size zero for vanity or to pursue a modeling career, think again. Your health is far more important and the size zero obsession will pass as quickly as fashion changes.

Labels: model, modelling agency, models, size, women

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 08:48   0 Comments

Malta’s top model signed to stand out model management

Audrienne was selected to take part in ‘Malta’s top model’ 2009. This was the newest and most astounding series out on the Island.

The series consisted of thirteen female finalists. Each week a girl was eliminated by professional judges such as Claire Amato. Claire Amato is the equivalent to Tyra Banks on the series of, America’s next top model.

Audrienne was the winner of Malta’s top model, she said ‘When my name was called out that I won, I dropped down to the floor.’ She could not believe that she had won; her first responses were laughter, which then led on to tears of joy. Audrienne said on an interview with Stand Out model agency that she was ‘speechless, it was an indescribable feeling.’

The winning prize for the series was to be signed to Stand Out Model Management which is situated in London. While being signed to stand out Audrienne has attended a casting for an editorial in a fashion magazine, and she was apart of a jewellery campaign.

Before being singed to Stand Out Model Management and the competition that she was in Audrienne said that she was ‘really shy’ she also added that she had ‘no self esteem’ and she didn’t ‘believe in herself.’ Stand Out Model Management help her gain her self esteem.

Audrienne is now a professional model. Being a part of Malta’s top model and being signed to stand out model management has helped build her confidence and has made her the person that she is today.

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 06:44   0 Comments

The worlds top five male models

Successful male models are rising in the modeling industry as we speak. However male’s models do not yet have the same exposure the females models already have. Male models work just as harder maybe even harder as some work endlessly toning up for ‘the perfect muscular figure’. Here is the low down on the world’s top five male models. You may not no their names.. but you will know their face.

Simon Nessman
Canadian model Simon Nessman is very successful and seems to thoroughly enjoy his supermodel career. Simon has worked for top brands like: Givenchy, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Armani jeans, YSL and many more. He is signed to modeling agencies worldwide like Major in New York, IMM Bruxelles in Brussels, I LOVE in Milan and Kult Agency in Hamburg.

Lars Burmeister
Ranked #4 is Germanys Lars Burmeister. Talented Lars has worked globally known Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani, FCUK and several more. He is signed to modeling agencies nationally like FORD in New York, Models 1 in London, Elite Man in Milan, New Madison in Paris, Unique Denmark in Copenhagen and Richards international model management in Vancouver

Jamie Dornan
Irelands six foot Jamie Dornan is signed to Select Model Management in London. Jamie has done photo shoots for Aquascutum, Calvin Klein, Armani and many more.

Sean O’Pry
Most successful model says Forbes magazine 2009. Sean O’Pry is originally from the United States and he is signed to VNY modeling agency in New York. Sean has been successful working with Emporio Armani, Calvin Klein, Joop, Lactose, H&M and numerous more.

Baptiste Giabiconi
Gorgeous French Baptiste Giabiconi is the world’s top male model. Baptiste is signed to many agencies like DNA in New York, Mega Agency in Hamburg, D’Mangement in Milan, Scoop in Copenhagen and Premier in London. Not only is he signed to these agencies his main agency is MGM in Paris. Supermodel Baptiste has worked with Chanel, Fendi, Coca Cola, Vogue Germany, Armani and countless many worldwide brands. Naomi Campbell met Baptiste in Moscow in 2009, she told him, "It’s not right: We all have defects. You have none."

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 06:16   0 Comments

Success.. Success.. SCAM!

You think you are getting somewhere with your modeling career and then.. SCAM!

A model agency can sometimes offer you the best deals but sometimes it is too good to be true, and in some cases that is the reality.

When applying to join a modelling agency always do your research, and ask other people have to say about the agency. Ask the agency if you can pay them a visit, this way you will see where they are based and whether they are legitimate or not. If this is not possible give the agency a call, this way you can talk to someone at the agency about any enquiries you may have.

Before you sign a contract read it thoroughly make sure you have all informations. Ask questions on any concerns you have because if everything goes wrong and you have paid a fee with no work for a long period of time, there is very little chance of you getting your money back.

Luckily there is some help 'The Employment Agencies Act', this act gives people applying to work for an agency 7 days to decide whether this is the right opportunity for them. Under this act you can then leave and not carry on any further with the agency if it is felt that they are not reputable.

Remember to do your research and that ignorance is not bliss in the modeling world.

posted by Stand Out Model agency @ 11:35   0 Comments