Model Body Dysmorphia
From the mouths of babes, Supermodel quote of the day…
“I tell people my breasts were made in Normandy from butter and crème fraiche.” – Laeticia Casta
In this model wonderland, Alice is generally only allowed to take the small pill. The industry urges kinetic frames to jolt down the catwalk like uneasy water birds finding their footing in mangrove swamps; emaciated statues pose regimented for the camera. And the world finds it beautiful.
This has changed to a degree over time, and you can feel the swing to healthy bodies happening gradually. Or even reverting to the curves of the 80s/90s supermodels.
In a shallow world of looks, you have to play your strengths like a sport. I existed in the fickle world of skinny wars. I was cursed with hips, thanks grandma – she passed on to me academic ability, obscure card game skills, and hips. I definitely felt the pressure to conform and sadly fell victim to the pressure when I was young, but quickly learned that my athletic physique was actually a competitive advantage. I geared my career towards that section of the industry.
I was once asked to lose weight by my Italian booker; I made her feel my hipbones and expressed, ‘you can’t do much about bone.’ Two days later I got a swimwear TVC, and she told me how great I looked. When the cash flashes, the tune quickly changes, like a DJ in a Day Club.
Model dimensions are meant to be those of a life-size replica of Barbie (80’s Barbie). However, being top-heavy is very unusual when you are slim. Boob jobs can make it difficult to crack the editorial market, but they can be great for commercial work. They seem to be becoming more prevalent as surgery, and cosmetic procedures become more accessible, realistic, and acceptable. Generally, where the boys are concerned though, any boobs are good boobs – right?!
Botox is rampant, and the cost of keeping up looks is a real challenge. At least it is all tax-deductible. The pressure is immense in this industry to conform to a perfect ideal.
One of the strangest anomalies of our society becomes spectacularly apparent when you spend a significant amount of time immersed in this industry – the most physically beautiful people are often also the most insecure.
Thankfully after some trial and error, I have found a way to be comfortable in my own skin. So for me, this job has become a limitless visa to study and travel the world.
