Not everything that shines is gold

Emma Barnes explores if the desired life of being a catwalk model is really as admirable as it's portrayed to be.

Haven’t we all been through a stage of our lives where being a model is the only career on the cards. Typically through your 5 year old dreams, anytime a friend is over the dresses and Barbie shoes are flicked out the wardrobe just like in the movies picking an outfit for school. It does seem pretty admirable, doesn’t it- standing in front of a camera, receiving new clothes, the expanding bank account, the list seems to drag on but who told you that this is the life of dreams or even that models are living their dream lives?.

Not until recent years , the dominant category of an ‘ideal’ model was pretty slim. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid. All following the same pattern- long legs, petite build, 24 sized waist, a beautifully symmetrical face.

It consisted of only women with the smallest measurements accepted as ‘worthy’ or ‘pretty’ who companies wanted as the main face of their brand, hoping people would purchase to look like the models on the cover do. That’s marketing at its finest.

As a society we are guilt tript into the dreamy life of Kendall Jenner. On the surface, we see a Model on shoot 24/7 treated with royalty and love as a worker for Versace, Burberry and Jacquemus, 3 of the most wealthy designer fashion brands. As you would like to imagine they would receive only the best treatment. However, as we dig deeper into the lives of models it doesn't sound like a task worth adding to the bucket list. Its non-stop, and I don't mean the clicks of the camera shot.

Everyday spent in an environment so focused on being the most attractive in the room.The loss of a feeling like you are appreciated as a person, rather than a mannequin on the screens. The sudden realisation that the backlash of criticism that never hurt just touched a real person's emotions, not just a sculpture that can be easily moulded to fit a smaller size.

Some say ‘ Oh it’s okay, most models have been modelling all there life, they don’t know any different’ > In some circumstances, this can easily sound accurate the majority of the most famous models have been in an agency in the the industry all throughout their childhood of growing of, from a young age scouted on the streets as young as the ages of 11-14. For example, Ashley Besons’ modelling career began when she was photographed for dance catalogues at five years old at eight years old she was signed to The Ford Modeling Agency, where she received her biggest campaign with Guess. She is now renowned as an actress, but still has been featured on magazine covers such as Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

Perhaps you can agree modelling from such a young age makes it easier to suddenly cope with the idea of not being good enough, in which these people have no difference in these media named ‘toxic' conditions. They are like a second nature to them. The bright lights are their bedside lamps. The white background is like the sheet of their bed. Should a model studio really feel like ‘comfort’ to them?

What about when they grow up, they do not suddenly lose any sense of competition? If anything, being unwillingly placed in a room with beautiful girls competing from such a young age, to be known for the best-selected role, you would be more conscious of those around you - who got the role you wanted, who is your competition. Do all models feel this way, or are they just blinded from the reality of what they are faced with, modelling agencies building up a false reality by providing them with a fantasy life from such a young age they see no other joy of being anywhere else. Is this a good thing or bad thing? They aren’t aware of what they are facing or they don’t know what they are facing.

Alternatively, others say ‘they chose this life, so they have to survive in it’. Many models are scouted randomly on the streets of their home town, with no intention or awareness of being caught as a potential lime-light star. Maybe this is a dream for one selected, or the perks are more to die for. I don't blame them, thousands a month?! Who wouldn't want that building up in the savings year by year. Unfortunately for some these pay slips aren’t simply just ‘ extra pocket money’ but for a means of survival of safety, warmth, food on the table.For a family desperately surviving on a low income salary their child's talent could be their last resort. Their life away from their education racking in the extra model slots available a child can massively be subverted from their education resulting in a lack of qualifications, they have no escape for another career..

Fashion is not a permanent thing. A new season isn't the only call for new fashion pieces being top of the racks, the ever changing fashion trends demand changes. This could be a new style of jeans, mom instead of skinny, flared instead of ripped. Not all models fit every style of clothing, which is expected right. But does this mean your career is over? What if the newly upcoming styles don't flatter your figure, the shades don’t match your skin tone, is your career over? This is a constant worry for models in fashion brands, the reliability of this industry, temporary or permanent, constantly leaves models on edge permanently of their position. It is a competition- even survival of the fittest, literally.