I used to be a model. I lost some weight before entering the proffession- but on my 14th birthday I went for a casting with a well reputed modelling agency and got told I needed to lose 2 inches of weight from my waist before I could be on their books. Also to eat no more fruit and veg so I wouldn't grow any taller as I was the perfect height! This of course began my steep deterioation. I signed to a different agency a month or so later after losing a bit more weight. They never told me I was too fat but at my first test shoot they made a passing quiet comment about making sure my stomach didn't look fat and that I was at the right angle. Of course I lost even more weight. One time I went up and one of my bookers asked if I had lost weight- I said yes, I was so pleased with myself I went out smiling; I was 14 at the time. Other girls in my agency who had amazing figures and I felt much fatter than were told to lose weight and that their thighs were too large. I know one of the other girls- struggled with eating problems- though not as bad; and she was one of the thinnest naturally. At the time I felt grown up and old enough to recieve critique like that, but now I realise it's appalling: i was a young girl in puberty- my body was still developing. I was shortlisted for big shows in milan; but the booker informed me it was unlikely that they would be able to take me on as the designer was not so keen on working with younger people- despite how mature I acted- I am glad. The fashion industry can be completely irresponsible when it comes to young people; in my eyes they are exploiting young, vunerable beings that are still only children. And then use them as role models to older women! It's disgusting if you ask me.
Reply post 1: (No Subject)
written by:watching_the_rain
posted: 21.02.2008 message:
That is shocking, if you dont mind me saying. I think a lot of peoples eyes out there need to be opened to this kind of thing, this kind of explotation is just disgusting. No wonder so many young girls connected with the fashion industry have problems. Thank god you managed to see how bad it was, and got out of it all. =)
Reply post 2: (No Subject)
written by:selfspirit
posted: 15.03.2008 message:
it makes me angry with hearing tht models have to lose weight just be a model. i cant talk bout it much as i think its ridculous if what model agencies are like.
good on you for posting that :D
Reply post 3: (No Subject)
written by:xx..hannah..xx
posted: 22.03.2008 message:
Hi, one of the reasons I now have an ED is because I would love to be able to be a model but know that I am nowhere near skinny enough. One of my closest friends is a model and is incredibly thin, but she told me the other day that she had been to a casting with a big name and they had told her that she was too fat! Although I am affected, I know how bad it is, so you're right, it is disgusting, Hannah xxx
Reply post 4: (No Subject)
written by:butterflies32
posted: 01.04.2008 message:
Heya,
I am not completely shocked but to tell girls who have just entered puberty and are all ready self concious about the way they look, that they need to lose weight even though they are tiny as it is, is appalling.
welldone for getting out of it. Although some people may say a bit too late as you have developed an ED. The fact that you have recognised that makes it 'easier' (I know it is not completely) to get better.
I'm just glad that organisers of these fashion shows are starting to say no to using girls under 18. It will encourage model companies to do the same.
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