Modelling and sex

[FIGARO International Management]

As you may know, in any job, apart from your knowledge and experience, your looks and the way you present yourself plays very important part.
Crucially, this aspect important for fashion industry and in the modelling area particularly, as it is known- this is how the models “earn their bread”.
But is this all above said is really enough for model to achieve her goals or whether there is indeed exists the reason to allege, that modelling business is “dirty and everything in it can be achieved through sex only”?
In this article, we would like to discuss this subject: modelling looks, and if there is a sex in modelling, used as an instrument for achieving a certain celebrity status or big earnings…
As the person who has been working in modelling business for more than 10 years, mostly in Asian model market, I, of course, often came across various rumours, and sometimes even absurd statements, something like, model must have sex with directors of our agency in order to get promoted, or get herself a good contract!
Well, I can tell to you straight away, that these ridicules statements are definitely and strongly objected and, moreover, this will be absolutely and definitely not interesting for our directors!:)
But I do know, quite certain, in the past, that there were some offers made to some models abroad (In Asian modelling market, for instance), where, some managers in model agencies, did indeed imply, that if a certain model behaves in certain way with one of the managers, going to night clubs to party, or behave “nicely” with manager, including sexual relationships, then, her modelling career will be sorted….
And, many models, think that way… Unfortunately, I shall say, that certain cases of human perversity, deeply rooted in model’s insecurity, inexperience, and the wish to earn money, would not have taken place, unless accepted by models themselves…
Thinking about this subject, of course, one wants to protect any young girl from such “temptations”, but model, as a person, should also understand herself, that it is all said and offered in order to increase somebody’s self importance and pride, at your expense!
Please think, this is highly unlikely, that one person (manager/booker of the agency)may effect that much the decision of all clients during the castings you attend (unless the name of this person is Anna Wintour, of course ), and that everybody will be choosing you for all jobs!
Yes, it is possible, that you will be better promoted then other models at the same agency, you may be given better castings and things like that, but believe me, you can perfectly achieve all that without those regular “nice relationships”, but, by being yourself: independent, confident, and in good, healthy, friendly relationships with the whole team of your agency.
If you are in a good shape, you look after yourself, you are smart and professional, friendly and polite with your clients and your agency, your earnings will definitely come to you!
Please bear in mind, here, we are talking about average, good working model.
Now, if we talk about the very top of top, models of models – supermodels and their lives – here, we – mere mortals can only guess….
I can say that almost all Supermodels, were simple models before the times when they become “celebs” and have “earned” their status by hard work; rejections on the castings to begin with, long hours of photoshoots for editorials (starting from little, unknown magazines), that helped to build their books, taking part in million fashion shows, making friends with designers and photographers, agencies that were promoting them….
Very often, it is said, that a certain model was “discovered” by a certain famous photographer, by making a shoot of her for some big brand’s campaign or this may happen with the support of some designer, or famous person and, in instance, model, as you can say, “wakes up famous the next morning”.
I think, it will be fair to think, that even the very same designer or photographer or famous actor will not “promote” any model just like that, but again, I would like to think, that here we are talking about some real feelings, relationships, rather than trivial “ thank you – sex”. Here, everyone thinks and behaves the way your heart tells you.
Now, it is up to you to decide.
In my opinion there are two sides of the same matter, and each model takes exactly that step she thinks is right for her, depending of course, on her/his education, background, life principals and moral beliefs.
Quite important thing though – please remember, that we all, at some point of our lives, will be sitting down almost without movement for long hours, in comfortable armchair, with gray, thin hair, and almost toothless, and it is then, when looking back at your life, it would be important to remember with pride something from your youth and tell about your life story to your grandchildren.
Author: Nargiz Ikramova/director of Figaro modelling school.