| ETHICAL MODELLING |
| Written by Kim Poldner - Monday, 05 April 2010 | |
That eco fashion should be shown on ‘real models’ including curvier women is a topic that keeps heating up conversations. Some modelling agencies are responding to this call by ‘ethical practices’ that might be called unusual in the industry. I talked to Becci, a 19 year old model signed to Sapphires Model Management who is currently sharing her time between London and Birmingham. KP: How long have you been modelling and how did you get into it? Becci: I have been modelling since April 2008 and I love every second. I first got into modelling when I won a competition that my current agency Sapphires was running; a model search competition with Danish fashion brand Vero Moda. I entered for a bit of fun really, never really expecting to win as there were a LOT of people who entered. When I was announced as the winner I really couldn’t believe it! Not only did I win a contract with Sapphires; I won £2000 pounds worth of clothes from Vero Moda and I can still remember my first shoot, which was shot by Sapphires very own Ian Warren for Vero Moda. It was a windy day on the rooftop of a skyscraper, which was a bit scary, but I had a lot of fun. The rest, as they say, is history!
Becci: Well, I love the fact I know my bookers really well and I feel looked after by them. My bookers will encourage me to stay fit and healthy rather than lose weight and have never asked me to skip meals or crash diet. In an industry which is so cutthroat and harsh, it is important to feel safe and cared for. If I have any problems, whether it’s about modelling or my personal life, I always feel I can talk to my bookers. Although I am slim, I am naturally curvy and my agency embraces that. Being with Sapphires has made my self-esteem grow and I now feel confident and beautiful. KP: What are your views on using curvier models in the fashion industry? Becci: In my early teens seeing stick thin models everywhere did really make me feel fat even though I was actually underweight! I think the fashion industry does have a responsibility to promote a healthy body shape. Plus, I personally respond to models that have something unique about them, I don’t want to see clones everywhere! Models with curves are equally as able to make clothes look great as slimmer models; it’s not what you’ve got, it’s how you work it.
Becci: I am a supporter of ethical fashion, particularly as I am a huge animal lover and I'm totally against any form of cruelty to animals or damage to their environment. Of course it goes without saying that I'm against child labour and sweat shops. What I would say though, is that ethical fashion needs to be more accessible to everyone and should be affordable and stylish. I think people in general would prefer to buy ethical fashion but there is a stereotype that it's all about tie-dye and hemp, which simply isn't true! I think providing high street brands sold on trend ethical fashion at a good price people would buy them more which would be better for everyone. I have learnt more about ethical fashion since becoming a model and I always try and pass on what I have learnt to my friends and family. My agency, Sapphires, introduced me to People Tree recently and I buy a lot of my clothes from them. KP: How do you stay in shape? Becci: I just eat healthy foods and try not to snack between meals. A lot of people stay away from things they think are ‘healthy’ because of a stereotype that it is all rice crackers and lettuce leaves. But if healthy food is made well, then there is no reason that it can’t taste just as good as junk food. It’s actually cheaper to eat healthily than to buy microwave meals and takeaways; it just takes a bit of effort to prepare! I also do basic exercise such as walking regularly to keep myself in shape. KP: Do you ever feel the need to deny yourself? Becci: I wouldn’t say that I ever deny myself; I have learned to eat until I’m satisfied as opposed to eating until I am stuffed full. It does take some discipline to eat sensible portions sometimes but it’s a case of being sensible rather than denying myself. Of course, I occasionally break down and have a second (or third) slice of chocolate cake when I shouldn’t but I’m only human at the end of the day! But my favourite food is definitely seafood, I love everything about it! KP: What advice do you have for people wanting to become a model? Becci: Nothing is impossible! You get out whatever you put in, so if you’re serious about modelling then go for it and see what happens! Comments (2)
... written by Yagmur Irmak, April 07, 2010
i love the artickle. Being a model was seen scary to me till now. Because, agencies want unbelievible things. but the things Becci told was really really good and heartening. This weight issue make models unreal. The stuff they presented must be real & purchasable, but when i saw that really really tiny models on the covers or magazines i dont want to buy that product because they seem unreal. Models especially photomodels has to be little bit like the other people in the world. otherwise women start to think that they have to be slim like them to wear that dress or etc.. It really seems like that girls coming from another planet and the other coming from another :) kind a funny but when women try to be slim like them its become a tragedy.. This artickle heartening me and i'm sure it will do this the other young women in the world. Thank you so much
p.s: English is not my mother language so, sorry for the mistakes i've made. Write comment
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KP: How does it feel to be with an ethical model agency?
KP: What are your thoughts on ethical fashion?
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I never spent much time thinking about what the life of a model might be like so when I read their agencies tell them to "skip meals or crash diet" I realised what they mean by "ethical practices". Personally I perceive this kind of "usual" treatment as unethical.
Already two good reasons to stick to ethical fashion and for any company two incentives to stick with or change to ethical modelling.
Thank you for this article!