By Lalasa koosongdham and Marisa Meylan
Photo by:Astrid Stawiarz/ Getty images
In today's society, models are often portrayed as glamorous figures, idolized by many aspiring young girls eager to emulate their runway success and designer outfits associated with fame. Prominent figures like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Kate Moss have added allure to the fashion world. However, the toxic side of the modelling industry remains concealed from the public eye.
The industry's relentless demands for unrealistic body and beauty standards forces models into a cycle of extreme diets, rigorous fitness routines, and even plastic surgery to maintain the perceived ideal beauty. These pressures can often lead to the development of emotional and health disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Desperate to conform, some models resort to extreme measures such as the 'cotton ball diet' or suppressing their periods to avoid bloating and acne. Substance abuse, including drug addiction and alcohol, is commonly utilized as a coping mechanism to endure the inhumane pressures to stay excessively thin and "happy".
Many models enter the industry as young as 13, raising concerns about the suitability of such a toxic environment for individuals of any age. The cutthroat nature of the industry, where models can be replaced swiftly, contributes to the disregard of their emotional and physical well-being. Objectification becomes a common challenge, as models face pressure to conform to inhumane rules, viewed as mere "coat racks," "dress-up dolls," or objects rather than individuals. Despite claims of subjectivity in fashion art, the objectification of models raises ethical concerns, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
In a field where 77.7% of models are women, the industry perpetuates societal misogyny, linking female models to consumerist ideology. They are faced with challenges from oppressive living standards to a gender pay gap of 20%, further marginalizing their status. Society, unknowingly romanticizes the modelling career, fuelling the normalization of unrealistic lifestyles for models. This perception exposes models to sexualization, exploitation, and the unrealistic beauty standards that society, particularly women and young girls, feel pressured to embrace.
By shedding light on the long-overlooked issues within the modelling industry, we aim to raise awareness and unveil the harsh conditions models endure in their pursuit of success.Â
Citations:
https://www.thefashionisto.com/the-dark-side-of-modeling-what-models-hide-under-fashionable-outfits/Â