"Starving Artists"
by Kelley Carrell
So, if you are curious and wondering what it might take to be professionally good looking, here is what some of the top modeling agencies are looking for. Ford Models (And no, I don’t mean the automobiles) represents mostly men. Their models range in age and vary in ethnicity. The female model division, on the other hand, has less variety. The models all appear young and thin. Go figure! Another modeling agency, Wilhelmina Models, represents a wide array of clients in the world of modeling. In their open casting calls they have no size or height requirements. The agency represents plus size models, and what they call “sophisticated” women (40+), also some celebs. Jessica Simpson, Brandy, and actor Taye Diggs are all represented by Wilhelmina Models as a part of there Wilhelmina Artists Management Division, otherwise known as W.A.M.
Regardless of whatever category you might fall under, have you ever thought, “Hey I could be a model…”? Well think about people whose entire job it is to look good--fashion models. It seems that they have all the luxuries in life like people willing to serve them wherever they go, a chance to travel to exotic countries for photo shoots, and top designers begging them to wear clothes sometimes costing in the thousands! These things sound great to the average, everyday person but what are some of the not so glamorous things that models experience on the job? I am not talking about bad lighting, a zit, or even a costume malfunction. What about real issues facing people whose bodies make their careers? Eating disorders is one. The pressure to have a good walk, and to stick your poses, and to wear designer threads just right can be daunting. So some models resort to starving themselves to maintain that “ideal” body shape.
To counteract this, the CFDA or Council for Fashion Designers of America (Who knew?) released some health guidelines for designers to follow when booking models for runway shows. Released last month, these guidelines include scheduling daytime fittings so that models can get more sleep and healthier catering options at shoots (Espinosa, 1). These are mild changes in comparison to what Brazil , Spain , and Italy are requiring for models to work in top runway shows. For instance, fifteen year old Camilla Finn of Ford models was banned from working Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil earlier this year due to age stipulations laid out by the CFDA (Espinosa, 1). The guidelines say that no one under eighteen should work a runway show. Furthermore, the models are expected to present a doctor’s certification of health and must maintain a BMI of 18.5. A BMI or Body Mass Index is the ratio of weight to the square of height (Espinosa, 1).
These guidelines were put into place in order to protect the young and overly thin models in the industry and to raise awareness about the damages of eating disorders to benefit those who are involved in this heavily body-conscious career. This shift in thought comes about three months after the death of twenty-one year old Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston who passed away due to complications involving anorexia (Schwartz, 1). Her death has caused the entire world of fashion to question its current approach and future standards. So the public at large is probably wondering, “Can an unfortunate occurrence such as Reston ’s death really change the fashion industry?” Will things go from thin to thick? Who knows? Some people within the business have commented on the effects Reston's death has had in the area of modeling and the implementation of the new health initiative.
Journalist for Vogue Brasil, Maria Prata refers to the CFDA’S recommendations as “a shake-up for the whole industry”. No doubt the weight of the CFDA’s decisions on health issues concerning the well-being of the models affects multiple domestic and international fashion events going on around the world. But will what the organization put in place really change things? It is predicted that “super-skinny models will still rule the roost despite the concerns about their health,” some fashion insiders say (Schwartz, 1). However, some people in this fast-paced, high-glam business like Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson say that things on the runway should change. “Why don’t the [CFDA] guidelines tell designers to put a size 4 or 6 on the runway?” “They should use common sense” (US Magazine, 10). Believe it or not, ladies and gentlemen, a size four or six would be an increase for what is already being worn on the runway!
To take this in another direction, let’s explore what the Bible has to say about topics like beauty, health, the body, and personal character? The book of 1 Samuel chapter sixteen, talks about Samuel anointing the new king of Israel. He ventures to Jesse’s house and evaluates seven sons who are determined unworthy to wear the crown. But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance (referring to one of the sons) or his height […] The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (www.biblegateway.com)."
David was chosen to be king not based on appearance but based on his moral makeup. True, David was described as having “handsome features” or as being “ruddy” or fine in “appearance” (www.biblegateway.com). These things were a part of him but his character far outweighed his handsome appearance.
The Bible speaks more on beauty in the book of Proverbs. The book gives an example of what beauty without good moral character would look like. Proverbs 11:22 22, “Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion” (www.biblegateway.com). What is beauty without a good moral fiber? Ridiculous? Useless? What do you think? What is a pretty face without a good quality inner core? Keep in mind that looks are significant but they do not make you who you are. The body is to be cherished and taken care of as Paul points out in 1 Corinthians. “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple (www.biblegateway.com)."
It is important to remember that our bodies, no matter how they might look, are not just loners. So, try not to starve them or contort them to fit into the latest styles. Why? Because your body is one of a kind, tailor-made to fit you and only you. I think it is safe to say that God is the ultimate designer.