The Dark World of Models

As heard many times, there are two sides to a coin; similarly, there are always two sides of everything. There are advantages and disadvantages of all. Good and bad of everything. Then why should the world of glitz and glamour be any different? No matter how shiny, how alluring and how sensational the life of a model seems, behind the scene, though, lies a dark, a murky world far from all the glamour and shine.

These public figures may always have been captured smiling and waving at us through pictures and videos, but in reality, life is not as easy for them as it seems. Life, for them is like living in a fish bowl where everyone can see you. Achievement comes with a lot of hard work, but for celebrities, it is more than just hard work.

It may seem unbelievable to many of us, as to how can a life which seems to be perfect, can also be submerged in dejection and gloominess? “We models are treated like hangars”, is the statement of a model who does not wish to be named. From her experience in the world of modeling, she believes that hardly anyone gets fame by sacrificing a major part of their lives. In her case, it has been her family. And in many other cases it has been their self-respect, image and even their lives! The world of fashion is not just about displaying the best of clothes, wearing make-up and carrying out the ramp walk, she says. It is also about striving to guard your dignity, respect and self-esteem.

From her experience, she believes that no matter from what part of the world you belong to, or what your background is, but once you enter the world of fashion, you automatically get coated with plastic. The environment, the atmosphere is such that you cannot help but become plastic. You are expected to forget yourself and become a dummy of the agent who provides you with work. Time is not at all a consideration anymore. Attending page3 parties, inaugurations and events seems to become the most important task of life. Smoking, drinking and drugs become a normal and easy way of de-stressing. Those who don’t do it are laughed at, and such immense peer pressure is forced onto them that they either leave the fashion world, or start de-stressing the same way.

Eating disorders are the most talked about issues as well. My source tells me that eating disorder is the most common amongst models. Not just dieting or starving, but to the height of vomiting after every meal! Karen Carpenter and Ana Carolina Reston were two very famous models who passed away at a tender age due to eating disorders. Though, there are some models that work out, have a healthy lifestyle and say no to drugs and alcohol, but they are very few in number.

Sexual abuse and ill-treatment is as common as ABC in the world, she says. Every other person wants to use, abuse and throw you away like you are worthless. Selling off one’s respect just for the sake of being spotted on a bigger show, or to have a job is a norm. There are countless times when someone gets assaulted, whether they are male or female, but many of them do not come forward and report the case, scared that their image might get tarnished. Models usually enter the industry at a very young age, when their minds are innocent, and it is very easy for someone to use, or manipulate them. They do not know the evils of the industry, and therefore it is crucial that they find someone reliable who can guide them through. A recent incident of Anand Jon assaulting young models aged to 14 and above sent waves of shock amongst the world. My source expresses, Anand Jon would have never been sentenced to 59years in prison if those models hadn’t stepped up and spoken against him. Models had past learnt to keep mum on such situations, but finally times are changing.

The fashion fraternity isn’t as dark as it must have started to seem after the above mentioned incidents, but you must know that there are certain rules to every game. You must just play your cards right. If your intentions are pure, and you are pure at heart, then there is no way that anyone can harm you. Good and bad times are a part of life, but the one who tackles them and gets on with life is the winner. Learning from yours and others’ mistakes is important.

The purpose of writing this article was to create awareness amongst the audience, especially the young girls who are planning to join the fashion industry. It isn’t only just about the glamour and style, but it is also about passion, hard work and to achieve a name in the industry by the right means.

By:

Mehreen Afzal Khan (Section H)

09U0561