Modeling news roundup

This week’s highlights: Vogue bans models that are too young and too thin; Veronica LaVery in Maxim en Espanol;  Eva Fydrych talks modeling and Fashion Studio Magazine; and more!

Vogue bans models that are too young and too thin

Vogue and other fashion magazines have been criticized for images of models that are too thin and too young, claiming that such images create self-esteem and body image issues among the young girls who read them. On May 3, 2012, Vogue magazine said that it will stop using models that are too young and too thin. Vogue says that the magazine will no longer be working with models who are under the age of 16 or who look like they have an eating disorder. Vogue is taking a huge step towards breaking the mold of the fashion model, many of whom are 16 with a BMI of below 18. Do you believe they will follow through with their word? Is this a step towards healthier fashion modeling?

Veronica LaVery in Maxim en Espanol

Model: Veronica LaVery; Photographer: Martin Alonso

Congratulations to Veronica LaVery on yet another feature. This time it is 10 pages in Maxim en Espanol, which is an amazing achievement. Veronica is frequently mentioned in our Modeling News Roundups because she has been getting feature after feature in a variety of publications. She is beautiful, talented, and is on fire. We are excited to see what she will do next!

Linda Evangelista demands $45,000/month in child support

Canadian model Linda Evangelista is claiming that she needs $45,000 a month to take care of her 5-year old son. She is suing one of France’s wealthiest men, fashion billionaire Francois-Henry Pinault, for child support. Pinault is the CEO of PPR, which owns Gucci, Yves St Laurent and Alexander McQueen. Linda Evangelista reached supermodel status when she was younger but admits that she is not getting as many modeling gigs now that she is in her late 40s, which is part of the reason she is asking for so much money. Evangelista wants the $45,000 a month so that she can pay for 24-hour nannies, private schools, and armed guards for her son. Pinault’s lawyer claimed the $45,000 a month figure was “ridiculous”. And, they may have a point considering that’s close to the average annual family income.

Eva Fydrych talks modeling and Fashion Studio Magazine

Model: Eva F; Photographer: Mark Pascasio; Makeup Artist: Lynda Low

After a couple of years of modeling in Europe, Canada and Asia, Model Mayhem’s Eva Fydrych startedFashion Studio Magazine, an online magazine to showcase young and up-and-coming models, photographers, fashion designers and other aspects of the industry.

We talked to Eva about her experience as a model and she also had a few words of advice to aspiring models: “Modelling industry is extremely competitive and to be successful you need to have a lot of determination and persistence. If you are just starting out, it is important to do a lot of research and ask more experienced people for advice. Some modelling agencies publish useful tips on their websites. They can explain how the business operates, what kind of pictures are required and what are the general requirements to get signed with their agency. It can save you a lot of time, money, and mistakes along the way.

Be realistic about your abilities and don’t try to achieve something that is not possible. If you are not tall enough, you can’t become a professional catwalk model.

Contrary to a popular belief, it takes much more than just a pretty face and a slim figure to make it as a model. The right attitude, personality and work ethic go a long way. If you are reliable, polite and easy to work with, you will probably get more bookings that someone who is demanding and difficult to handle. Make sure you are always on time and arrive prepared for the shoot. Every assignment is different so it is crucial to be flexible and pay attention to what is required from you as a model.

Anja Rubik, one of the top fashion models, said in one of her interviews that ‘modelling is a combination of natural talent, the ability to adapt to different situations, hard work, and most importantly, luck.’ I think it’s a really good definition that sums it all up”. Here is what she had to say about the opportunities that she has had as a model: “I am really grateful for all the opportunities that I had. Modelling has been not only a great job, but most of all an adventure, a challenge, and an opportunity to meet a lot of talented people and visit some exciting destinations. It is a really rewarding career if you learn how to handle its negative aspects (rejection, competition, jealousy, irregular income, people trying to take advantage of you) and concentrate on the positive sides. If you have strong will power and know what you want to achieve, modelling definitely offers many interesting opportunities and glamorous lifestyle.

My experience as a model helps me in many ways in my everyday life. I am more aware of my posture, body language and general impression I make on people. I learned how to quickly adapt to new situations, be more confident and collaborate with different types of people. I can handle rejection without taking it personally and I also know that if you really want something and work hard for it, you can finally get it”.

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