Modeling is a profession that makes many young people in the world dream. From the outside, this profession is attractive and prestigious. But like any profession, it is full of difficulties that some even qualify as challenging. Would they be imperceptible or unsuspected?
From the origin of modeling
Born in the 19th century, modeling started with Marie Vernet who promoted through her image the creations of her husband Charles Frederick Worth. This profession, originally typically for women, existed under the name Essayist or Look-alike. It is only in the 20th century that it becomes Mannequinat. The profession of essayist dedicated only to the fashion show required at the time to have some physical characteristics: to be thin or even very thin. With the rise of fashion agencies, models, whether male or female, are obliged to test their taste for fashion. They have to control their weight, eat low-nutrient foods, abstain from fatty or sugary foods, follow an ultra-picky diet…, keep a slim or even a slender figure for women or a muscular figure for men even if they have to use growth hormones just to get new work contracts.
However, these former obligations are no longer relevant as today we meet models of all types who value fashion outfits and accessories regardless of their body shape. For example, there is the undergarment model, the cabin model, the object model, the commercial model, the photo model, the plus size model, the alternative model, etc. Each of these types of mannequins allows everyone to identify themselves whether they are round, slender, short or taller. ” The physical appearance is no more really important because everybody be in modeling “, confided́ Adeline Ouedraogo, professional model in Burkina-Faso. With its expansion, the models, to progress and reach a high level, must improve at all costs. They have to create their own style to differentiate themselves from the others. However, do aspiring models really know the realities of the profession?
The challenges of modeling
Like any profession in the world, modeling exposes aspirants to many risks. Among these, we have: sexual harassment. This is a common phenomenon in any professions regardless of the victim’s gender. In the field of modeling, women are the most exposed. Divided between the desiré to rise to supermodel status and the long road ahead in achieving it, agency promoters and other fashion players seek to dangle accelerated succesś to these ambitious women. “What is sad is the sexual and especially psychological harassment. Either the model is lied to, or influenced to obtain the favors of his body,” said Rudy Azanlin, model agency promoter in Benin. It is possible for a model to please an agency promoter or the opposite. This is a completely natural phenomenon. On the other hand, this could damage the reputation and quality of the work of the agency in question. Sometimes in situations like this, the pressures on the models are so heavy. As a result, the possibility of refuting certain attitudes is not necessarily possible. This is why it is often recommended that before signing a contract with an agency, the model must make sure to make a choice that goes along with her social values. Adéline Ouedraogo affirms : “it is up to the model to be careful and not sign any contracts without really knowing it background or the structure of the agency. Harassment is really present but it is up to the model to know how to keep her dignity and say no even when the person threatens to ruin her career.
The logical consequence of sexual harassment in this environment is often noticed through the reluctance of many parents who forbid their children to venture into this world. Of course, there are several rumors that female models are easy-going and prostitutes. Unfortunately the new aspirants to the profession often let themselves influenced, believing that the only way to succeed in this environment is to yield to pressure. To these people I ask to retain their momentum because this job is exciting and at the same time full of vices. Rape can easily happen,” suggests Ouedraogo. As a professional in the field, she goes on to advise that only the job well done is promising “If you want to evolve, fight and give it your best, if you seek ease, your future may be uncertain.” It is obvious that harassment remains just a fragment of the risks that models face. Age also makes its risks integral.
Is age a barrier?
From the age of 25-30, a few wrinkles appear on the faces of models that look older. When the 15-year-old models, much younger, arrive, the 30-year-old models are abandoned. That’s when the trouble begins. Wrinkles, early white hair, back problems and endurance difficulties do not go unnoticed in the front of the projectors and superiors. However, photo modeling has revolutionized this way of doing things. « Models aren’t old enough to retire. This is especially noticeable in photo modeling where you will encounter models of all ages. In Africa, aspirants are understanding it gradually, but in this field, which is of Western origin, it is a reality,” said Mr Rudy Azanlin. Since most women in Africa are round, African stylists choose to use models that may represent the target they want to reach. « IIn Africa, age is not really a problem, because we often even need older people to present outfits,” Adeline says. In the same way, several European models still pass through despite their advanced age. It is not a problem of preference because even abroad some models still parade despite their age. The famous model Naomi Campbell is a perfect example, she is 51 years old but she still parades. So regardless of the age, weight and size, you can become a model when you want and if you have the talent.
Even if this profession seems popular and interesting, it covers several difficulties. Nevertheless, with a mind of steel, determination, psychological support, a good talent, the model can reach the top. Currently, the development of social networks has led to the emergence of a new profession that tends to delight the star in modeling. It’s the influencers’.
Gracia Bello
