Developing yourself into the perfect model can take years of professional experience and training. Fashion and runway models have a lot of physical requirements that they need to meet in order to be successful. Meeting these requirements are absolutely necessary to be successful in the fashion industry because fashion designers make collections and sample sizes for each season.

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?? from Copenhagen!

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Then the collection is taken around the world for runway shows so they need to find models that will fit the clothes all around the world. Clients typically reach out to agencies in advance with the exact details of what they are looking for in models and it almost always includes information on the sample size. As a model, if you do not fit the clothes then you will not get the job. In addition to being the right size, agencies are also looking for clear skin, healthy hair, manicured nails, and a fit body. Models put a lot of effort into their overall appearance so rejection can come at a huge expense. Some models may even go to extremes of eating disorders or strenuous workouts to achieve the perfect look.

As beautiful and healthy as you may be an agency could still want more from you. The industry is essentially looking for perfection in models. This can really affect your mental health and the way that you view yourself. The modeling industry can be extremely triggering because your livelihood is heavily dependent upon your physical appearance. This can lead to illnesses like dehydration, starvation, and fainting.

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NYC bound.

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A lot of models have eating disorders and this is well known in the industry. There are models who are successful while being healthy as well but this takes a lot of discipline. Some models have an unhealthy desire for success so they push themselves and end up becoming unhealthy. The clothing and the fashion shows are absolutely breathtaking. The fashion industry is truly luxurious and glamorous so it is understandable why one would go to extremes to achieve success in the industry. Over time the industry has been leaning towards more healthy and realistic looks. People are interested in seeing models that look like them which has created more opportunities for diversity in size.

Dealing with the challenges of the modeling industry can be mentally exhausting for models. Missed opportunities can cause eating disorders. It is important to assert yourself as a model that is dedicated to maintaining a healthy weight and if an agency pushes you further, it may not be a good fit. There is no need to allow agencies to pick you apart.


If they are not happy with your look that has nothing to do with you and you are more than capable of moving on. You may need to make sacrifices but your health and happiness are what is most important. You are the only person that can make the industry healthy for yourself. You can do what it takes to stay in control of your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle.