-Tony T.
The Fashion Industry's Modeling Mystery
, The fashion industry's model mystery is becoming absolutely HISTORY. Adios to the pro's and hola' to the aspires. Every moment I focus my eyes, loosen my ears and zippen' my lips- I recognize the flood of anxious races, eager to pierce this industry and become the next top fiercest, this person, that persons biggest, baddest, yes- you've guessed it- MODEL.
The overpopulation of models in our first decade of the 21st century is merely unimaginable. Back during the 60's, 70's, 80's and even the 90's--there was such a shortage of models, especially models of color. Now their are an overflow of second Naomi Campbell's, Kate Moss' and Eva the Diva's with EVERYBODY motivated by nobody other then Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model.
With Top Model adding the most fuel to the fire, with its primary audience geared at girls between the ages of 13-21, Tyra Banks is one of the many people that has this industry barfing with bitterness and placed it with an excess of anxious hopefuls. But what our beloved young lady's and gentlemen haven't taught themselves is that it is far more to becoming a reputable model then being the flyest in your school, hiring a photographer to take photos of you and participating in amateur fashion shows. Nonetheless, these aren't even close to the basics. Modeling is an Art, a craft. Not what our, "snap your fingers" fierce readers want to hear, no. Yet a model is comparable to pure clay or even children's "Play-doe". Clay that is more about being molded, conforming, adaptation, preservation, quality and developing inner beauty while showcasing your natural attributes in collaboration with another artist- rather then forcing yourself to strut harder then Naomi Campbell.
None the less, there are over all an entire increase to the industry with shows like "Bravo's, Project Runway" inspiring every needle and threading knitter to be the next Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen. Thank the Lord! This means an increase in runway jobs, look books and advertisements, Hallelujah! But is it enough to sustain and bring a balance to our industry? Not to mention that reality shows actually promote the illusion of glamor, fame and fortune right along with our media which is after all, the biggest bad ass of this whole situation. And you would think, wouldn't our world want more models of color and distinctive races piercing the industry? Yes, I do- but if their aren't an equivalent amount of "professional" outlets for us to succeed, it simply compares to an unemployment rate. I asked a friend, Jalika Gaskin signed with Q models in New York and Elite models in Miami, also recently featured on the cover of CLAM magazine and The Italian Vogue's All black issue, her views of my epic:
"Frankly, I don't think reality TV brought any of the girls who 'have it' inspiration, only those who never did and suddenly think 'cute mall girls' can do it too. I think this whole overflow is best explained in two ways. There is a shortage of funds and secrecy in the fashion industry. The lack of those two--once integral-- components of the fashion industry is hurting its value. We're part of a disillusioned generation run by another generation that no longer believes in anything." I must say, Jalika's response was genius. I value an intelligent model. Press, Media and Television endeavors are overly publicizing the secrets that built this fashion industry, thus allowing "modeling" to graduate on from an actual career option to merely just a trend. Ultimately, it is allowing this industry to crash and loose its value.
Next I asked a hometown friend, Kyla Taylor her views when this article was still in its draft stages. Her response was a tad bit different:
"Ok, so I'm going be really honest. Reading some parts of this you do come off a little cocky, and the tone kinda' gives off a 'I'm better than you are' attitude. Though I agreed with a lot of things that you said. I remember when I was really young and still in Trinidad, there was a model that I used to imitate, I thought of her as this 'amazing' being. And I knew that at this young age that I wanted to be a model. But now as you know I have almost lost my aspiration to become a model, and that's because being a model isn't looked upon as 'amazing' or selective anymore."
Lavishing upon quotes, next comes the beloved, legendary booking agent, Bethann Hardison when she stood strong with her disinterest in many of the new faces from the 21st century overflow, including then newcomer Chanel Iman. Her statement followed suit of The New York Observer's questioning of Chanel being the only black model to land the cover of 2007's new faces issue of vogue. "I don't think she's exciting!" Said Bethann. "Get me as controversial as you want, because that's who I am! I think she's very childlike. I like her—I think she's a very wonderful little girl—but there's no one exciting out there right now." 
I respectively love Bethann for her contributions to this industry therefore I believe her words have formulated with a highly respectable regard to the inappropriate validation of several newcomers and the lack of intrigue within their overall "look". It all follows suit to the mutating pathways that lead to our fashion industry's standard. I personally assert that her quote meant nothing more then, "find me somebody just as strong or stronger in presence and uniqueness as Tyson and Naomi, then I'll endorse them- and get excited." Not to mention, "when the industry regains its exclusivity and high standard- then let me know."
When I was a child I drew to modeling so much because I adored being distinct, praised, eccentricity and seeing the beauty of a completed
project where I had put my best art skills to work. In modeling, this comparison is given to the outcome of a photo shoot or such. I started professional modeling in 2006, the year before the overflow began(in my opinion), which gave me a good year to roar ahead of the soar of newcomers that would flock to major city's in 2007. Not to say that I'm stuck in a rut, but it has been a challenge to remain stable and keep it trucking up my career ladder with so many new faces and races pushing for the #1 spot and still living my everyday life. Just imagine if Naomi would have made her debut in 2006 as opposed to 1986, when she graced the covers of Elle and Vogue magazines. Her household name would be un-heard of and the beauty and talents that highlighted her rise to the top, well- would clearly be over-looked.
This is only pt 1.- Stay tuned,
Once again: this writing is merely just a collaboration of my own opinions and feelings and is in no way, shape or form intended to offend or upset anyone. It is an informative article generated to spark interest and discussion. Please, feel free to email me or post your opinions accordingly.
Sincerely concerned,
Tony Triumph ;)
Next I asked a hometown friend, Kyla Taylor her views when this article was still in its draft stages. Her response was a tad bit different:
"Ok, so I'm going be really honest. Reading some parts of this you do come off a little cocky, and the tone kinda' gives off a 'I'm better than you are' attitude. Though I agreed with a lot of things that you said. I remember when I was really young and still in Trinidad, there was a model that I used to imitate, I thought of her as this 'amazing' being. And I knew that at this young age that I wanted to be a model. But now as you know I have almost lost my aspiration to become a model, and that's because being a model isn't looked upon as 'amazing' or selective anymore."
Lavishing upon quotes, next comes the beloved, legendary booking agent, Bethann Hardison when she stood strong with her disinterest in many of the new faces from the 21st century overflow, including then newcomer Chanel Iman. Her statement followed suit of The New York Observer's questioning of Chanel being the only black model to land the cover of 2007's new faces issue of vogue. "I don't think she's exciting!" Said Bethann. "Get me as controversial as you want, because that's who I am! I think she's very childlike. I like her—I think she's a very wonderful little girl—but there's no one exciting out there right now." 
I respectively love Bethann for her contributions to this industry therefore I believe her words have formulated with a highly respectable regard to the inappropriate validation of several newcomers and the lack of intrigue within their overall "look". It all follows suit to the mutating pathways that lead to our fashion industry's standard. I personally assert that her quote meant nothing more then, "find me somebody just as strong or stronger in presence and uniqueness as Tyson and Naomi, then I'll endorse them- and get excited." Not to mention, "when the industry regains its exclusivity and high standard- then let me know."When I was a child I drew to modeling so much because I adored being distinct, praised, eccentricity and seeing the beauty of a completed
project where I had put my best art skills to work. In modeling, this comparison is given to the outcome of a photo shoot or such. I started professional modeling in 2006, the year before the overflow began(in my opinion), which gave me a good year to roar ahead of the soar of newcomers that would flock to major city's in 2007. Not to say that I'm stuck in a rut, but it has been a challenge to remain stable and keep it trucking up my career ladder with so many new faces and races pushing for the #1 spot and still living my everyday life. Just imagine if Naomi would have made her debut in 2006 as opposed to 1986, when she graced the covers of Elle and Vogue magazines. Her household name would be un-heard of and the beauty and talents that highlighted her rise to the top, well- would clearly be over-looked.This is only pt 1.- Stay tuned,
Once again: this writing is merely just a collaboration of my own opinions and feelings and is in no way, shape or form intended to offend or upset anyone. It is an informative article generated to spark interest and discussion. Please, feel free to email me or post your opinions accordingly.
Sincerely concerned,
Tony Triumph ;)
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