In light of the recent America’s Next Top model documentary, Living360 sits down with model and author Eloise Skinner to discuss the pressures of perfection.
In the thick of fashion month in February, Netflix released the much-anticipated documentary about Tyra’s Bank’s meme-worthy reality show: America’s Next Top Model.
For those who haven’t seen it, the show follows a group of contestants who battle it out with various photo, video and runway modelling challenges to win an agency contract and the chance to be on a magazine cover.
The show began airing in the early 2000s, an era of often over-dramatic reality television. But the documentary reveals that behind the scenes, things were far darker — and for some contestants, more traumatising — than the series let on.
What does a model eat?
In the time that America’s Next Top Model was airing, there was a lot of dialogue about models eating minimal diets to stay at a sample size. But as times have changed, have diets, too?
High-profile models like Neelam Gill, who recently walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret, and 2017 winner of Germany’s Next Topmodel Céline Bethmann have both taken to TikTok to show what their daily meals looks like.
Read more: These are the best diets for your health goals
@neelamkg Replying to @Catniss Indian food is my favvvvv 🤎🇮🇳 #whatieatinaday #foodtok #desigirl #indian ♬ original sound – neelam kaur gill
In the video, Neelam says that her sweet tooth means she must have chocolate every day, and on this particular day, she was craving Indian food like butter chicken, too.
Celine’s day of eating is like Neelam’s, in that most of her meals are balanced and well portioned. She ends the day with a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers.
There’s a big difference between these videos and stories of models starving themselves in the name of skinny — and we can’t help but see that as a win.
Read more: Why we need plus-size inclusivity in fitness
What’s it like to be a model today?
Eloise Skinner has been a commercial model for decades and has worked on campaigns for the likes of M&S, eBay and Fenty.
Despite fashion evolving to become more inclusive of different sizes and body shapes, Eloise notes that models are still confined to strict guidelines. As a model who does a lot of fitness-related shoots, she feels she has to keep in shape year-round to meet client expectations.
“There’s definitely a requirement to keep in shape if you have a public portfolio available on your agency’s website,” she explains. “Potential clients are often casting or shortlisting you on the basis of these images, so there’s pressure to maintain your current look.”
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The shifting waves of the modelling industry
When it comes to how models look, Eloise believes that things are changing.
“A preference for a certain type of physique is expressed less directly these days,” she explains. While this sounds positive, one look at some high-end modelling runways suggests there’s still a preference for models of a certain build.
Eloise adds that those who really suffer from the impact of this are young people. “[They might] have missed out on skills surrounding negotiation, advocating for oneself, financial management and planning, and so on.”
However, Eloise also notes that nowadays, models are better supported by their agencies and encouraged to have healthy schedules.
“I know my agencies are always ready to step in and take care of their models’ wellbeing,” she says. “With a good support system, models now can have a healthy and sustainable career in the industry.”
Feature image: Pexels
