They strut down the catwalk. They grace magazine
advertisements and covers. They're in our faces on television. Models, who
needs 'em?
Models are typically the antithesis of the modern woman--super
skinny and bizarre looking (think druggie chic) along with out-of-control egos.
Well, people, the tide is beginning to shift. More magazine--already known for
honoring "real" women-- hosted a model search for women over 40.
While these women are exceptionally beautiful (see 2007 winner, Chung Winstanley, 45, pictured) they also have a quality today's
fashion models do not have; they are real, tangible women with lines on their
faces and a glow that only comes from really living life (not smoking
cigarettes on the set of a high-fa-lootin' photo shoot). Their smiles are easy
and calm, and you know instantly that she is not much different from you or I. This
just happens to be the exact opposite of what one thinks when looking at
traditional models.
Simon Rogers, head of Ugly New York, a casting agency for
real models, said, "I definitely think there's some backlash amongst people
who see fashion shows, then read stories about how the models have to smoke
themselves to death and only drink lemon water for six weeks. People would like
to see somebody up there who reflects how people on the street really
look."
Amen, brother!
Bloggers are helping the movement, often posting photographs
of real women in high-fashion clothes. The response has been so positive that
clothing lines like Ben Sherman are receiving more attention since real world models
began appearing in their clothes on a variety of blogs. Sites like Street
Peeper are making the shift to
"real woman modeling" more hip and
acceptable.
So hip, in fact, that it's already happening. Lycra used 20 real
women to model their swim suits at the 2007 Miami Swim Fashion Week. And with
the success of show's like Ugly Betty and Carson Kressley's "How to Look Good Naked,"
not to mention the popularity of Dove's Real Beauty campaign, the message is
clear--real women are back. And isn't it about time?!
Real women are in such high demand, some of them are even
leaving their regular gigs to pursue real woman modeling full-time (how cool is
that?!). Patricia Neville, 50, (2006 finalist) was inspired by More magazine and is now pursuing a modeling career of her own. Love it!
Do you know a retailer, fashion designer or clothing line
that's embracing the look of real women? If so, share it here!
--Heather Strang
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