I would like to start my blog of by saying what I believe. I believe that everyone is perfect. Everyone is special. Everyone is unique; whether that be with their own fashion style, with their own makeup looks, or even their hair colour – (My hair is currently blue so that one had to be added in…) Anyway, the point to this is that there is over 196 countries in the word, 6billion people, millions of body differences, 6billion DIFFERENT people, but ONE small, narrow vision in the media on what is ‘acceptable’.

“Beginning models start modelling in the age range of 13-19 and if you have not made it by twenty it is over. “ This is a quote taken from a modelling advice site. Whaaaat?! Twenty? In my opinion that’s when your life starts! Your teen years are for getting together all your qualifications and perfecting your talents, and your early twenties are for you to go out into the big world and SMASH IT, but really, twenty and it’s over huh? Hmm… What do you think guys? I know Models of Diversity have a mature section but it sure doesn’t start at twenty!

Ok, now from the same modelling advice site I found this quote: “If you are USA average of 5’6″ size 10/12 forget about any hope of being a model” Well, that’s not a very nice thing to say! What would the casting director say – “Sorry but despite the fact that you are of average size, in perfect proportion to your height, and healthy, you cannot live your dream of becoming a model because you do not resemble a stick with skin draped over it”? Ok then!

“The industry looks for someone who is small to medium boned, fit but not buff. With a long graceful swan like neck, a square jaw and high strong cheek bones. The eyes should be wide set, almond shaped and even, with thick eyelashes. Skin should be clear, small pored, even toned with no scares, tattoos, or piercing. Lips should be medium to full and teeth should be straight and white. Shoulder should be broad and squared and you should have a long legged look (more leg then torso). You should have good posture and be able to carry yourself gracefully. Hair should be healthy and in good condition.” Not much to live up to huh? Going back to what I said at the start, “there is over 196 countries in the word, 6billion people, millions of body differences, 6billion DIFFERENT people, but ONE small, narrow vision in the media on what is ‘acceptable’.” This quote just clarifies exactly what I said! I don’t understand why the industry want a small range of models, surely there isn’t many models that look like this, and if there are, they all look the same? In addition to this this is what the media sees as ‘perfect’ and what everyone should aspire to look like, no wonder there are so many teenagers with eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem etc. It’s because of the industry! Come on people, this is a world that we all live in, that we all share, why destroy people’s confidence for the sake of selling a few garments (if I’m perfectly honest I don’t see how they sell, as surely the viewers are liking the outfit but refusing to buy it as they wouldn’t look ‘as good’ in it as the models….)

We all need to step up and make this change! Give us relatable models!

www.modelsofdiversity.org