A gem is a jewel because it survives immaculate amounts of pressure…
Most models don’t have it easy. In fact, they live their lives working hard to be physically perfect in order to pay bills. Black models and plus size models have both been completely discriminated against by the fashion industry- and still are.
Kendall Jenner stepped on the scene merely too quick and painless. She scored major campaigns and booked high regarded shows in months. This would take most supermodels their entire career. So why is it that Kendall Jenner doesn’t rightfully deserve to be associated as a supermodel? Let me explain.
Since the 80s supermodels have been sexually harassed, verbally abused and used behind the scenes. Tortured souls like Karen Mulder and Carre Otis would happily call their careers of being a model a living hell. So is it fair to say that Kendall will ever know the authentic supermodel experience? No, but we will give her praise and covers, and have her walk with all the unknown models who didn’t have their careers bought.
Kendall won’t ever have to stress about hair and make up not working for her shoots. Nor will she ever have to apply it to herself. She will never be told she is too fat for a gig, or be asked to lose some weight. She will never be recommended plastic surgery either, or be called too ugly. Everyone knows how to cater the Kardashian hair, and how to profit the Kardashian name. Kendall wont ever be cancelled from a show because “there is already a black girl.” She could break out in a thousand pimples, and still be the headliner at any fashion show. Chanel Iman always reminisces about how unfair her cancellations were as a supermodel. She quotes that people said to her face she was not needed because there was already a black girl chosen, and no one seemed overly bothered by that.
Is this surprising? Not really. As far as I’m concerned, Kendall will proceed to have the most flawless modeling career us normal people would ever dream about. Her fame bought her right into the doors of the one and the only Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, Christian Dior and many more…
The industry promotes expression and freedom of voice, but then they create such an elite group to showcase over and over again. The pressure and dedication that models like Arisce Wanzer write about, or the stories we hear from infamous legends like Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell aren’t merely as recognized as the fourth edition of Kendall Jenner’s airport style.
Gigi Hadid has been very driven by haters to broadcast the message of loving yourself and accepting curves on the runway. Ironically, Victoria’s Secret fired Barbara Palvin not too long ago for being “too fat.” This surely didn’t stop her from fussing over the people of Victoria’s Secret, and promoting the message that was clearly being shared. Gigi Hadid seems to address her fans well, but doesn’t seem to rightfully understand just how hard and unfair it is to be in her position. It clearly has nothing to do with the measurements…
In a world so dedicated to equality and fairness, we frequently seem to be buying our success and eternal fame. It isn’t a celebration to see someone mock other people’s careers by taking a short cut to the very top. Money seems to be the only art in this generation’s supermodel, and it is apparent the one’s who aren’t given the same rules and regulations have had enough. Fashion shows are supposed to represent women who are physically secured yet unattainable. Now, society is telling us that not only do we have to reach physical standards to make it in life- but also we have to also have a fancy last name and stack of cash to rest our heads on. Some of the greatest models in the industry won’t ever see that catwalk because no one can profit them like a Kardashian. The art is lost as far as I’m concerned, and these “fashion brands” have now dwindled into yet another company that traded art for fame.
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