The world of high fashion is one of long days, stressful castings, and the relentless pursuit of a size 6 figure. Behind the glamorous campaigns and runway moments lies a reality that is often far from the glossy perfection seen in magazines.
It’s not uncommon to hear stories of models surviving on little more than raw vegetables in shared apartments. These stories don’t shock those in the industry they are just part of the job. For many, the pressure to maintain an ultra-thin frame is an unspoken but undeniable requirement.
Scouted in Covent Garden at 21, an age considered late in the industry, I quickly found myself on the runways of London, walking for brands such as Moncler, Lacoste, and Toni & Guy. My debut season was a whirlwind, beginning with a high-profile show and demanding 13-hour days. My agency directed me toward high fashion, which led to stints in Milan and Paris. The industry’s preference for extreme thinness was always present, though it was never explicitly stated. When I was at my smallest visibly bony I booked more jobs. My weight fluctuations were scrutinized, and at times, even when I was a UK size 8, I was considered too big.
At a couture fitting, I once struggled to fit into a wedding gown, which was then handed to a 17-year-old model whose frame didn’t challenge the fabric. Conversations about dieting and weight are everyday occurrences in the industry, not out of malice but as part of an accepted culture. Models exchange anecdotes about skipping meals before fashion week or cutting out food groups to meet measurements.
Despite increasing representation of plus-size models, the industry’s obsession with thinness remains dominant. Body diversity on runways remains minimal, with plus-size models making up only 0.3% of looks in recent shows. While inclusivity is celebrated publicly, behind the scenes, the pressure to conform to extreme body standards persists.
For many models, agencies play a complicated role. While some support their models’ well-being, they also need to meet client demands. In some cases, models are subjected to weight checks and body measurements, reinforcing a rigid and unrealistic standard.
The high-fashion industry has a long way to go in breaking its toxic beauty standards. Token inclusivity is not enough real change would mean allowing diverse body types to thrive. Until that day comes, models will continue to navigate an industry that demands physical perfection at any cost.
