Discouragement policy for models in 6 steps

At the moment, I am traveling extensively for Holland's Next Top Model and it strikes me that whatever I tell, the model girls continue to believe that a gold-framed glamorous existence awaits them.

Therefore, for the much-needed sobering, let's talk about the less pleasant sides of the modeling life. You really, really, really have to do this only if you are willing to give everything for it and have everything in you to make it.

Peeing in a Dixie

Of course, you see all those nice catwalk images whereat the fashion VIPs sit on a cushion in the front row. Backstage is a poverty-stricken situation. Think of empty factory halls where rows of folding tables are set up where the makeup artists have set up their spots. Often there is a row of Dixie toilets where the model girls can give their little pees back to the world. Did I hear someone say glamour?

Being in three places at once

During fashion week top models have to walk shows, cast, and fit. Casting is seeing if you are chosen for the show and fitting is, as you might have guessed, trying on your outfit. And no, those different clients do not take each other into account, so your schedule often says you have to be in three places at once. You have to stay calm and figure out what takes priority (the show, of course) and arrange to go casting and fitting later. With the risk that people there will not be super happy and thrilled about it.

Measuring tape around your hips

In the top segment, sizes are important. Simply because otherwise you won't fit into the clothes. And designers just love small butts. So you have to keep in mind that very regularly someone will put a measuring tape around your hips. I know a top model who had someone measure her hips and at the same time said: “Couldn’t we have taken a slimmer model?” Which she was standing next to, you know. That’s not necessarily super funny.

Not saying goodbye

Of course, you do that, but there are many casting directors who find it a hassle to say ‘hello’ for some reason. Maybe it them affects their choice, but I always find it extremely rude. Here comes a model girl in a dress and high heels with her hair neatly in a ponytail, she gets looked at and ‘walk please’ is said, and then she can go again. You will hear from us. Or not.

From everything to nothing

I always remember that image of a model just after the Diesel show in New York. She had just walked the show and was now looking at her Google Maps at the exit of Grand Central (that was the location) to see where she was and where she had to go. I found that so typical. One moment you are the queen of the catwalk, the next you are that 17-year-old girl who misses her mother and feels lost with something. And if you absolutely must wear those pumps, make sure they are a pair with an ankle strap, so your leg is broken up again. Also very nice: a nice sneaker. Nikes, Vans, Mipacha’s, actually anything works, and such a sporty shoe creates a nice contrast with the sexy skirt. in that incredibly large city.

Model apartments

If there is one thing that seems horrific to me, it is a model apartment. To save money (because you don't earn that much in the beginning), agents often place girls together in an apartment. And I have heard the most terrible stories about that. From the models themselves, of course. Really.

About sheets that still had blood on them, about girls who steal things from the other successfulre girls who were almost never home, about girls who sat smoking in the living room for a long time, leaving the others half stoned in their beds.

Some girls also share a room. Then if you come home late, you can't even turn on the light because you wake the other person up.

Really, as soon as I could afford it, I would look for my own little apartment.

Making money

That's also a misunderstanding. Of course, there are models who earn a lot of money, but in the beginning, you position yourself by walking shows and doing editorial shoots. And you don't earn anything with that.

With a bit of luck, you get €1000 for a show (although many girls are paid in clothes) but we certainly don't all walk 66 shows like Maartje Verhoef. And from that money, you also have to pay for your ticket, driver, and apartment. For an editorial shoot, a model simply gets a day fee of just under four hundred euros. With a bit of bad luck, the makeup artist earns more than you that day.

So, dear model girls, it is a calling and a grand experience to be a top model. But know that the road to it is long, steep, and bumpy.