Models are the worst.
After watching the TED talk by Cameron Russel, I'm fully convinced that life is not fair. (though the C I received on my math quiz in Mrs. Clark's 6th grade math class gave me a pretty good head start on that discovery).
Models have the ability to change the way that they're perceived in an instant.
It's pretty widely accepted that a good looking woman can get her way in manifold circumstances simply by revealing her looks.
But it gets a little more interesting when you consider what she can actually get by covering them up.







If you're anything like me, you'll see that Cameron begins her speech in a short, tight dress - and immediately think -
"how inappropriate for that 'smart' model to dress so stupidly".
Within moments, though, she reads our minds, awkwardly changes clothes, and explains this ability to instantly alter our expectations.
We didn't respect her,
but now we do.
Now, instead of the woman who flaunts her beauty, she is the woman who denies it.
By putting on a black midi skirt and a drab black cardigan, she has gained an ounce more of our respect. She refuses to let her looks be her selling point - her crutch.




But what happens when this denial starts making you unhappy?
Why can't we women have both?: The form-fitting, self-confidence boosting/aesthetically-pleasing attire and the respect of others?
Why are makeup, high-heeled shoes, tank-tops, bare legs, etc etc, so detrimental to our professional image? You'd think that if it's OK to park a Ferrari in your reserved office spot, you could also park an equally beautiful figure in your office chair.
Instead, I'm learning the hard way that negating my personal style is the only way to gain a semblance of respect from a whole host of individuals. Black slacks garner a much more positive response than my favorite pencil skirts, and flats engender more smiles than pumps.
The only piece I've yet found that simultaneously pleases both my aesthetic and my critical colleagues, happens to be
It's amazing the difference I see in day-to-day interactions when I'm wearing them versus when I'm not.
Which leads me to believe that the stigma surrounding the fashion industry could very easily be remedied with a simple universal vision prescription for Karlie, Carla, Klum and friends.
Because obviously we're all 20 times smarter, more down to earth, and selfless when we're covering our eyes with oval-shaped glass.
And obviously we deserve to be treated poorly when we're not.
Ohhhh society.
You will never cease to annoy me.
Cheers.
Full disclosure: these glasses have fake frames, intended to be filled. Hence the "ray-ban" text. I'm trend-setting. (read: cheap)
Bahaha society is rather anoying when it comes to getting respect....... How freaking trite for it to make us feel like if we are boring and covered up and blend in that only then can we garner respect. Pish tosh society can suck it!!!! Ps I'm emailing you during doodle's nap time today about some rules I love to break!!
ReplyDeleteBrooke @ what2wear
Maybe it's just me, but I didn't see anything compelling in her talk. Yes, she's a model who speaks the truth about superficial beauty and how the industry sells skinny and gorgeous faces, but aside from that, I didn't see the point of the talk. She speaks about all this and yet she works in this industry. Not that I mind, people should do what they want to do with their lives, but I find it ironic.
ReplyDeleteAnd Duuuh, of course fashion industry exploits and photoshops and makes every model look hot like a burrito, while most girls at home feel like sausages. That's the whole point, to earn money, to make those girls buy their stupid products.
Anyways, sorry for the long comment :D
I love your walking shots, you always look carefree and happy and this just energizes me as well :)
I can completely see your point of view. The speech to me was more of a jumping off point. She raises an issue, but doesn't really delve into it.
Delete"Hot like a burrito"
Can I reuse this?
Fantastic.
i enjoyed cameron's ted talk and her honesty about the modeling industry. i think the most important takeaway from it is that unhappiness seems to be universal. pretty people can be unhappy too and even models can have days when they hate their jobs. what we really need to strive for, especially as women, is not to find happiness in things or circumstances but within ourselves. and it doesn't matter how you look or what you do to be able to do that. and speaking of happy you look exactly that in these gorgeous shots! love the emerald top against the white pants!
ReplyDeleteabigail
www.farandwildjewelry.com
Quite a feat, but something to work at, to be sure.
DeleteMaterialism makes it tough.
Mmmmm...I loooooooooooooove that Ted talk. I think her point was that insecurity is BIIIIIIIG business. Insecurity sells products, lots of them. The more reasons we can think of to make people feel insecure the BETTER $$$$$. I guess in certain industries the more DRAB you look the "smarter" you are perceived but that is just so fucking old school, I refuse to participate. Sometimes (yesterday) I'm walking up to my office in my mini dress, fur coat, and red boots and think..."OH SHIT. Is this office appropriate?" But then my subconscious is all like, "To hell with them, they can take me or leave me." Of course we can be sexy and stylish and wicked smart all at the same time!
ReplyDeletexoxo Britt
www.PardonMyFashion.com
LOVE this. Never thought of insecurity as a business before, but you're totally on point (in my uneducated opinion).
DeleteCan you imagine if we were all confident naked?
ayiyi. talk about financial crisis.
Keep refusing to partipate. It's why I love you.
I think it's important to note that being sexy and being revealing are two entirely different things. It's also important to note that women are sexy no matter what they are wearing. Now, as far as garnishing respect in the work place (although it's silly that much of it is based on appearance) looking stylish AND getting your shit done is where it's at. People ask themselves how does he/she do BOTH? I think standing out outfit wise in an appropriate way (read: modest but still stylish, and THEREFORE sexy) is a plus in the work place. It shows you are creative, and it shows you put effort into your appearance.
ReplyDeleteBut then again I've only worked in the corporate world for one company...and that company was a fashion retailer sooooooo I could be entirely off base.
xo
Ashley
www.thephotogramps.blogspot.com
ashley
Definitely.
DeleteI agree.
But don't you think that sexy is often looked down upon, even when it's not revealing? I feel like asexuality is the norm in some industries, regardless of the amount of skin showing. Maybe not, though. I'm pretty naive.
I think (hope) we're moving toward a stage where we can dress creatively and instead of being respected in SPITE of it, be respected for it.
Thanks for commenting. you always get me thinking one step further.