Model age, is it a big deal?

[Expresso]

I don't know if I posted this in the right category, but here goes:

Models and age, is it a big deal? There has been plenty of discussion about when young is too young. But I just started to think about the other way around: what if you're in you're early twenties and want to start out? Honestly, I think that's a much better age because you're more grounded and you (hopefully) have an education to fall back on. On the other hand there are lots of young models to compete with and when you take the Elite Model Look competition for example, where the ages range from 14 till 22, it's always the really young ones (15) that get picked.

So what do you think? Is it possible or wishful thinking? Do you have to lie about your age if you want to model in this situation?

What are your thoughts?

[Layla90]

I think there's no such thing as the best age to start. It really depends on girl's psychique and other factors. But I agree with you about the certain rule that should be introduced, like not putting a model in a see-through clothing on the runway if she's under 16 (if not 18). I found it weird that Tanya D. had to walk the Dior runway at age 15 in a see-through dress Anyway, I guess if I had to choose the best age to start.... it's probably 15-16 (to do modelling as a part-time job, during weekends, holidays etc.) and then do it full-time when you're done with high school. Then again, some of my favourite models didn't go to high school, they just would have to pass subjects every few months without going to school regularly.... I somehow admire that as I can't imagine I could handle modelling and school with GOOD grades.

[phenobarbie]

You know, I have fairly strong views on this subject, but rather then share them, as it will more then likely get me banned, or a permanent warning level I'm just going to just walk away.. Because if I speak my mind there will be flames, bashing and general 'bad karma'.

[Expresso]

Thanks for your insights everyone. I agree the fashion world (and in it the modeling business) is a strange one. I was asking because a classmate of mine wants to start now she has a college degree but fears she's too old. Then again, Anna Selezneva is actually 22 but is advertised as being 18....It got me thinking about the weird thing about models and age.

@phenobarbie: you have made me curious.

Surely your view cannot be that bad? Unless you're openly advertising child pornography with an addition of a lot of foul words, I don't see what harm it could do to share your thoughts. There's no ban against sharing an opinion, as long as it's not some random hurtful statement.

[NagaJolokia]

I believe that age should not play a role other than dividing the adults and/or older teens from the children and/or young teens. There are certainly 40- and even 50-somethings (hell, maybe 60-somethings), that take exceptional care of themselves combined with genes to look youthful and overall attractive enough to compete in the same realm as models decades younger. Just use the typical digital alterations to any signs of aging, which should already be vastly minor compared to your average "older" woman, as they are used for anything else for a young woman.

[Jennka]

Great topic, Expreso

My opinion is simple - if it was me making the rules, girls under 18 would be banned from modeling I mean it seriously. I like new faces, and there are may girls who are wonderful and look older than they really are, but frankly, I feel like a pedo looking at them.

The other reason is, that I like women - I mean, WOMEN. Women that have powers in them because they are grown up and know their body well. I´ve never liked Gisele more than now, in her thirties. I like Karolina (Kurkova) more as she´s getting older, because she´s not so skinny now.

I can look up to women. But I can´t look up to girls, which are twice younger than me and I don´t even want to think about people working with such young girls

[Clauds]

I agree with Jennka, i think girls younger than 18 should be banned from modeling.

While i have a big crush on Barbara Palvin atm, sometimes i feel like a pedo 'cuz she's so young >.<

[Joe > Average]

It seems at the rate of the last few years, they don't seem to be showing signs of letting up. What's next 12 year olds in Maybelline commercials? lol.

"Maybe she was born with it. Just 12 years ago"

[Jennka]

It seems at the rate of the last few years, they don't seem to be showing signs of letting up. What's next 12 year olds in Maybelline commercials? lol.

"Maybe she was born with it. Just 12 years ago"

Joe

Expresso - fashion is a whole world itself. It spinns around. Everything happens again. Round and round. They always search for something "different" so they can shock - this "younger the better" thing will end as soon as it stops to be shocking and starts to be boring.

[phenobarbie]

^When it stops being shocking and starts being boring then I pity mankind and their morality. When looking at young girls on the runway in various stages of undress is no longer shocking then we as humans should be reevaluating ourselves and our beliefs... There's a thin line between being a man and a monster, that's crossing the line in my opinion.

[LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE]

^When it stops being shocking and starts being boring then I pity mankind and their morality. When looking at young girls on the runway in various stages of undress is no longer shocking then we as humans should be reevaluating ourselves and our beliefs... There's a thin line between being a man and a monster, that's crossing the line in my opinion.

OMG!!!!! THE END OF THE WORLD HAS HAPPENED, I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AGREE WITH YOUR STATEMENT PHENO, SOO SOO TRUE, KUDOS

[COP11]

I don't know if any of you remember Tara D'Ambrosio from the late 80's, early 90's. She did Revlon ads shoy by Scavullo at 8 then was on the cover of Vogue shortly after. And also did runway shows before she hit 10.

[Expresso]

^^That's....just....

if one of the most influential fashion magazines chooses to be represented by an 8 year old, than what does that say about themselves?

[Sweet Lu]

^When it stops being shocking and starts being boring then I pity mankind and their morality. When looking at young girls on the runway in various stages of undress is no longer shocking then we as humans should be reevaluating ourselves and our beliefs... There's a thin line between being a man and a monster, that's crossing the line in my opinion.

perfectly said

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