Thursday, July 3, 2008

Is the fashion industry ready for this?

Photo credit: BBC

On July 1st, Britain's Missing Top Model aired for the first time on BBC Three. It's not an ordinary reality TV show, with many model wannabes competing for a modeling contract. Well, maybe it is, but not quite. Britain's Missing Top Model is a show with 8 young, beautiful, disabled women discovering what it's like to work in the fashion industry and competing for a photo shoot in a top fashion magazine.

I first read about this on BBC News and I was absolutely intrigued by the article. I have heard of a beautiful woman with prosthetic legs model for wedding dresses, but I never really thought of disable women modeling since then. It just never came to my mind.

Don't get me wrong here, I don't have anything against disabled people. They're no worse than an ordinary person and I always feel bad for those that are disabled because of accidents they didn't cause.

But I wonder, do they have the ability to enter the not-so-nice fashion world? I'm not saying that disabled people aren't entitled to a modeling job; my question is: can they really do it? As we all know, modeling isn't just about smiling in front of the camera. Body language, emotion, posture, poses: everything is so crucial when modeling. Can they manage it all? I'm sure they have plenty of talent and the desire to be a model, but I know it'll be a difficult challenge for these women to go up against the current top models if they do stay in fashion.

I'm extremely interested in seeing how much impact this show will make in the industry. Britain's Missing Top Model has the power to make people think more about the disabled, not only in fashion, but also in regular life. I know it made me rethink about the impaired and I hope this show brings positive light towards these kinds of people.

26 comments:

Shen-Shen said...

To me, the whole controversy about race shows that the fashion industry really isn't ready.. I think this is just another gimmicky reality show, to be quite honest.

michelle said...

I'm wondering the same thing. I really hope the best for them, because I'm sure they deserve it, but let's just hope they are prepared for the harsh reality of fashion?

Anonymous said...

The judges in the show feel they can't be abit harsh on the contestants as they're disabled but there people like us. Why does it matter if they're disable?

Ida said...

Hope the show is success. I really do.

Hanna said...

Ohh it's so interesting to see this show, I hope that the contestants are at their best, because they deserve to prove that they are just as able to model, as the other models. I think that fashion should pay more attention to differently abled people - they are no worse than the rest. Just think of Brenda Costa. Even though she is deaf, she is one of the most gorgeous and successful girls in the modelling world. Thanks for posting this!

Hunters Glory said...

Great question...and I say why not.

If tough enough to be in the industry, let them thrive.

Very thought provoking!

Steph said...

Wow, I've never heard of this till now. And I'm intrigued as well. It'll be very interesting to see how these girls handle the fashion industry.

Secretista said...

The Fashion world is vein. Some of it isn't, but for the most part, it is. How sad, I want to get into this industry. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

Toni Alexis said...

wow this is interesting. i would like to see the outcome of it all! also i tagged you....

xoxo

Darling Deer said...

intresting subject.i dont think fashion is ready for this yet tho.or will ever bexx
thanx for your comment,id love to swap linksxx

Ella said...

Wow, i cant wait to watch that, it'll be extremely interesting to see what happens, the public's reaction, ect.
I'd love to exchange links, i'll add you.

Sharon S said...

Really hope it's successful-there's too much discrimination in this world.

Gater said...

hey, this is gater from a chic peculiarity. I read some of your blog and I love your posts! I would love to do a link exchange with you! in fact I am adding you right now...

oui fashionista said...

to be honest, its great that they are doing this kind of show but.... they wont get any real recognition in the fashion world, its very much like antm

the assistant said...

sounds like a good idea

Human Racing said...

I hear d about thi s somewhere else. I think it's just a gimmick because to be honest it won't change things and a wheelchair on a runway wouldn't be very practical.

And I would love to trade links!

Unknown said...

Wow,what an odd idea.
That's reality tv for you.

p.s-I linked you!

Siljesfashion said...

Thanks for sharing this, I hope its a success.

Andrea Eames said...

Wow, an interesting topic! It will be intriguing to see what happens.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. Yes, I would love to exchange links! I am adding you today. :)

Imelda Matt - The Despotic Queen of Shoes said...

i think this will end up as a totally freaky side show and sadly the point will be totally missed...

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

I think it's good for everyone to feel like they have a chance in every industry. But really all of these model competitions about normal, plus size, older, or now disabled models just shows our continuing obsession with beauty! Why can't the industry that everyone strives to get into be one of medicine, or politics, or education--actually worthwhile careers!

AusAnna said...

I think its great, the fashion industry can be so narrow, its time we let some new come'ers in :)x

Unknown said...

I say, go for it! I think it's a neat idea.

Anonymous said...

I have this ready to record! I really hope that something fantastic comes out of it, but I have a dreaded feeling that the makers of the show are just taking advantage of them for entertainment purposes.
Hopefully I am wrong but it seems that way; just like the way big brother get more and more "outrageous" people on every year. It's like they are turning it into a modern day freak-show and exploiting people.

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

Personally, as much as I hate to say it, I don't think so. They're already so critical and picky over the slightest flaw, that disabled women will have an even tougher time than a minority to get the role as a supermodel. Sad, but true.

Sarah's Chapter said...

I have trouble seeing the appeal of modelling to be honest, I know it's a dream that so many share, but it is so physically and emotionally draining and models are so often criticised for every little flaw that I find it very difficult to see the perks of the job. But if these women really want to make it into modelling, then why not, they should have the same opportunities as everyone else. These women could become role models for other disabled girls and women who never thought they could do this.
Kean Etro used models of an older generation on the SS09 runway, why not disabled models too?
everyone should have the chance.

Your blog has some very thought provoking posts, it is quite different from other fashion blogs and I enjoy reading it.