Glamour decoded

I always thought that the life of fashion models is full of glamour. Beautiful people get to wear the most expensive and luxurious clothes and accessories. Their beauty gets admired by cameras and people. When they walk it feels like the angels are walking on this earth. Their polished image was something to be look forward to in this dull world. When I met a real life model my illusion completely shattered.

I met Pooja (pseudonym) at a corporate conference. Pooja was one of the event coordinators. When I saw her for the very first time I immediately noticed the way she had dressed; she had done her and makeup; and the way she was elegantly walking. Her every moment had the charisma that would not be seen in any person who works in the corporate industry. Her every step was graceful. I thought to myself that a woman like her belongs in the fashion world. I decided to strike a conversation with her which revealed the truth to me. This is Pooja's story.

Pooja told me that she used to be a fashion model. She had participated in one of the competitions which was arranged by a national newspaper. Being beautiful, slim, and taller than average girls gave her the immense advantage. She won that competition which opened a lot of for her to enter the glittery world of fashion. After winning the competition at a price she was appointed by a modelling agency for 1 year. This contract for the extended because of her hard work and potential.

Coming from a simple middle class family Pooja did not have any exposure to the fashion world. She did not know how to professionally pose in front of cameras. However she made an effort to learn that from every person she knew. While working with various photographers and trainers she had quickly aced the art of being presentable and beautiful in front of the camera. She initially started as an editorial model.

Later she started working as a ramp model as well. She described the days as a ramp model where the ones that broke her completely. The gruelling shifts before the fashion show; hour of waiting for getting the fitting done; tiresome rehearsal which would go non stop for several hours; going without food or water for hours to stay in shape - everything affected her. At the age of 19 she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism which was linked to malnourishment. Once she was so frail that she had to be hospitalized.

Another cruel part of modelling industry was that their weight and vital stats have to be in a particular range. If they are crossed even by a little the model is were required to go on crash diets. Most models used to get serious health issues after spending few years in the modelling industry. All this struggles were not justifying the shiny glamour world which would give them to wear luxury clothes for few minutes that they would spend on the ramp or in front of the camera. In addition to the health issues there would be a lot of people who would try to take advantage of this young models.

Pooja who had entered the modelling industry at tender age of 15 finally decided to leave it at the age of 21. She considered that the time that she had given to that industry was more than sufficient. Any further time there would have affecting her physical and mental health. She decide to give up on a job which was considered to be a dream job by many. Pooja told me that she was more than happy to spend her time in corporate events and get less paid than being in front of the world and destroying herself.

After hearing Pooja's story I thought to myself that glamour world after all is not glamorous at all.