Extreme diets and depression: Modelling myths busted
Yahoo Asia Style exclusive
Strict diets. Grueling workouts. Free champagne. Branded bags. Talk about a model’s lifestyle and words of pain and glamour come to mind.
Yahoo Asia Style gets the low-down on modeling as a career from an industry insider, local model Andee Chua, on how a model’s lifestyle is actually a lot more normal and gasp- dare we believe it- healthier, than us commoners make it out to be.
One of the few Singaporean male models to ever grace the European runways, the 25-year-old made his international debut during Milan Fashion Week in June. Since then, he has been travelling around Asia for a variety of assignments. Plans to fly to New York for more castings are also in the works.
Myth number 1: Models follow an extreme diet. Think plain chicken breast and broccoli forever and ever.
Andee: I try to #eatclean and prepare my own meals, but reality is I eat junk food too. Waffles, ice cream, cakes, chocolates… I give myself a cheat day once a week to indulge in my sweet tooth. It’s difficult to keep to a strict diet when you’re out enjoying a meal with your loved ones. I spend Sundays with my family and there is always lots of good food—no way I am going to consume only a salad. I want to enjoy my dinner and also a post-dinner dessert! It’s also a form of emotional satisfaction, of treating myself after being a good boy all week. After that, I feel recharged and ready to start the week again.
Myth number 2: Male models spend most of their free time working out at the gym.
Andee: I don’t go to the gym any more than the average gym-goer does. I try to hit a workout quota of three times of a week, an hour-long session each time. Previously, when I was dragon-boating, I used to go to the gym almost every day, so my work-out routine is a lot more moderate these days.
Myth number 3: Many struggling models must depressed and have low self-esteem.
Andee: Modelling is tough. You may have been rejected for jobs 100 times in a row, and you still have to wear smile for the next job you’re trying to clinch. The key is to change your mindset so you are wearing a smile, not just putting on one for show. A huge part of the job is about your look and the vibe you’re giving off, so faking it doesn’t work.
It takes self-discipline to stay optimistic in the face of rejections. I think this job has helped me grow emotionally stronger. I had a phase when I was very impatient and unhappy a few years back, but modeling has made me a more confident person. What’s the worse that can happen? You don’t get a callback again? You’ve survived that 100 times, you will survive it again.
Myth number 4: You have to start young and fit a stereotype, or you won’t be successful.
Andee: I am 25 and that’s pretty old in the industry! I’m also tanned-skin, and most clients are looking for Asian models are fairer. Sometimes, people need some time to adapt to your look. They are so many models there, clients are spoiled for choice, and it may take a while before someone notices you. And even then they may not choose you. It’s about having the right look for the right occasion, and it may take a while before the occasion comes along.
Myth number 5: There is no market for Singaporean models. There is no Singaporean style or look.
Andee: Certain nationalities such as the Japanese or the Italians have a very distinct look. Singapore isn’t well represented in the international or even regional industry—yet. I believe this will change as more Singaporeans choose this career path and work hard at it. Perhaps the Singaporean look will be that we are unique and diverse and highly versatile.
If you wish to follow Andee’s future endeavours, do follow him on his Instagram account @andeecys