The Bad: Age Isn't Just a Number...It's an Issue!
The modeling world can be tough—especially with the restrictions set within the industry. One major factor that keeps coming up is the age issue. With models coming into the game at a young age the pool of selection gets bigger to choose from and some get left behind—which comes as a constant reminder that the older you get, the harder you have to try to keep up. Despite the climax of new faces featured on runways, commercials and editorials—mature models are finding a way to make it work for themselves. Proving that modeling doesn’t come with an age limit.
“I do not hide my age,” says Alfred Lam,32, an independent model from Toronto. “When I see a casting call that posts an age range below mine, I still apply because I have nothing to lose.”
Many modeling agencies strongly consider age as a major factor. Prime time entry is considered to be between the ages of 16-21 years old. Some models as young as 13 years old are accepted into big fashion agencies. If successful, popular models can work into their early twenties and those at the top of their career can work into their thirties and beyond, because they have ceased being a model and became brands instead. It’s all about figuring out what may work best for you when it comes to keeping up with jobs and competing with others—and some are ready to take the risk.
“Age hasn’t been an issue for me even though I am considered an ‘older’ model,” says Shivani Persad,26, Canadian model for Sephora’s current beauty campaign. “Luckily, I have great genes and also look very young for my age. However, I do know girls who’ve been asked to lie at castings about their age because the agency is afraid that the client won’t book them.”
With taking chance may come new opportunities. According to the Telegram UK.com, who wrote an article about Cindy Crawford retiring from the modeling world at the age of 50—the older models are reclaiming their spot. Some designers would rather choose more matured models over younger ones. Ruth Champman, co-founder of matchesfashion.com, was quoted saying that the demographic of their luxury brand is geared towards an older audience and if their investing money in their brand, they wouldn’t want it to be featured on a 17-year-old girl—due to the contradiction between the model and the product.
With designers such as Champman, Olivier Rousteing, Tom Ford etc…embracing the different age of beauty within their marketing strategies—its only a matter of time till things change for the best. Thanks to models such as Paul Masson, Stacey McKenzie, Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Naomi Campbell, Giselle Bündchen etc…the mature models have a revolving door of opportunities and gets to work based off their experiences rather than their age.
“I think that the veteran supermodels are so helpful,” says Persad.“Just to see how they navigated the game and the type of things that they went through. From talking to some of them I have learned so much about the industry.”
Contrary to popular beliefs, the myth of the modeling age doesn’t exist. Models of every age range in every category work. As a hardworking employee your skills and experiences should be valued and not your double digits. Modeling isn’t about youth but what each individual can bring to the table. Age isn’t the real issue—but the people trying to lead the industry are.
By: Jennifer Joseph | Freelance Journalist, Social Media Strategist