Under-age and under-weight models continue to ignite debate in fashion circles – and that’s just what meets the eye.
The industry is plagued with many meaty issues and Rescu. got the inside scoop from model and talent manager Taryn Williams.
By Julia Frank
Taryn Williams has been in the modelling industry since she was 16 years old, first as a model and now as the director of WINK modelling agency.
As a young model, she was exposed to sub-standard working conditions, such as delayed (or lack of) pay and excessive hours with no regulating Union body.
Taryn established WINK to provide a safe and nurturing agency for Australian models, an environment she felt was absent in the industry.
Rescu. chatted to Taryn about how she ensures her models are treated fairly, why Miranda Kerr is in vogue and the benefits of caring for your body.
RESCU: Do you think the industry should implement a minimum age for models?
Taryn Williams: “This is a tough question, as there is a place in the industry for models of all ages, from babies to grandparents. I do think there should be industry guidelines that protect all models of all ages in regards to minimum pay, booking times, usage fees, etc, and as part of this, guidelines of working with minors.”
RESCU: What do you think of the CFDA urging New York Fashion Week designers not to cast girls younger than 16 in their shows? Do you think there should be more stringent guidelines that are enforceable?
Taryn Williams: “I think a minimum age of 16 years is a reasonable rule to put in place for an event like Fashion Week. I feel younger models should be working in the industry in jobs that are suitable for their age, for example print campaigns for children’s clothing, or TV commercials that depicts them in age appropriate situations. This is a key example of where an industry body or union for models is required to work with agents, designers, Fashion Week organisers and the models to implement guidelines that all parties see the benefit in, and reasoning for.”
RESCU: Does your agency have an age policy?
Taryn Williams: “We do have a minimum age of 16 years at WINK. On top of that, our models that are under 18 years of age are only booked for jobs we feel are suitable for that age category – nothing that would see them exposed to venues that serve alcohol, or brands that are more suitable for an older model. We also ensure that the younger models’ families are comfortable with their child modelling and consulted on the type of work the model will be doing.”
RESCU: How would you rate the industry’s awareness of poor working conditions for minors, such as lack of pay, late hours etc?
Taryn Williams: “It is surprising to me there is no union or other industry body to support models and dictate working conditions. It’s awful to see models who have so much potential who have been burned by a bad experience and want to give up modelling. I think many models fear speaking out about conditions and being ‘blacklisted’ and not given work in the industry. That said, there are some great, professional agencies in Australia so hopefully we can all begin working together to instigate change that will benefit models, clients and the industry as a whole.”
RESCU: Do you think the industry turns a blind eye towards eating disorders and unhealthy body image in models?
Taryn Williams: “As we are more of a commercial agency, we do not ever see requests for incredibly thin models. We regularly work with brands like Speedo and Westfield who require healthy, fit and wholesome models that the general public can identify with. From my experience in the industry any model with an eating disorder wouldn’t have a successful career in Australia. I think even internationally, that ‘heroin chic’ look is not in vogue, and there is much more focus on models like Miranda Kerr, models who promote a healthy body image.”
RESCU: How do you assess a model’s health and wellbeing to ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for a job?
Taryn Williams: “We are like a family at WINK, and our models feel comfortable talking to us about personal problems like relationship break ups, health concerns etc. We keep a regular dialogue with all of our models to ensure they are physically and emotionally in a good place to be in the modelling industry. Being a model is a physically demanding job – long hours on set, holding poses etc, so the girls need to be fit and healthy to do this job.”
RESCU: Any tips for boosting body confidence?
Taryn Williams: “Its really important be in awe of your body – think about all the things it helps you do on a day to day basis, like hug your loved ones, go out dancing with your friends, running to catch your bus. Cherish your body and the amazing things it can do, and treat it with respect. Exercise regularly and fuel it with healthy, nutritious food.”
RESCU: What advice would you give to young girls interested in pursuing a modelling career? What advice would you give to the parents of young girls interesting in modelling?
Taryn Williams: “For young girls, I would advise remembering that this is a tough industry, and to be mentally and emotionally prepared before entering the industry, and set realistic goals. Go and visit a lot of agencies before signing with one, and do research about these agencies and other models’ experiences. Remember that most models careers are quite short, so completing your education and having other skills and interests is important too. For parents, be involved and support them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions so you and your family can make informed decisions.”
To find out more about WINK, visit https://www.wearewink.com.au/
