Supermodel Moms Get Fashion Coaching

September 3rd, 2008

One look at any of today’s many reality TV shows that revolve around the modeling industry (Make Me a Supermodel, Model.Live, and America’s Next Top Model included), and it’s clear making it as the next big face in the fashion industry is no easy feat. But pressure doesn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the models — it lies on their parents as well. “Parents are inextricably linked to the talent and have a huge effect” on their child’s success in the industry, Ford Models’ creative director Matthew Hunt tells Portfolio.
Supermodel Gisele Bundchen echoed this sentiment last year, when in response to too-thin models, she said, ”parents are everything.” Rather than risk developing relationships with unreasonable mothers and fathers, fashion agencies are now setting up workshops so that parents are as ready for fashion fame as their offspring. For instance, at Elite Models, “parents get two-hour orientations as soon as they arrive for an initial visit to New York.” Tyra Banks famously often had her mother close during her years as a fledgling fashion model. Chanel Iman has followed suit, often showing up at shoots and shows with her mom in tow. And, last night at Vogue and IMG’s Model.Live launch party, we couldn’t help but notice that Austria Alcantra, an aspiring model and Model.Live cast member, was likewise in the company of her mother. Whether or not it will help her odds in booking top-notch gigs remains to be seen.
source: blackbookmag.com