Content warning: This post discusses eating disorders and may be triggering for some readers.
Taylah Roberts was only 17 when she appeared on Australia’s Next Top Model.
Before the high schooler was allowed to vote or legally have a sip of alcohol, she was thrust into the modelling industry.
It was the beginning of a tense relationship with the fashion world for the now 24-year-old photographer and doula, one that she’s since left behind. But despite Taylah’s move away from modelling, she wants other young women to know what she deems to be the truth about Fashion Week.
This week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is showcasing the craftsmanship of Australia’s most celebrated designers. But despite the glamorous connotations, it didn’t take long for Taylah, when she was walking its catwalks, to discover what it was really like.
Jessica Vander Leahy Speak On Australian Fashion And Body. Post continues after video.
Taylah says the self-doubt that the modelling industry fostered in her caused her to suffer an eating disorder.
She says she thought about taking up smoking to curb craving to eat, despite the spreads of food we see on behind the scenes Instagram stories at MBFWA.
Top Comments
Obviously there are a lot of negative aspects of the modeling industry but no one forced you into it. Go work at a supermarket check out and see what the conditions are like there - rude people to deal with, long hours on your feet, terrible pay, unappealing enviroment, etc. Stop whining about the lack of glitz and glamour and get a real job. Also I couldn't stop laughing at this comment " there is a competitive culture in the modelling industry that is based on entirely what you look like" eeerrr yeah.... its called modelling - you're not hired for your personality or intelligence sweetheart.
'It doesn’t take a lot to treat models with respect'
She's right, it really doesn't.
But I would say that the industry absolutely thrives financially on having models with the lowest possible self-esteem, and highest levels of self doubt.
The fashion industry doesn't have much to gain financially by treating the model well.