It is not a secret that the fashion industry is survival of the fittest. Unfortunately, sometimes even the fittest have their waining moments. Having strong, independent and smart friends I have come to see through many personal stories that working in fashion can shatter even the strongest of spirits. The expectations are erratic. Minimal pay. Long hours. Making the impossible possible. Wearing designer goods without the cash flow. A long rise to the top, a quick fall to the bottom. All sweat, no glory. If this sounds like you, don't worry, you're not alone. It's rough, even for those who have the dedication and backbone.
It makes us fashionistas in the industry question our paths. Why have we decided to put ourselves through all of this? How important is it really? I mean, it IS only clothing, right? Sure we love the creativity, expression and glamour of it all. But when you find yourself short on time for loved ones, losing sleep over the next big trend, sleeping at the office (well basically) and feeling small and irrelevant, it is hard to justify working in an industry you were once in love with.
The short of the long is this: work hard, play hard and don't let anyone tell you what you can't do (thanks LOST). Always trust in yourself, and if you feel like you are being the victim of fashion cruelty, you probably are. At this point you either get out while you have some dignity left or bitch and complain like the rest of us while we continue our fashion ascension to the top.
See you there.
As much as the fashion industry remains at odds with the morals established by the rest of society, it continues to set their standards high while the models lower theirs for the sake of fulfilling the life of a runway or fashion model. We not only should be asking ourselves the vital question, "How can we work to eliminate and end the cruelty to women in the fashion industry", but also taking action. After all 'actions speak louder'. I was reading on the web the new guidelines in Italy about the minimum weight of female models for them to be accepted by judges/etc. The disappointment for many females when they are rejected does not end at the judging panel. One has to wonder how many of them further abuse themselves because they were rejected for being 'too fat' or 'too skinny'. Where do we draw the line...and when does the legal system kick in to protect our world's vulnerable individuals? Society has helped to shape and create this unrealistic expectation, therefore our society should help to end it!
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