The other day at Emmett's, there were a couple of topics of conversation that everyone kept returning to again and again. Chris' auf'ing was one but the other one was this season's models. Far be it for us to talk smack about hard working girls, but holy cow, this year's crop is bad.Here is what you need to be a runway model, according to the people who know best (us):
1. Cheekbones.
2: A genetic predisposition for outrageously long legs and a long neck (tits optional).
3: The ability to look like a completely different person depending on your makeup, hair color and lighting.
4: The ability to walk the SHIT outta something.
It's number 4 where we're seeing the most problems this year. Most of these girls walk like their shoes weigh 40 lbs each. And forget about moving their hips. They're too busy staring sullenly at the camera while they clop down the runway like hungry Clydesdales to worry about actually showing off the clothes they're wearing.Where are the Nazris, Amandas, Graces, Morgans, Marilindas, and Camillas of yesteryear? Those bitches could literally make garbage look like couture. This year's girls could do exactly the opposite.
Except for one, and she's the one everyone's been fighting over, of course:
Lea. Anyone else catch Ricky's moment of sheer hypocrisy this week when he claimed that Jack taking Lea "shows what kind of person he is," while conveniently forgetting that a week earlier he took Lea away from Elisa, announcing that he didn't care if anyone had a problem with it because "it's a 
competition?" Ricky, here's a tip: when you're being filmed 18 hours a day for 4 weeks straight, try not to TOTALLY contradict yourself too much.Anyway, Lea. Yeah, she's good. She's rail-thin, she can walk, and she can make shitty clothes look like masterpieces. What more could you possibly want from a model?
We suspect a lot of these girls just don't have a lot of experience and are looking for the exposure. The show got something of a bad rap among models
because they make these girls stand around for 12 hours a day and don't get paid a dime for their efforts. And let's face it, it's not REALLY a competition for the models as well. It's more of a crap shoot. If you're a working model with a burgeoning portfolio, why would
you put up with all that just to be on television a grand total of about fifteen minutes for the entire season with a 10% chance that you might get a spread in Elle at the end of it all?Sure it's a reality show about fashion designers, not models, but we think the producers should start offering some sort of compensation. Otherwise, the talent pool is going to get more and more shallow each year.
115 comments:
On the other hand: I think the great models of previous seasons benefitted a lot from their exposure on PR. But I do agree, if the standing around for 12 hours thing without pay is true, then that's just crappy of Bravo. It's still their time; they should get compensated.
I bet that when the models are good, they get more airtime, just sayin'...
Oy! These so called models are the WORST! I don't even think Leah is that spectacular.
I think the producers staffed this season's herd with the rejects from the "Make Me a Supermodel" show auditions.
Maybe it's the exceptionally bad editing this year, but we also know very little about any of them, or about any rapport between the designers and individual models.
This year, when one designer chooses somebody else's model, nobody even bats an eyelid. The models don't even flinch. This is certainly not reminiscent of Uncle Nick's nightmare on Season two.
When the models are told they are out, they almost seem relieved. And you guys are dead-on when you say their "competition" isn't based upon talent, it's a basically a crapshoot.
But then, it appears this year's designer's competition isn't based upon talent either.
Wonder what it IS based upon?
Agree that it is slim (or not-so slim? Remember that Kevin's shorts fit Jillian, but not the model....) pickings this year, but at least they show up. Nothing has yet topped Season 1 when Julia didn't show and Austin rocked Jay's postal service uniform.
I have to say, one of the biggest problems I have with Project Runway is they don't pay their models. That's just wrong and not the way to get the good models. I used to have such a problem with models not showing up and now I totally support them if they choose not to be there. Maybe the producers will learn their lesson and pay them. And the process of elimination is definitely not fair, look at Tara!
How can you expect a grown woman to be at your beck and call for a month and not pay her a dime? That's called slavery.
And it's illegal, not to mention immoral. How do they get away with this?
I definitely think being on TV (on a show that a lot of people in the fashion industry watch) could help the career of an up-and-coming model, but I could also see how models who have already acheived any sort of success would turn their nose up at this non-paying gig.
It really is a total crap shoot for the models especially since the designers are usually reluctant to switch models (I guess if nothing else knowing the girl's measurements ahead of time helps out).
I love the not so thin, Nordic-looking blond model: she looks like one of the valkyries
Just reading aboout Ricky's stupid comment about seeing Jack's "true colors" makes we want to laugh. What a complete tool? Why is he still on he show? Why?
My friend and I ask the same question every week: how in the fresh hell did they find such homely models?? But knowing they don't pay them is probably a clue. That's insane.
They don't pay their models???? How is that possible??? Please explain that!!!!!! Maybe the designers should give the models a piece of their fabric spending money and they might get a better walk down the runway.
Oh yeah, I thought I was the only one who noticed Ricky's snarky little comment when Jack took his model. Hello, he did the same thing. It made me want to slap the shit out of his crying ass and tell him to wake up and make a decision.
Pay the girls. Jeez.
Amen, amen and AAAAAmen! Thank you for that sharp analysis of the model situation. I have actually been moved to try "the runway walk" at home, so as to figure out why these gals are stomping like little Forrest Gump in his leg braces. Yeah, it takes a modicum of coordination to do it right, but it ain't rocket science. This season's models are so amateurish, it really drags the show down. For the love of Gaia, with what Bravo spends on just one of Andy Cohen's weekly junket trips to wherever, they could find themselves some truly professional models and pay them! OK, rant over. Back to channeling the happy vibes because it's Wednesday and, dammit, tonight's the night that PR4 gets it right!
And it's illegal, not to mention immoral. How do they get away with this?
They don't kidnap women off the street and force them to model--the models are there by choice.
Still, I'm stunned that anybody actually thinks the exposure is compensation enough. How damn much would it add to the production budget to ensure a bit of quality control?
Heavens, people these girls aren't forced to do this. The models do it for exposure. It can be a very good career move on their part. I think Bravo deliberately picks a wide variety of talent, some are obviously print models, others have runway experience. It seems some are a lot closer to the size of the dress form (which is a huge advantage to the designer).
Also I think they pick models who may be a different size ,don't model lingerie , or can't walk ,on purpose to cause conflict.
The models on PRC are SO much better! I wonder if they pay them, or if it's because it's the first year up there...
Enough with the PRC comments. If you don't have enough of the show to share with the whole audience, don't bring it. Meaning unless you can show it to everyone, we don't want to hear about it.
Thank you! Now I get what's going on here. I was wondering why the models are so bad this year when the TV exposure would be a good thing.
They should be paid though. Bravo's making a mint off of this show, so they could afford to kick them a little.
Rami's model is particularly awful, a giant teutonic potato. I'm shocked an agency took her...
Elisa, just go to YouTube...
sheesh!
I think they should use drag queens. It would be much easier, except they would have to carry up to size 15 on the bluefly.com shoe wall.
Mike B. said...Still, I'm stunned that anybody actually thinks the exposure is compensation enough
Regardless if *I* think the exposure is enough, as long as Bravo can find models are willing to do the show for nothing, that is what they will get.
You tube doesn't work unless you have high speed internet and they don't offer it in my area.
Don't forget Tara, Melissa and Martinique, they were equally able to make shit look chic. And what's with the way they chose the models this year? I miss season 1 where you got a new model every week. Now THAT was drama.
But they should seriously pay them. Not everyone is as fabulous of a personality whore as Amanda (she was my favourite model from last season, Nazri was awesome, but Amanda was fabulous) and can turn her 30 minutes total from like 18 episodes into an awesome career, but she was also perfect and an amazing walker and I have NO idea why Mychael didn't pick her for Bryant park. They need to pay these girls, because the ones we have are the ones who got rejected from America's Next Top Model for NOT being batshit crazy.
Chris's model is my favorite. I seriously hope she doesn't go home. All the other girls remind me of Marla's horrible model. They're so hungry they can barely comb their stringy hair.
I am so completely creeped out by Christian's model that I haven't even been able to focus on any of the others.
Yes, Christian's model is so ugly. Those bangs. Those ugly legs. Look like baseball bats.
Elisa said...
You tube doesn't work unless you have high speed internet and they don't offer it in my area.
So everyone else has to shut up about it? Talk about self-centered!
Elisa said...
Enough with the PRC comments. If you don't have enough of the show to share with the whole audience, don't bring it. Meaning unless you can show it to everyone, we don't want to hear about it.
Right on Elisa. I am also getting tired of the PRC comments on postings not related to the subject.
OMG, thank you for saying this! I cannot BELIEVE how bad the models are this year--and it's not due to the over-presence of America's Next Top Model (that's got me noticing "dead eyes" in photographs). These girls walk like Frankenstein and have never heard of the word posture (thanks, all those nuns who would smack my bottom when I tried to slouch while at Church!).
Not paying the models, when it really isn't a modeling competition because of the whims of the model-choosing, stinks. They'd probably do better taking the prize money for the model and using it to pay the models for the time. The spread in Elle could still be a prize--not a lot of models would turn that down.
I say: auction off the Saturn car of the season and pay the girls.
anonymous said, "So everyone else has to shut up about it? Talk about self-centered!
No, maybe you should start a PRC canada site where you can talk about it all day.
If PR can't afford to pay the models, perhaps they should look into some product placement on the show. I'll bet that would bring in some revenue. ;-)
(Imagine Leah rocking the runway with "Snapple" emblazoned across her forehead.)
We offer access to the PRCanada episodes online because our readers seem to enjoy them, based on the number of hits and comments we receive. If you don't want to hear about it, just skip right over those posts.
I never took much notice of the models (except for my girl Nazri) until this year when they were all so bad. Now that I've seen what poor modeling can do to make bad clothes worse, I long for the girls from previous seasons.
Now you boys know better than that. We wouldn't be gay if we didn't bitch and complain. lol.
I do see both sides of this. The PRC is interesting and relevant, but not everyone has access to see it and feels left out when it is discussed. What to do? The only gay thing to do, bitch about it and move on. haha.
Guys...just to set the record straight. Most young models don't get paid and if they do it's next to nothing.
Most photographers don't pay new models, they just let them use the photo's in their portfolio.
PR is offering these girls something that money can't buy..namely exposure and name brand recognition. How many people had ever heard of Camilla, Nazri, or Grace before PR or would have recognized them. Now people now them, and the can raise their fee accordingly.
I seriously doubt these girls are standing around for 12 hours. They are going to other jobs..hence why some models are late or don't show up or drop out.
I do agree though that these girls suck at walking though. My dog does a better runway walk...seriously.
YAY! Time to talk about the models. Bad walkers. Bad. Even the good outfits don't flow. And they all have the "I'm heading to an execution" look about them. Remember when Marlinda (I think) rocked Jeffrey's plaid couture dress? I remember looking at my husband and saying, "Bitch is having FUN!"
The meh attitude of the models is adding to the meh attitude of the whole show. Is this it? Has PR jumped the shark?
It all started back with the Lincoln Center show. My PR friends and I turned to each other and said "dear God, don't let THESE be the models from this season!! These bitches are tripping over their own feet!!"
Score ANOTHER one for PR Canada who has some D-I-V-A-S.....Steven the Designer being one of them!!
They don't need to PAY the models they just need to AUDITION them. You know- if they play their cards right they may even get to BLOG the show one day....
Thank you for addressing this issue. These models pale in comparison to the past 3 seasons.
They all have a very weird way of walking.
Personally I have always speculated the reason the models get holed up during the day is to avoid what happened during season 1 with Julia. She was the one involved with being a no-show for Jay during the postal uniform challenge. She couldn't come becuase she was going over at a modeling gig.
For those who don't believe it, the models are holed up like that for several hours on the days they have to be there. They are not paid but are fed. Clarissa said revealed this in an interview last year. She stated that was the big drawback since they are losing out on potenial jobs or at least interviews becuase of it. She had lost out on chance to audition for gigs and hard up on money that month. Although she did get fed. I am sure word got around about that.
There is a reason to make an effort to be on the show. The model can influence her chances in subtle ways. The effects are evident since a good model can actively enhance the outfit (look at Grace,Marlinda or Melissa) or she can help to inspire (like Tara). Either way she will be more sought after and increase her chance to making to Bryant Park.
I wouldn't outrightly use the word ugly to describe this season's batch, I do think as a whole they are inferior to previous seasons. Season 1 as a whole I thought had the best. There was Jenny, Melissa, Julia, Martinque, Olga and a few others that year.
To be fair you really don't get to know any of the models til midway through the run. Except for Nazri, I don't the the awareness of the models were all that evident last season until the Icon Challenge.
Personally I hope someone save's Marcia tonight. Chris lucked out with her. She definitely is 1 of the better models. Rami's model I am rather up in the air about. I think part of the problem is the way Rami has her styled.
Frank
You know - all they would need to do is run simultanious model auditions in another room as they were auditioning designers. Its not rocket science.
Or they can call up the talent pool from this new super model show they're starting.
There has GOT to be something better than the system they are using now.
They have always had a variety of modeling talent on the show. Remember Allison bitching about her "scoliosis model" in the first few challenges last year? (Not lovely Alexandra, who was called zaftig and I will never forgive Tim for that one.)
Part of the fun of S1 was that the designers didn't get attached to their models until at least 1/2 way through. I think they should be forced to mix it up every week, so that we can see whether it was the outfits or just lucking out with a good model (like Keith getting Nazri in S3).
Great discussion. I guess if the models want to take the exposure as the payment, then good for them.
I remember very few of the models really, Martinique from season one; maybe Grace from season two; and then Amanda, Marilynda and Nazri from last year. I enjoyed the Style icon challenge from last year as it did bring out more of the models personalities.
I've commented on Rami's model before and have to agree with a recent poster that it does seem to be bad styling. She needs to have her hair let down for once since she appears to have a strong, broad face.
I do have a question for the panel though...When did they invent that nasty, horse clomping walk that I've been seeing more and more of lately? I know trends are cyclical, but that is not only "aesthetically, not pleasing" but almost laugh inducing for me. I can see how it might be technically easier to walk that way in some styles, but come on!
Sing it sisters!!!
Bravo should quite being such cheapskates and pay the models. Why Bravo thinks young models should be willing to be at their beck and call without compensation is beyond ridiculous.
Would Heidi have worked for free when she was a model? I think not.
"They're too busy staring sullenly at the camera while they clop down the runway like hungry Clydesdales to worry about actually showing off the clothes they're wearing."
Yep, yep, yep. Like Clydesdales pulling a beer truck.
I was going to suggest they go off to Emmett's bobblehead factory to assemble the T&L bobbleheads, but I'm not sure these girls are up to the task. Instead of saying fabulous T&L phrases, I fear these girls could only manage to make bobbleheads that just say, 'mooooo.'
--GothamTomato
"bitchesdye said: And it's illegal, not to mention immoral. How do they get away with this?"
They can get away with not paying the models by the clever claim that it is a competition for the models. It is the same reason that game shows do not have to pay the contestants to appear; they are taking the chance that they'll win a prize.
That said; I think it is horibly exploitive and cheap of Bravo to not pay the models. With the number of times that these shows are re-run, they are making TONS of money. And Bravo is no mom&pop operation- they're owned by NBC.
--GothamTomato
thank you for agreeing with me. I keep yelling at the TV - WHY CAN'T THESE GIRLS WALK! They are awful this season.
the guys were probably better looking (not that all were that great) because it was just one day...lower commitment but still national exposure.
It's not just the models this season -- the styling choices have, for the most part, been horrible.
I don't claim to be a stylist, or even stylISH in spite of my obsession with all things Project Runway, but even I can tell that some of the hair, accessory, and shoe choices are just FUGLY.
Bravo, pay the models. Sheesh. Even $15/hour would be helpful. You're feeding and housing the designers, which allows you to lock them up for a month, but all you're giving to the models is the occasional lunch? Shame on you.
I just had an idea! The models could be sponsored by Bluefly or Macy's or Manolo Blahnik or someone like that.
Then the designers could choose their model from the Manolo Model Wall.
And the models could get paid.
I agree with the point a few people have already made about the styling this year. Part of the reason the models seem so lifeless and weird is the hair and make-up. I'm hard pressed to think of any good example of styling done by the Tresemme people. How ironic that they've got that competition on the website this season when they are clearly doing their crappiest work.
BTW, what is up with that thing? I don't understand how the best hair is chosen.
The girls look fine!
Sheesh! Think about what you
are saying about someone's
daughter or sister.
There is an element of bullying in
the complaints and it is just plain mean and hurtful.
If they don't know how to walk
then someone should have taught them. If their styling is off then blame the makeup artists or hair stylists or the designer who requested the look. If they weren't smiling then someone can ask them to smile. Isn't scowling an industry standard?
Amen, brothers. Amen.
Do you know if models who worked the Preview Runway show got paid? Even then it was clear the old timers had most of the new girls all beat to hell.
Team Marie!
-- desertwind
PS - I wonder how much Rucker's absence during production (he moved to post-production this season) has affected the show. Tryin' to figure out what is auf this season. Something is.
"Anonymous said...
Guys...just to set the record straight. Most young models don't get paid and if they do it's next to nothing.
Most photographers don't pay new models, they just let them use the photo's in their portfolio."
They do get paid for jobs. What they don't get paid for (usually) is model testing with photographers. But what they are getting, when they test with legitimate photographers, are pictures that are worth thousands of dollars, for their portfolios.
The down side of model testing is that many girls get ripped off by photographers who are not legit:Either they are just wannabe's who will give the girls lousy pictures (that won't get them any work), or they are sleazeballs who just want to meet young girls.
The thing about artists and performers is; there are always people/entities who want to use them without paying them, and always dangle the carrot of 'good promotion' in front of them to get that free labor.
That's just the way it is.
--GothamTomato
It seems sort of illegal to make people work without pay since, as you point out, this really isn't a competition for models. Just saying it is doesn't make it so.
However, a 10% chance (or slightly less) of getting a spread in Elle? Those are better odds than most models have.
My God, I'd hate to be a model reading this blog. You sordid lot are unbelievable.
Fugly? Cows? Dogs? Shiteous? Butt ugly?
I'd pay money to see pictures of each one of you lane-bryant, size 20, suburban housewife, trailer park, snide talking, attention starved, hag-wannabe motherfukkers posted next to your vile comments.
Anonymous 12:48 said:
"Now you boys know better than that. We wouldn't be gay if we didn't bitch and complain."
Really? Is that what 40 years of Gay Pride and Liberation has broght us? We must be so proud.
Someone please tell me where to turn in my card.
1. Designers don't get paid to be on the show either. They do it for the exposure and the chance to win money. It's a contest. You don't get paid to enter a contest.
2. Anyone can watch PR Canada online. It's called YOUTUBE.
3. Ricky is a whiny bitch and hypocrite. I'm surprised he didn't cry like a baby when Jack switched models. If anyone showed their "true colors", it was HIM - not Jack.
It's funny when HE changed models, it was just a "competition", but when Jack did the exact same thing, Ricky thinks he's suddenly a backstabber. I wanted to smack those tears right off his pouty face.
BTW, I would never say that the models are 'ugly', because I don't think they are. But they are dull & just bad walkers. And they've not been helped by the hair & make up styling this season.
Am I the only person noticing that a lot of models, both male & female, have been sent down the runway looking like Alfalfa?
I'd be curious to know if all the sylists are different this season, and maybe that is a big reason why the models look so dull. Most models, when you see them walking down the street, do look ordinary, like blank canvases, until great stylists go to work on them.
The bad walking is something else. Why don't they give them a walking boot camp before the taping starts?
--GothamTomato
These girls may be pretty but they are bad at modeling. Their walking is just sad. If I were a designer I'd be offended to see my garment undersold with such lifelessness.
Of course, Bravo is being really cheap by not compensating them, and the prize is really pretty lame, at least compared to what the designers get. It's also not really a competition for them at all, as you say. It's who gets lucky enough to be with the designer that finally wins. They're going to either end up with models that have done so well that they have enough money to sacrifice all this time for PR, or models so desperate that they'll starve for any exposure. I'm guessing the latter is what they got this year. They're probably not good walkers because they're starving to death and live in a cardboard box on the sidewalk!
Gosh, I miss Nazri, Camilla, and Grace.
And Steven from PR Canada is one of my favorite models, despite the fact that he's a designer. His runway walk is fierce.
Another point about the walking...from what I understand, the pickings are slim for correct shoe sizes. Maybe they can't walk due to ill-fitting shoes. Or the hideous hair styling and makeup has them too depressed to move.
Embarrassed for you, you can turn in your card at 208 West 13th St, NY NY. Please do so.
we are spoiled from the past be-loved models. if i can tell that they "cant walk" then something is terribly wrong. i also hate the makeup & hair. wtf??
2. Anyone can watch PR Canada online. It's called YOUTUBE.
correction anyone with high speed internet can. Anyone without it would have to wait several days for it to download.
Perhaps I missed something here, but has no one heard of an unpaid internship? A company gets someone's work for free while that person gains work experience...and usually doesn't get lunch.
I agree that if Bravo paid models they would probably get better models, and then the viewers wouldn't cringe during the runway portion of the show. But to say that it's illegal is insane. It's a competition plus it seems just like an unpaid internship.
I very much miss the whole system from Season 1... different models every time, no drama about someone stealing someone else's model, genuinely talented girls (Martinique, Melissa, Morgan, everyone!) and a whole storyline to boot. I thought that the models were super entertaining. It was interesting watching the models and designers interact with different people every week.
Not to mention that THAT season, it was a competition for them! If they sucked, they weren't getting chosen again! They had to work to get picked.
In Season 2, you saw snippets of the models talking, and after that, barely anything. I don't even know who is who this season. I think they all look like crap.
I think that the old system should come back.
I think they should just get rid of the models all together and roll their outfits down the runway on the forms. No more drama.
I don't think the models are ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but they aren't being styled very well.
Guys, one rule we have always held true to is we're bitchy, but we're not nasty. We do not make fun of people's looks here. Clothes, yes. Hair, yes. Perceived physical shortcomings, no.
This post is about how the models this year just aren't very good at it. NOT about how they're "ugly." Which, by the way, they're not. Stick to talking about their work as models and please stop referring to them as beasts or dogs. Those comments are getting deleted.
Yeah, uh... whomever made that Lane Bryant comment up there? What size are you, if you're female? (And if you're male, well, I already know your gender has no sense of size, so never mind.)
Seriously, the next person who calls any of these models fat (or chunky or hefty or anything like that), I'm going to bitchslap into the next century. This obsession with skin-covered skeletons that this country is still in the grip in drives me nuts. I'm aware that models have always been thin, but models that 20 years ago would've been considered pretty and thin are today considered fat because people are frigging insane.
End this week's rant about beauty values, begin actual commentary:
Now, I will agree that the model quality is a little light. These girls are amateurs, and it shows. But what do you expect for no pay? So, yes, I'd have to agree that the best thing would be for PR to just pay them a nominal fee, and throw in "given a ride to and from the studio" along with "free lunch". I mean, seriously, even dropping minimum wage on them would be better than zero, and given they've got 4 major sponsors I can't imagine shoehorning in another grand a day to pay models would be all that tough.
But I also do think the styling this year has a lot to do with how they look, which isn't helping. Even if they were walking super-well, that styling wouldn't help. I suspect that goes a way towards why people are seeing them as unattractive.
Looking at the nice composite from the folks at Blogging Project Runway from last week's episode, I mostly think the models are rather pretty. I don't really remember their names (sometimes I can barely remember the designers names, and they get far more airtime) but the only two models I don't really think are all that pretty (and this is just personal taste, after all) are Rami's model and Jack's model, and I would hardly call either of them ugly. (I'm also really unsure why people keep bagging on Christian's model... is it her walk? In a still she's fine -- not the most gorgeous but not bad. And if it is her walk, well, she has plenty of company.) And I think that Jillian's, Kit's, Steven's and Chris's models are really nice-looking, in fact.
Now this wouldn't be the first time I saw beauty where other people saw uck, but seriously, folks, their problems are mainly about being amateurs, not being inherently unsuited to modeling.
I feel really sorry for the girls who do the show, and all of the above is really why. I hope they go on to succeed, or find something else they'd enjoy doing more, because sure as heck this show and its commentary have got to be unfun experiences for them.
"Seth said...
Aren't models supposed to be attractive? ***** I don't know why they don't pay to get some good models."
No. High fashion models generally aren't supposed to be attractive, they're just supposed to look good in clothes. Models used for advertising are supposed to be attractive.
yeah, I was really looking forward to another Nazri this time around. There is no Nazri, but these girls all seem sorta inexperienced. Maybe Bravo wanted to level the playing field by deliberately choosing models of the same caliber? I doubt that though.
Anyway, was anyone else surprised by how GOOD all the male models were when they had them on? I know they only had to commit for one episode, (and that male models in general don't really need to learn how to walk) but I wonder if there is another explanation for it.
Gotham Tomato at 3:30 said:
"BTW, I would never say that the models are 'ugly', because I don't think they are."
... but at 2:18 said:
"Yep, yep, yep. Like Clydesdales pulling a beer truck ... I fear these girls could only manage to make bobbleheads that just say, 'mooooo.'"
So ... they are pretty horses? Attractive cows?
I don't get it.
I think you guys brought this on yourselves. You make a topic called what's up with the models and when people give their opinions you want to raise heck about it. YOU need to re-think your posts and quit the double standard. You are as bad as Ricky with the hypocrisy. I think you should remove the whole post because it is totally in bad taste.
I'd like to second the motion to ban the use of words like "cow" in the comments. What makes PRG so much much fun for me is how witty the boys and the follow-up comments are with their criticism. Calling a girl fucking ugly or a cow isn't particularly clever, it's just rude.
I know one person's rude is another person's laff riot, but geez, people. We know the designers are reading this, so I'm guessing the models do, too.
"Clydesdales clomping" is pretty descriptive, uncannily accurate, and very funny when applied to the group overall. Calling a specific model an ugly cow in nothing but mean.
-TriplicateGuy
"Anonymous said...
I think you guys brought this on yourselves. You make a topic called what's up with the models and when people give their opinions you want to raise heck about it. YOU need to re-think your posts and quit the double standard. You are as bad as Ricky with the hypocrisy. I think you should remove the whole post because it is totally in bad taste."
Mentioning that this crop of models isn't particularly good at modeling is no more in bad taste than saying a designer's work isn't particularly well done. Most of our readers can tell the difference between critiquing the work and calling the person ugly.
T.Lo, I completely agree. The same goes for those gorgeous male models they had recently. It was like they were walking through mud and not enjoying it. Those guys looked like complete amateurs. Hot and hunky, to be sure, but not professional. Of course the shitty clothes they wore didn't help.
Oh, thank you! I've been waiting for a "what the hell happened to the modelling talent pool?" post. I, too, paid little attention to the models previously. (PRGay changed that, but I still had to have specific bits of fabulousness pointed out to me.) This year, however, I find myself utterly distracted from the designs by the terrible, terrible work of most of the models.
I've always thought the "competition for models" was b.s. because of the way the producers set up model/designer combos. But I never really thought it through: This isn't a competition, it's a raffle for the contract. If the models can stick it out, they might win the prize -- but the win doesn't come from any competition.
Since the model competition is a sham anyway, I wish they would give it up and pay them. They would still have the drama inherent in picking models and messing with the designers by making them work with someone new, but the emphasis would be on how the situation affects the designers. Which is where it should be, really.
Niki
"snf in va said...
Gotham Tomato at 3:30 said:
"BTW, I would never say that the models are 'ugly', because I don't think they are."
... but at 2:18 said:
"Yep, yep, yep. Like Clydesdales pulling a beer truck ... I fear these girls could only manage to make bobbleheads that just say, 'mooooo.'"
So ... they are pretty horses? Attractive cows?
I don't get it."
I'm refering to the way they walk the runway (which is what their job is).
--GothamTomato
None of these models are shopping at lane bryant. They are all too thin. But who really would want to shop there anyway?
Why is this site attracting so many haters lately? We're critiquing the models' performance as models not their personal attributes. TLo has done nothing wrong.
And when I said it was immoral and illegal I was exaggerating to make a point. Jeeze.
Lighten up, it's just fashion.
The Tresemme site still ain't working. I can't drag and drop. Figures
"J Random Blogger said...
Seriously, the next person who calls any of these models fat (or chunky or hefty or anything like that), I'm going to bitchslap into the next century."
Actually, I'd say some of them are seriously skinny. The one I noticed the most last week, was the one modeling SweetP's dress - because the dress was sleeveless and her arms were so boney.
I think the thing that most people are responding too, with this year's models is (as I mentioned before) they're dull. In the past, the models seemed to project more life and enthusiasm. These girls don't project anything.
This post has got me wondering where the casting notices appeared this time. Maybe they couldn't go through agencies anymore (because of the time drain for no dosh) & had to use to Craig's List instead. Whatever it is, the problems are with both the casting and the styling.
--GothamTomato
While reading through the comments, I had a flash:
PR fans asked the same question this time last season!
Why can't these girls walk & why is that Clydesdale Walk so popular on the runways, anyway?
I guess we only remember the good girls.
The styling is hideous. Was it so bad last season?
-- desertwind
On a positive note, the models I think are pretty decent this year, besides Lea, are Marie, Lauren, Lisa and Marcia.
Model shenanigans:
Elisa's outfit was worn by the very distinctive Katie -- who was selected in episode 4.2 by Sweet P. So how did she wind up wearing Elisa's dress, while Aviva presumably wore Sweet P's dress down the runway?
And I really hate the way _some_ models get tossed aside because only the winner can choose, but some models survive because all the contestants get to pick. Cheron was pretty middling, but I recall Annelita was a pretty good walker -- she was Carmen's model, and you'd think a former model could pick someone who could walk. Meanwhile, Katie -- probably the clunkiest walker of the bunch -- continues to slouch down the runway. It's just so stupid and arbitrary. The excuse is that they don't want to show the whole pick-a-model sequence all the time, but they can do it without showing it, so they need a better excuse.
spot on post, as usual.
I was just thinking during the last episode "Wow - these models can't walk to save their lives!"
P.S. To "hello, i'm patsy stone" - you rock! I love your blog name cuz Ab Fab is just that and also love that you can pull off "Oy"! sadly, I can't!! LOL
Re: GothamTomato@3:18 a.m
Thanks for clearing that up. I knew I wasn't explaining it clearly enough.
While younger models do get paid, what they get paid is next to nothing compared to higher profile models and as I am sure you well know, living in New York ain't cheap. Most of these girls probably live with 4 other girls in an agency owned apartment.
I don't really think that anyone is dangling a carrot in front of these girls though, promising them instant stardom.
I think if you are a good model and treat the show like a job (Melissa S1, Grace S2, Nazri S3) you will get something out of it.
Thank goodness someone else realized! I HATE the models this season... they don't even look like models to me.
Look at the first screen grab of the models in the post on Ricky's team. Victorya's model looks amused, but Ricky's model looks like she's just been sent to the principal's office and Elisa's model looks like she's about to hurl. This is not the way to sell the clothes.
They're gorgeous girls, but they seem inexperienced and we don't seem to have seen any pairings yet where the model in essence becomes the designer's muse like Laura/Camilla, Michael/Nazri.
I kind of like the bad (not ugly or fat) modeling this year. It adds to the entertainment value of the show this season. And look at the lively discussion we have had today!
On a serious note, has anyone else noticed the fabulous Melissa in a Maidenform ad in Vogue recently? Would she have gotten that well-paying gig without PR?
That was most definitely not me at 4:27...I've been stripping (paint, alas) all afternoon and have just come in to enjoy the latest installment of TLo's fabulosity.
On models and how they are compensated: I won't comment on Bravo's arrangement with any of these girls, but I can say that some high profile modeling gigs do not pay well. Fashion magazines don't pay much money, but the trade off is the unbelievable exposure, so most models jump at the chance.
I have a feeling some of these girls are on the show for some exposure, but also for some experience to help get their careers moving forward. I get the impression that most of them are very new at this...I'm interested to see how many of them improve as the season progresses.
I agree with the models listed in the post, but I also loved Rebecca (I think that's her name, Daniel Vosovic's model), Martinique, and Marilinda.
Clydesdales are beautiful!
That is all.
Late to the party, as usual. :-(
A couple of things to address:
1. Mi(y)chael could not take Nazri with him to Bryant Park because Uli had taken her a week or two before the finals (remember the "As a Designer I am..." challenge and her picture with the musicians in the City?
2. Participants on the FOL/ILNY/ROL series of shows earn scale for their participation. I imagine the contestants of PR do was well. If production is cooping up the models all day without an opportunity to find other paying gigs (including walking for other desingers during Fashion Week), they too should be paid scale for their time.
3. Re: styling. We know from past seasons that the sylists take their directive from the designers, except at the very end when Collier Strong helps them execute a a collaborative vision for the Bryant Park show. Are they just pulling drag queens off the street in hopes they know how to apply makeup to girls other than themselves? The hair? I imagine these are kids in beauty school doing what could be actually termed an "internship." I have a bit of trouble thinking of this as an "internship" for models since it's doubtful they are attending any type of modeling school. How are these girls expected to pay rent in one of the most expensive cities in the world without even scale compensation (IIRC, about $500/wk)?
Shame on you, Bravo.
I never thought I'd say this, but I miss Morganza. She may have been scary, but she was an awesome model on the runway. Also, she kept the model drama on the show and out of blog comments.
Other than that... I don't love any of the new models at all, but if the accessories wall is as bad as rumors say, I'm willing to put a lot of that down to the shoes and to inexperience.
Bravo is cheap. They don't even pay Mister Tim Fcukin Gunn for his brilliant blogs & podcasts. You bitches expect them to pay these model? Get real.
Congrats guys on stirring up another hornet's nest. Totally agree with you on the models.
What I read about the industry is that the higher the prestige/exposure of the job the less is being paid. Translating this to PR means that the producers (Hallo Heidi!) are pretty full of themselves.
And speaking of the models of yore...Melissa from S1 was recently on another reality show, 'The Shot' (which is a seriously dumb rip off of PR, only for photographers, on VH1).
She and a male model were doing a nude shoot with the photographers.
--GothamTomato
Yeah, I know what you mean about the walk. It's more a stomp, as if they were walking through a junkyard and not pausing to kick anything out of their way, or walk around old fenders and such.
Gone is the glide... walking from the hips down, as though they were on a Rose Parade float.
where is Mr. Jay when you need him? Maybe they could do a quick runway coaching session?
oops, I mean Miss Jay
Just want to note that internships do not automatically mean you're getting school credit. So I doubt that these models are in some sort of school as well, but neither am I and yet I have had unpaid internships that do not give me school credit (I'm not a model).
I think you hit the nail on the head. You said Lea was "rail thin". Maybe the not-so-thin Weinsteins are jumping on the "real" model bandwagon. Maybe they are sending out a message that you don't have to be rail thin and titless to be a model. But honestly, even if that were the case, this new crop isn't cutting it.
I believe my posts may have been one of the ones deleted. If I offended any of the people here, the people who read this, and especially Tom and Lorenzo, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize.
I was complaining about the walking earlier this season, so I'm glad it's finally come up. The models are very lack-luster this season. But I think the challenges are kind of dull, too. Where are the corn husks? Where is the recycling plant? It's just not fun right now. I waited with so much anticipation for this season, and it feels like a let down. And, is it just me, or are we not getting enough Tim?
I take it back, I discovered it wasn't posted because my internet connection went out, when I got it back, I saw my post ready to go. So, hopefully the following doesn't cause problems!
The inability of these models to walk is just distracting. Whenever one of the models that can't walk is in a garment, I completely miss it because I am focusing on the model's walking, which looks like a combination of shoes that are too big and a large and painful pebble in it, neither of which I believe would happen every week.
Now, I acknowledge that there is probably a good reason for this (model's not getting paid, etc.), However it is just completely distracting to the point I can't even enjoy the runway show. They can't really change it now at this point (it is taped already), but when the competition depends on how the garments look, and the garments don't look good (or are completely ignored), when the model can't walk the runway, it really
This, along with the continued absence of a person I feel compelled to root for, is just another problem with this season. I feel let down. :(
In the teams episode, Victorya is shown telling her model "Do the walk... you know, the power walk." And then the model stomps, and she stomped on the runway too.
So that walk must be in style right now.
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