Statements Fashion and Modeling Society is working to change the stereotypical model image at The University of Memphis. Due to its hard work, the society's membership has grown from 14 to 67 members this fall.
Sharbour Ray, the organization's vice-president, said the society began in 1997 as a part of Cliche, a fashion and modeling organization at Mississippi State University.
According to Ray, Statements holds fashion shows and workshops for its members, while at the same time becoming involved in community service.
Unlike many modeling organizations, Statements places no restrictions on who can join their society. According to Ray, all a U of M student needs is an application to be accepted.
"Statements wants to break the model stereotype," Ray said. "We don't turn anyone down."
Ray is referring to several commonly held misconceptions about models.
David Lovelace, a sophomore majoring in communications, said he thinks of beautiful women with tiny waists when he thinks of models.
Junior Sally Zebric had some of the same views.
"I think of someone who is anorexic when I picture a model," Zebric said. "Someone with eyes set wide apart and lots of money."
Freshman Angela Moore said she thinks models need to be reasonably good looking.
"It should be someone pretty, and tall," Moore said.
However, several students believe this stereotype is changing.
Violet Velour, a freshman in computer engineering technology, believes the fashion industry is starting to move away from the traditional model look.
"If you look at magazines and ads, the models are starting to look different," Velour said. "It seems like it's more about an unusual facial structure."
Jode Wonsey, Statements' president, said almost anyone can be a model, and encourages all members to participate in fashion events.
"We want everyone to see that being a model does not mean you have to be a certain size, shape or color," Wonsey said.
Freshman Lydia Mackey joined Statements this semester and is currently participating in the Kappa Alpha Phi Pageant.
"I enjoy modeling, so when I heard about Statements, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me," Mackey said.
Denise Smith, the public relations and promotions chair of Statements, believes the society should not only help its members, but the community as well.
"Statements participates in the Service on Saturday projects, and for the fashion show we are going to have a canned food drive," Smith said.
Sian Crouther, a communications freshmen who recently joined the society, has volunteered for SOS through Statements.
"I wanted to get involved on campus, and Statements seemed very interesting," Crouther said. "They [Statements] say it's not about what size you are -- it's about who you are."
The society also helps members get started in a modeling career by announcing open calls for modeling agencies and inviting older society members who are now active in the modeling industry to speak in workshops, according to Smith.
"We frequently receive calls from modeling agencies we've made contacts with in the past, asking us for people," Smith said.
Wonsey feels that Statement's open arms admittance policy gives future models extra confidence.
"Statements has no stereotypes," Wonsey said. "If you're a student, you are welcomed."
