Self-Esteem Gets a Positive Spin at Modeling Auditions
By Aisha Naantaanbuu
Whether it is positive or negative, few people would deny the effects the fashion industry has on the self-image of the today’s youth. Around the world, only a mere 4% of women genuinely perceive themselves as beautiful, according to Dove Research. When it comes to actually using the word “beautiful” to describe themselves, only 11% of girls are comfortable with that.
Despite what is commonly believed, there isn’t a significant difference between the self-esteem of men and women. The fashion industry aims to break down self-esteem in order to make a profit, and wouldn’t be able to sell their products to an audience who feels extremely confident about themselves, so they target self-image to convince people that they need to buy something to make them better, according to Dr. M. Elena Delavega, assistant professor at the University of Memphis and expert on self-image.
“People are susceptible to repeated messages,” Dr. Delavega said. “The messages become internalized, and people start seeking ways to make themselves ‘better’.”
Photoshop is a huge tool in fashion marketing that also specializes in crippling self-worth. By portraying what society recognizes as ‘flawless’, they convince their target audience that their product will make them ‘good enough’, according to Dr. Delavega.
Destructive stereotypes enforced by the fashion industry often discourage people from pursuing model opportunities, but this was changed by the auditions held by Fashion Moguls Memphis.
At the University of Memphis in the UC Beale Room people of various body types and ethnicities waited. Initially, they appeared to be extremely nervous. When they came inside, they would see a bare hardwood floor that would serve as their platform. The click of vibrantly colored stilettos echoed through the room and so did the sound of loafers and sneakers that lightly tapped the floor. The participants were able to see themselves strut in the massive windows that were facing them. As they left, the judges, who made sure to do it with a smile, thanked them.
“I felt extremely comfortable around the members of the organization,” Danielle Carson, freshman early childhood education major said. “They made me feel at ease about the process.”
Fashion Moguls Memphis held one of their six modeling auditions on Feb. 3 for their upcoming fashion show. Unlike the standard model profile, people that defied modeling industry stereotypes were welcomed with open arms. Discussion amongst the judges praised the physical variety that was present in the potential models.
Beauty ambassador and senior apparel and accessory merchandising major Tabitha Josephat said that the organization prides itself on stepping outside the box.
“Instead of focusing on the normal model stereotypes, we focus on factors such as their walk, confidence, and in which scenes the individual might work well,” Josephat said. “We are about the love of fashion, and anyone with any body type can be fashionable.”
Fashion Moguls Memphis is a campus organization that was created to give University of Memphis students a medium to creatively express themselves. It provides an opportunity to be around like-minded people, to network, and learn from others. It also allows people to be themselves while sharing the common interest of fashion.
Alexandria Johnson, a junior theatre and performance major, opened up about how the unorthodox auditions boosted her confidence which had been somewhat damaged by current body standards. She contemplated coming out because she felt that she lacked what it took to be a model.
“The industry has led society to believe that if you don't have a certain look or if you're not a certain size, you're not good enough to model,” Johnson said. “People are different shapes and sizes. That alone is enough to discourage anyone who doesn't have that look that the industry wants.”
Johnson’s apprehensions disappeared once she came inside to begin her audition. She said the friendly interaction from the judges made her feel less self-conscious. She also felt that they appreciated her effort for coming out, and that increased her confidence.
“I would definitely encourage other people to come out,” Johnson said. “I don't fit the stereotype, but I came and conquered. I'm proud of myself.”
Those types of negative effects are the things that Dang and Josephat wanted to avoid. They both agreed that it was important to create an inviting environment at each audition session.
The last audition was held on Feb. 4. This week will start the process of meeting with models and getting rehearsals in motion. The fashion show will be held on March 23 in the UC Ballroom, it is free and open the public.
