In the bustling world of Toronto’s fashion scene, where runways gleam under spotlights and Instagram feeds showcases polished perfection, the reality for many aspiring models is far from glamourous. What begins as a thrilling hobby or a chance to shine can quickly spiral into a maze of body image struggles, sketchy encounters, and unfulfilled promises. For young talents entering this competitive arena the allure of the spotlight often masks deeper challenges, from predatory behavior to financial instability.
Drawing from personal accounts and insights from those entrenched in the industry, this exploration reveals the unvarnished truth behind the perfect poses. The journey often starts innocently enough from school events or a casual compliment. Take JJ Hassell for example, a known Toronto model who has navigated the local scene for years.
“It started at school, at a little fashion show. And I decided I was going to apply. And it was like cute and fun,” Hassell recalls in an interview. She also states that “At the moment, I was like, I want to do this more and ever since I’ve just been doing it kind of as a hobby.”
Her entry point echoes a common narrative among Toronto’s everyday models – those not backed by major agencies but hustling through local gigs, volunteer shoots, and networking events. Many begin in their late teens or early twenties, fueled by encouragement from peers or the thrill of self-expression. Yet, this initial excitement can mask underlying pressures.
Former model Hugo Grant began when his high school friends would consistently make comments on his body, stating how thin and tall he was. He decided to connect with local photographers or anyone who owned a camera. What started as a fun session to learn angles and expressions, soon evolved into a toxic cycle with praise coming with a cost. He became very self-conscious of the way he looked, enabling some very unhealthy eating habits, going as long as three days without food to prepare for a photoshoot.
This behaviour heavily influenced by the dark obsession with being thin resulted in Hugo developing a severe dietary and malnutrition illness. This common struggle highlights a pervasive issue in modelling: the relentless emphasis on appearance that can lead to disordered eating and long-term health problems. In Toronto where the industry is often touted as “the New York of Canada,” The pressure to conform to unris amplified. It often starts with encouragement within educational environments or social interactions in the streets that can develop the desirableness to become thinner.
These stories are not isolated, they highlight how the quest for desirability can erode self-worth, turning a creative pursuit into a battleground for mental and physical health. Hassell’s early experiences offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of first gigs. Her debut was through her school where she relished “meeting a lot of new people and a lot of new people who I can network with was cool, also learning more about how fashion shows are handled and set up.”
The thrill of the runway was intoxicating, she describes “my favourite part was the thrill of walking on the runway. It was kind of exciting, and because I always love like different types of performing, the runway is like kind of performing in a way. It’s just exhilarating and nice to showcase people’s talents. Even in these entry-level opportunities, cracks appear.
Hassell points to the interpersonal drama that plagues the scene “in terms of negative experience there will be people that aren’t going to have the best vibe due to modelling being such a oversaturated industry. Theres going to be people whose ego might get in the way, poor management and communication further embodies the industry.” As models progress interactions with industry professionals reveal stark contrasts in safety and professionalism.
Photographers, often the first point of contact for newcomers, can pose significant risk. Blackmail and grooming are some of the top concerns when it comes to newer models, and unfortunately something both JJ and Hugo encountered within their careers. Her immediate advice “if you catch a vibe that isn’t right, then you just have to get out of there, even if that person probably meant well, it’s better to protect yourself than to just do stuff.”
In contrast both Hugo and JJ explained that working with creative directors felt more secure as they have a far more superior workload and often don’t have the time to waste on disrespect or extortion of new models, they’re also easier to hold accountable due to their more public presence. These insights paint a picture of an industry ripe for reform, where vulnerability meets opportunism. For Toronto’s aspiring models the path forward demands vigilance, self-awareness and a realistic grasp of the odds. While the runway thrill endures, so do the shadows reminding us that behind every striking image lies a story of resilience amid adversity.
No comments:
Post a Comment