The world of modeling is often perceived as glamorous and effortless, but behind the flawless photos and graceful catwalks lies an industry filled with challenges, hard work, and personal growth.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some insightful quotes from some of the most successful models in the business. These words of wisdom offer a glimpse into the minds of those who have reached the pinnacle of the fashion world, sharing their thoughts on beauty, success, and the realities of life in front of the camera.
Quotes On Beauty & Self-Image
Miranda Kerr
“A rose can never be a sunflower, and a sunflower can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too. I want to encourage women to embrace their own uniqueness.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s individuality and recognizing that beauty comes in many forms.
Tyra Banks
“It’s something that I realized women do constantly and don’t even know that they’re doing it: They say these negative things about themselves that they would never say to someone else.”
Banks highlights the harmful nature of negative self-talk and encourages women to be kinder to themselves.
Cindy Crawford
“I always say, even I don’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.”
This humorous quote reminds us that even supermodels don’t always look perfect, emphasizing the difference between real life and carefully curated images.
Heidi Klum
“In this job an illusion of beauty is sold which doesn’t really exist like that. It’s like a work of art, an act.”
Klum’s candid statement reveals the artifice behind many fashion images, encouraging a more realistic view of beauty standards.
Bella Hadid
“I’m like, ‘Don’t have such a blank stare on your face.’ I’ve got resting bitch face so I’m trying to think about happy thoughts now when I model.”
This quote humorously addresses the challenges of maintaining the right expression while modeling, showing the effort behind seemingly effortless poses.
Candice Swanepoel
“I was very skinny, braces; so I never thought I would be a model.”
Swanepoel’s words remind us that even successful models often had insecurities about their appearance, encouraging others to look beyond current imperfections.
Georgia May Jagger
“There’s this whole idea of perfection. What younger girls don’t realize is that these girls do have problems. It’s good for people to realize everyone is human.”
Jagger’s insight helps demystify the notion of model perfection, emphasizing the humanity behind the glamorous façade.
Janice Dickinson
“Every magazine cover you see of Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts is completely airbrushed. It’s all completely digitally enhanced. … We have been giving young girls and boys a sense of falseness.”
This frank admission sheds light on the prevalence of digital enhancement in fashion imagery, cautioning against unrealistic beauty standards.
Helena Christensen
“Being Danish, you become very self-ironic and you have a certain confidence in yourself that doesn’t allow for other people to put pressure on you.”
Christensen’s quote highlights how cultural background can influence one’s approach to the pressures of the modeling industry.
Alessandra Ambrosio
“Take care of yourself, be healthy, and always believe you can be successful in anything you truly want.”
This advice emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-belief in achieving success.
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Career Advice From Top Models
Karlie Kloss
“If you believe in yourself and feel confident in yourself, you can do anything. I really believe that.”
Kloss emphasizes the power of self-confidence in achieving one’s goals.
Gisele Bündchen
“No matter how many shows I’ve done, as soon as they say it’s time to start, I get that nervous sensation and feel like I have to pee.”
This candid admission from one of the world’s highest-paid models shows that even the most successful professionals experience nerves.
Sean O’Pry
“When it comes to taking a picture, you have to connect for that frame. You have to connect to the photographer, with the stylist, and the hair and makeup you’re doing, but also to the reader and whoever views the image.”
O’Pry’s insight reveals the collaborative nature of modeling and the importance of connecting with the audience.
Natalia Vodianova
“If you are ambitious you can have a moment of glory but it will most likely be temporary. But talent always finds its way out.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of developing genuine talent over seeking fleeting fame.
Brad Kroenig
“A lot of people tend to think that male models are uneducated and they thrive off their looks alone, but most of the successful male models I have worked with over the years are very smart and well-rounded.”
Kroenig challenges stereotypes about male models, highlighting the intelligence and diverse skills of successful professionals in the industry.
David Gandy
“I have my own clothing range, I have four charities, I powerboat race, I race cars. I have my racing license. I write for Vogue and GQ. I review cars for Vanity Fair. I don’t really model that much anymore because I have all these other things.”
Gandy’s quote showcases how successful models often diversify their careers and pursue various interests.
Linda Evangelista
“I don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.”
While controversial, this famous quote highlights the high earning potential at the top of the modeling industry and the importance of knowing one’s worth.
Tyson Beckford
“I felt like there was — in fashion, there’s a lack of strong male images. And there’s a huge lack of strong African American images. … I said, ‘Enough is enough, I’m just going to go in and take my job back.'”
Beckford’s statement emphasizes the importance of representation and taking initiative in one’s career.
Noah Mills
“My sister Quimby told me I looked like the guys in the magazines, so I walked into an agency in Vancouver, and I guess was like, ‘Can I model?'”
This quote shows how sometimes a modeling career can start with a simple push from family and the courage to try.
Coco Mitchell
“I believe that you have to be ready for the open door, the opportunity. And I will work until they stop booking me.”
Mitchell’s words emphasize the importance of preparedness and persistence in the modeling industry.
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Insights On The Fashion Industry
Baptiste Giabiconi
“I don’t have any problem posing naked. For me, it is only work.”
This quote provides insight into the professional mindset required for certain aspects of modeling.
Claudia Schiffer
“It was only once I was in front of the camera that I would cross the line and become sexy.”
Schiffer’s words reveal the transformative nature of modeling and the ability to embody different personas for work.
Jerry Hall
“I always talk with models and they always tell me how awful it was growing up being tall and skinny. Then when you’re older, you’re really glad.”
Hall’s observation highlights how physical traits that may be challenging in youth can become assets in a modeling career.
Gigi Hadid
“Eat clean to stay fit; have a burger to stay sane.”
This quote offers a balanced perspective on maintaining one’s figure while also enjoying life.
Naomi Campbell
“It’s a new challenge to see how people can change your look. I like words like transformation, reinvention, and chameleon. Because one word I don’t like is predictable.”
Campbell’s words emphasize the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the fashion industry.
Tobias Sorenson
“I’m proud and humble to read that I inspire people because I have a scar and I work in the fashion industry. I want to help and let people know that beauty can be many things and there is beauty in imperfection.”
Sorenson’s quote challenges conventional beauty standards and promotes a more inclusive view of attractiveness.
Imaan Hammam
“As a young girl, I’ve always dreamed of having a career like this. I think it’s so important for me to be able to use my platform and to bring awareness, and especially during these times where there’s so much happening in the world.”
Hammam’s words highlight the potential for models to use their influence for positive change.
Kenneth Ize
“The work that I’m trying to do speaks to freedom. It speaks justice. And it also speaks to intelligence in terms of like, how can we not see what’s happening?”
This quote emphasizes the potential for fashion to engage with broader social and political issues.
Gabriela Hearst
“My commitment is to make a strong and modern collection without compromising my ethics and key values, taking into consideration where materials come from and who is making them—luxury with a conscience, or in other words, honest luxury.”
Hearst’s statement reflects a growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Tomo Koizumi
“I don’t like to produce things in a factory. It seems stressful. If I produce stuff, I have to work with a small team. I don’t like working with a lot of people. I like the freedom of being creative.”
This quote provides insight into the creative process of a designer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining artistic freedom.
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Balancing Modeling & Personal Life
Karlie Kloss
“My sister Quimby told me I looked like the guys in the magazines, so I walked into an agency in Vancouver, and I guess was like, ‘Can I model?'”
This quote shows how sometimes a modeling career can start unexpectedly, with encouragement from family.
David Gandy
“I have my own clothing range, I have four charities, I powerboat race, I race cars. I have my racing license. I write for Vogue and GQ. I review cars for Vanity Fair.”
Gandy’s words highlight how successful models often pursue diverse interests and business ventures alongside their modeling careers.
Gigi Hadid
“Eat clean to stay fit; have a burger to stay sane.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of balance in maintaining both physical health and mental well-being in the modeling industry.
Heidi Klum
“I cry in front of the camera but am not really sad. I’ve just come from a job, am made-up and made to look beautiful with fantastic clothes and hair and nails all done.”
Klum’s candid admission reveals the separation between a model’s professional persona and personal life.
Coco Mitchell
“I believe that you have to be ready for the open door, the opportunity. And I will work until they stop booking me.”
Mitchell’s words underscore the importance of perseverance and readiness in a modeling career.
Overcoming Challenges In Modeling
Tyra Banks
“It’s something that I realized women do constantly and don’t even know that they’re doing it: They say these negative things about themselves that they would never say to someone else.”
Banks highlights the challenge of negative self-talk and encourages a more positive self-image.
Bella Hadid
“I’m like, ‘Don’t have such a blank stare on your face.’ I’ve got resting bitch face so I’m trying to think about happy thoughts now when I model.”
This quote humorously addresses the challenge of maintaining the right expression while modeling.
Candice Swanepoel
“I was very skinny, braces; so I never thought I would be a model.”
Swanepoel’s words remind us that even successful models often had to overcome self-doubt and insecurities.
Georgia May Jagger
“There’s this whole idea of perfection. What younger girls don’t realize is that these girls do have problems. It’s good for people to realize everyone is human.”
Jagger’s insight helps demystify the notion of model perfection, emphasizing the common challenges all people face.
Helena Christensen
“Being Danish, you become very self-ironic and you have a certain confidence in yourself that doesn’t allow for other people to put pressure on you.”
Christensen’s quote highlights how cultural background can provide resilience against industry pressures.
The Power Of Individuality
Miranda Kerr
“A rose can never be a sunflower, and a sunflower can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too.”
This quote beautifully emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities.
Naomi Campbell
“It’s a new challenge to see how people can change your look. I like words like transformation, reinvention, and chameleon. Because one word I don’t like is predictable.”
Campbell’s words highlight the value of versatility and constant evolution in modeling.
Tobias Sorenson
“I want to help and let people know that beauty can be many things and there is beauty in imperfection.”
Sorenson’s quote challenges conventional beauty standards and promotes a more inclusive view of attractiveness.
Tyson Beckford
“I felt like there was — in fashion, there’s a lack of strong male images. And there’s a huge lack of strong African American images.”
Beckford’s statement emphasizes the importance of representation and individuality in the fashion industry.
Imaan Hammam
“I think it’s so important for me to be able to use my platform and to bring awareness, and especially during these times where there’s so much happening in the world.”
Hammam’s words highlight the potential for models to use their unique positions to make a positive impact.
Kenneth Ize
“The work that I’m trying to do speaks to freedom. It speaks justice. And it also speaks to intelligence in terms of like, how can we not see what’s happening?”
This quote emphasizes the potential for fashion to engage with broader social issues and express individual values.
Gabriela Hearst
“My commitment is to make a strong and modern collection without compromising my ethics and key values.”
Hearst’s statement reflects the importance of staying true to one’s principles in the fashion industry.
Jamie Okuma
“We all have those go-to pieces in our closet that we keep for years and literally wear out before we retire them. I’m here to make the go-tos, the keepers.”
Okuma’s quote emphasizes the value of creating lasting, individual style rather than following fleeting trends.
Tomo Koizumi
“I like the freedom of being creative.”
This quote underscores the importance of maintaining individual creative vision in the fashion world.
Sandrine Charles
“The common thread for me in my career is a championing boss who allowed me to soar. I know for many of the Black people in fashion, this is typically not the case.”
Charles’ words highlight the importance of support and mentorship in allowing individuals to express their unique talents in the fashion industry.
Conclusion
These quotes not only provide inspiration for aspiring models but also offer valuable life lessons applicable to anyone pursuing their dreams. They remind us to embrace our uniqueness, persist in the face of challenges, and use our individual talents to make a positive impact on the world around us.
