Striking silhouettes, rich, embellished fabrics and
unapologetic glamour-this is what most young girls envision when they look at
supermodels on the red carpet. While it may seem like a high-street world
filled with excitement and pricy clothes to sport, there’s no skimping on the
details of the not so shiny side. The client’s influences can take a lot out of
you, especially if you are new to the industry.
It may seem like a fun job,
taking your photo for a living and getting to travel around the world. The
reality is far from it. If you don’t have thick skin then you can’t survive the
modeling industry. People from all walks of life, will judge you and cause many
new insecurities, you never thought you had before.
While the business comes
with many pros and cons, it seems health is a major issue up for discussion. I
was excited to interview Rebecca Pearson, a model, and writer from
London. Rebecca
created Modeltypeface
as a safe place for other models to come to, benefit from her very
own insiders knowledge of the industry. Rebecca’s
goal of Modeltypeface is to empower women with helpful
and fun chic knowledge.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) What made you wish to speak out about
all the negative stigma in modeling?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) As soon as I hit my
20s, I started feeling quite protective towards the baby New Faces. Many of
them seemed so young and clueless, and I didn’t want them to make the same
mistakes I made.
I also noticed that other models would come to me to ask
questions that they didn’t feel they could ask their agency or clients. I’m in
a very privileged position. I have an supportive agency, a close network of
family and friends, and I have qualifications I can fall back on. I feel like I
should help empower those who do not enjoy my many advantages, especially as I
am a feminist! So I put the nurturing instincts and the fact that other models seemed
to trust me, with my extensive knowledge about the industry, to provide a
platform to give other models information that is lacking elsewhere. Part of
that is talking about the negative areas we don’t like to speak about: money
worries, or doing shoots we don’t feel comfortable with, for example.
Heather
Lisa Noire (BF) Did you always want to be a model?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Goodness
no! I was your typical awkward kid-glasses, braces, acne and quite shy. Many
people were quite baffled when I was scouted. I wanted to work with animals, to
be an RSPCA inspector.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Do you consider yourself an
activist?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) No I don’t consider myself an activist. I am
flattered that you suggest it.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Favourite makeup
product?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) It has to be Pixie Beauty Blusher. If I only
wear one product it will be blusher as it makes me look like I’ve had a long,
vigorous walk, it brings out my eyes and it lifts my complexion.
Heather Lisa
Noire (BF) What does style mean to you?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) A stylish person
to me is someone who is free and breaks the rules. Someone who doesn’t have a ‘uniform’.
I used to be more expressive in this department but I feel like I’m in a bit of
a rut, it can be so easy to be ground down by all the style rules we get pelted
with. I admire someone like Namalee Bolle, who’s outfits are simultaneously
clever and fun and sexy and silly.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Heels or flats?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Oh flats! I love the way heels make me look, but I resent
that they inhibit my movements, cause me pain and stop me dancing. I’ll be in
clompy boots when I’m 80.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Best advice you can give to
someone starting out in the business?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Check out
Modeltypeface. In modeling you get thrown in a deep end from day 1 and there
isn’t enough information on How to get through each challenge. I remember
constantly feeling utterly bewildered. I’ve got lots of useful information on
Modeltypeface, as well as all of the embarrassing mistakes I made you can learn
from.
Loads of my model and industry mates have contributed so hopefully you
won’t as feel alone and useless as I did when I started! It’s kind of like
having a big sister looking out for you.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Do you like
traveling?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Yes I love traveling and I should do it more.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Who influenced you?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) My two older
brothers were the biggest influence on my life. I just used to shamelessly copy
them in what they liked-music, films, clothes, swear words. They didn’t go easy
on me as they used to pick on me mercilessly, but this helped me develop the
thick skin you NEED for modeling!
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) What is the most
challenging about a shoot and when your on set?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Hmmmm any
kind of fabric that clings uncomfortably to my thighs and bum. Whenever I have
outfits or makeup looks I feel very unattractive in- I still have to exude
confidence. And being cold.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Where do you see yourself
in 5 years?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Hopefully I will still be modeling though I
realise the job changes as you get older, writing and Modeltypeface will have
become an established platform for models to get advice and share stories and
support. Most importantly of all, I will own a dog.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Do
you think acting is cliché for a model?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Yes it is a
massive cliché. But that shouldn’t stop anyone from trying. It’s a way of
someone denigrating a person before they’ve even seen their performance. Never
feel apologetic for your own ambitions and goals. Plenty of models make good
actresses because they are used to the long hours, the objectivity over their
looks, physical discomfort, and rejection and carrying out other people’s
artistic visions.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Any regrets in life?
Rebecca Pearson
(MTF) Yes, if I had taught myself to cook earlier I would have been healthier and
happier in my body for more of my life.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Do you ever
take risks?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) Hmmm. On one hand, I love my creature
comforts and I often feel as though I don’t push myself. On the other hand, I
am a model, a journalist and a blogger, three ridiculously unpredictable jobs
that are all going through a time of flux. So you could say every day is a risk
for me!
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Greatest Icons in Fashion?
Rebecca Pearson
(MTF) Patti Smith, Kate Bush, Yves Saint Laurent.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) Any
hidden talents?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) I give very good massages and I am good
at judging people right away.
Heather Lisa Noire (BF) What quote best describes
you?
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) ‘Be nice to people on your way up, cos you never
know when you’ll meet them on your way down’. My mum always said that, and it’s
true. Being kind makes you feel better about yourself, but it’s also a great
long-term business plan.
Rebecca Pearson (MTF) I am revisiting all the Motown I have. I like
that it makes your heart hurt and your soul sing.
Written and conducted by
Heather Lisa Noire.
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