By Brittany Rosso
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
LEWISTON, N.Y.- E!’s soon to come “Model Squad” television series offers insight to the lives of supermodels Daniela Braga, Olivia Culpo, Hannah Ferguson, Ping Hue, Nadine Leopold, Caroline Lowe, Ashley Moore, Shanina Shaik and Devon Windsor; revealing the intensity and required assets to survive the high fashion modeling industry. The models work for several high fashion designers and companies including; Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Vogue.
In the pilot episode, “Fashion Week,” (first aired Feb. 12) audiences got a glimpse into the private lives of the models and were introduced to their backstories, revealing some of the struggles they have over came in their careers, with a specific relation to New York Fashion Week. The supermodels also “shared insider tips and tricks on everything from skin care to the latest trends,” providing the viewers with a “front row seat” to New York Fashion Week. The episode also gave a real-life feel for how they manage their private and modeling lives. The supermodels discuss the difficulties and challenges that intensify the competition in the industry and their career, making reference to weight control and body image, networking, the nerves and high pressures that they encounter, and their busy schedules from long days of traveling to booking jobs day after day, one after another. This episode in particular emphasized the chaotic environment of fashion week. “It gets really, really, hectic because we are constantly running around from casting, to fitting, to event, to party, to change … so it’s exhausting.” Victoria’s Secret Angel Devon Windsor said.
This show sparked my attention because unlike most media today, it offered a real life view on the lives of supermodels, not only just displaying the “perfect life of fame, fortune and glamour,” but exposing the true difficulties and challenges these women encounter on a day to day basis. This aspect of the show allows audiences to connect to the cast and relate to their lives on a more intimate level; perhaps making them feel more like a part of the show then just a part of the audience. I think many viewers will admire the show for what it is; revealing what many media outlets do not reveal about the lives of models, breaking stigmas and displaying the truth behind the scenes of the industry. Through doing that, I feel that this show will also develop a sense of appreciation for those who are not familiar with the industry, or what it’s like to be a supermodel.
Although the show does not have an official release date, audiences can expect the rest of Season One to be released in the next few months. In the meantime, the series sneak peak can be viewed on www.eonline.com/shows/model_squad.
Niagara Wire 