Is it possible to be 'too attractive' to model?

This question may seem a bit contradictory, but in reality it is a very good question to consider.  Here's the issue..  In the mainstream modeling industry being overly 'beautiful' or sexy can be a distraction from the item or product you are promoting.  In fact many runway models appear rather plain when they are not modeling high end outfits.  So why is this?  Because fashion designers know that the model should simply provide a good frame to display the outfits they are promoting.  Often this means a fairly thin build and attractive (but not too attractive appearance).  Could you imagine applying for a modeling job and being turned away because you are too sexy?  Sounds crazy, but it happens more often then you might image.

Of course the concept of 'beauty' is very subjective.  But what I am referring to could probably be considered 'fashion model material' vs sexy and voluptuous.  Curvy women or overly muscular men often are not chosen to be fashion models. Now this is not to imply that sexy models are never considered for modeling gigs, but it does limit their modeling range to other fields.  For adult models this can become a problem as most agencies and clients will hire 'sexy' models for adult content such as the Sport Illustrated Swimsuit, Maxim, FHM, etc.  Not that those are bad gigs, but they may not be what you had in mind when you started out as a model.

This issue is even further complicated when dealing with child models.  For example consider an image of a child model appearing in an advert in which she is playing on the beach wearing a typical swimsuit for a child of her age.  If you are a normal person you can picture this as you have probably seen any time you visit a beach.  However if the child happens to be particularly attractive it can cause some issues.  This is very distressing for agencies that work with and promote child models because the image(s) are innocent, but the reaction from the public is provocative.  In fact over the last 10 years the culture regarding child models has changed so drastically that many companies have decided to no longer list them.  This is an unfortunate trend as many child models go on to become successful actors/actresses and singers. 

Is this child model too attractive to model?  You may consider this as a normal image of a child model posing in a dance outfit, but many people view the image in a proactive manner and this actually has the power (in today's culture) to change the intent of the image.  Sound crazy?  We agree..

Therefore it is important to consider the type of modeling gigs you would like to receive and understand that your level of attractiveness will play a role to determine the type of jobs you will receive.  Also if you are not accepted for a mainstream fashion job it may be because of you being too sexy, and this is not necessarily a bad thing. 

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