NWA Fashion Week | Fashion For Philanthropy

Beauty Is Only Skin Deep

After the Jan. 7th model casting call, it occurred to me, as it has many times before in this industry, how judgmental the fashion world can be. It isn't a secret. Fashion can be brutal and heartless. As they say on Project Runway, “One day you're in. The next day you are out.”

While sitting on a panel of judges, pen and paper in hand, watching person after person with nerves running wild walk down a runway to be scored on their outward beauty, many thoughts went through my mind. One of which being, “What does this do to a person if they don't get selected?”

I want to tell you that I've never liked modeling. By “liked” modeling, I mean that I can't do it without becoming nearly paralyzed by anxiety. This is why I've decided to be a behind-the-scenes-kind-of-gal! Thankfully, I've found a place in which I feel I excel. I want to applaud all who came out and waited in long lines to introduce and present yourself to us.

You may ask, “Why do you do what you do?” This post is not to discourage you from pursuing modeling or being in the fashion industry. I love being a designer. I've been sketching fashion illustrations since I was a little girl. Fashion is a place where you can create your own dream world. When I see a fashion advertisement with a gorgeous model in a whimsical setting and designer gown, it takes me away. It's like being a little girl again with a keen imagination. The possibilities are endless to what you can dream up.

Whether or not you are selected as a model for fashion week, I want each of you to know that you possess a quality of you-ness. You are unique and bring something to the table that no one else can. Don't give up, even if you fail at first. Keep going! Push your limits and remember, fashion is fun and an outlet of self-expression here to help you tell your own story. However, beauty really is only skin deep. Look inside yourself. You are beautiful. Pass it on.

“Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” -Coco Chanel

Leslie Pennel, Esque