Why The Celebrity Model Trend Has An Expiration Date

Photo: Vogue 

Every week, another celebrity model surfaces becoming the face of another coveted fashion campaign.

Last week it was Jane Birkin’s granddaughter Alice, who was featured in the Comptor des Cotonniers campaign. Before that it was Lily Rose Depp, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Kaia Gerber, Karrueche Tran, and the usual suspects Cara, Kendall, Gigi, Bella, Georgia. The list goes on and on. All these celebrity models are signed to modeling agencies and landing major campaigns, without it seems, one casting call to their name. For models hustling from one audition to another, it seems unfair or even impossible to land a gig without a famous last name, a reality show or famous ex-boyfriend.

When it comes to scouting, agencies like Wilhelmina Models work directly with the celebrity’s management, and look for a certain type of individual. Just like every model can’t be a celebrity, every celebrity can’t be a model, no matter how many social media followers they have.

“I personally think they are two separate entities,” Taylor Hendrich, the Wilhelmina Models Men’s Director, who represents celebrity models such as Nick Jonas and RJ Mitte told StyleBlazer in an exclusive interview. “An amazing model is an amazing model. An amazing model who comes from a celebrity background, is coming from a totally different place. There is still a clear differentiation.”

Photo: Guillermo Proano/WENNShaniece Hairston 

Wilhelmina Models recently signed Shaniece Hairston, known as the daughter of “Livin’ Lozada” star Evelyn Lozada. The announcement of her modeling deal was timed perfectly with the start of her new reality show, and after failed attempts at being signed earlier in her career it proved to be the jolt she needed. However, there is no denying that there are misconceptions surrounding celebrity models.

“I see myself as a working model,” Hairston told us. “I just went to a casting last week, just like every other model that was there. I don’t see myself as being bigger or better than anyone. I’m still learning.”

With over 700,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram combined, Hairston comes with a built-in audience, something it takes years for working models to build. However, just like models, celebrity models have to work hard to maintain their brand, and ensure longevity in a very fickle and ever-changing fashion industry.

[Wilhelmina] is trying to be a little more openminded with who they sign,” Hairston said. “It’s not like back in the day models anymore. Times have changed, social media is important, your presence is important. I think that is what they’re leaning more towards: changing with the times.”

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