Chasing Beauty

Thursday, January 31, 2013, I was invited to attend the movie premiere of Chasing Beauty, a documentary based on the stories of models in pursuit of making it big in the fashion/modeling industry. The movie focuses on the ups and downs that can come with the so-called “glamorous” lifestyle. The movie does a great job of depicting the downside to all of the glitz and glamour of the industry and the unrealistic, and often unhealthy, practices of some of the individuals attempting to be successful in this business. The movie documents well that the industry is not for everyone and that you cannot compensate for an unnatural body. Stay true to yourself and the industry can be extremely rewarding.

I loved this documentary. It showed both sides of the industry without persecuting it for the decisions, eating disorders, etc. that often come with the people in it. The personal choices that people make in order to succeed or advance at any job are entirely their own. I do not believe the industry should be held accountable for the decisions of others.

The movie was followed by a panel of people in the industry including creator Brent Huff’s wife and active model, Shawn Huff. Shawn answered many questions about shooting the film but mostly stressed that modeling can have its ugly side. You need to have thick skin in order to excel.

The industry has also been taken over by a host of actresses and celebrities. And the digital age is contributing to the immediate gratification that digital editing brings. The industry is changing; hopefully the models can keep up.