reportage
MODELS IN Skopje - Oppression or empowerment?
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ccording to Rachel Zoe, a famous US-American stylist and fashion pioneer, the way you dress yourself can be just as expressive as words. Fashion is communication and every outfit is a statement. Since the rise of social media the fashion industry has been revolutionized. Before it was nearly impossible to get scouted as a model or recognized as a fashion icon – nowadays you can get yourself discovered. As everywhere in the world, small model agencies are growing in Macedonia. One of them is ZOA models, which is based in Toronto and present in London, Los Angeles and Skopje as well. “I was taking modelling classes at an agency here in Skopje and was noticed by Zonde, my current agent, he helped me shape myself as a model and grow professionally”, explains Mia Giraud, who is currently one of the faces for the Skopje Fashion Festival. While she was discovered by a scout there is also the possibility to apply yourself online on the website of ZOA or other model agencies in Skopje, as well as the opportunity to gain attention through an appealing social media presence. “About four years ago, I followed the Models in Agency on Instagram and just a day later they contacted me and invited me for a meetup. Since then I have been working in the model industry”, describes Veda Evtimova, who is currently under a contract at the Models In Agency. Both of them work for a variety
6 - VOICES
of occasions such as photoshoots, runways and campaigns. They have been standing in front of the camera for years, are quite successful and not even twenty years old. What kind of impact does it have to work in this field as a young woman? Mia tells me she loves working as a model, as it was her dream since she has been a young girl. For her the advantages of her job include meeting and working with a diversity of people, her professional growth and the adventurous nature of the fashion industry. She adds, that working as model has also improved her confidence greatly and makes her feel empowered. This corresponds on what I hear from other models. Of course modelling is not just fun though – it is hard work. “It can sometimes be mentally and physically exhausting”, admits Mia, “but that’s what comes with shaping character and becoming better in what you do”. As a model, your body is the resource for your work. You need to treat it carefully, stay in good shape and be aware of your appearance even more than others. Of course this impacts your mind and body. “Comments about your weight by people you work with can be made here and there and it can affect you”, is what I am being told, “Modelling can be very challenging. Many models - if not most of them face pressures from the industry that lead to anxiety, eating disorders and so on.”
