Now 22 years old, Namibian model Behati Prinsloo is known in the Models Direct offices for being a confident and curvaceous Victoria’s Secret PINK spokesmodel and honouree Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Behati Prinsloo Discusses Life As A Teen Model
Now 22 years old, Namibian model Behati Prinsloo is known in the Models Direct offices for being a confident and curvaceous Victoria’s Secret PINK spokesmodel and honouree Victoria’s Secret Angel.
But breaking into the modelling industry wasn’t an easy ride, as the model tells Fashionista that life as a teen model was challenging.
“You’re sixteen and thrown into this world of adults, and you have to be an adult,” Prinsloo, who started off in the modelling industry at just 15, told the online publication.
“You have to deal with everything; you have to deal with your money and with rejection. You grow up really quick. It’s very stressful, it’s a lot of travelling, a lot of time away from family, a lot of dealing with stuff you shouldn’t be dealing with at that age.”
The topic of underage models has become a prominent issue of late, especially since Inez & Vinoodh said they think shooting models under 18 is ‘unethical’ and Coco Rocha has been hitting headlines campaigning for stricter age limits in modelling.
Although she had a rocky start as a teen model, Prinsloo still believes models should be able to start out young, but more restrictions and guidelines regarding their welfare is necessary.
“I think you should be able to get discovered when you’re young but maybe not get thrown into it so full on,” she said. “Maybe start off that everyone has to finish school and that you don’t move away from home right away and there are more restrictions on hours.”
“There’s no one that looks after models,” she added. “There’s nothing that looks after us. There’s no one that helps models figure out what they should do, or help them with their money, and it’s especially hard for underage models. You have to figure it out on your own.”
Thankfully times are changing; the CFDA have set up new guidelines to support the well-being of younger models by not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings or shoots and providing regular breaks and rest, and model Erin O’Conner has set up a model sanctuary.
Modelling agency Models Direct fully supports initiatives like these and is determined to ensure young models feel safe, secure and guided while working.