By Tracy Hogan
2009 was a fabulous year in the wonderful world of Modeling. Like any other industry it was filled with scandals as well as breakout performances.
Oh Amber
Perhaps the most talked about former Video Vixen turned model and on/off again boyfriend of rapper Kanye West is Amber Rose. This girl was everywhere and quickly has turned into an overnight success. She has capitalized on her 4 minutes of fame and then some. She stood by her man’s side when he acted a fool at the music awards when he dissed Taylor Swift and she even managed to get signed with the famous Ford Models modeling agency. Not bad. Miss Rose is getting major media attention wherever she goes as everyone wants to get a peek at what outrageous outfit she will be wearing next. Rumor has it that she gets 10,000 dollars when she makes guest appearances at night clubs. Amber is one to watch as I predict that her success will continue to spill over into 2010. Who knows maybe wedding bells will be in her crystal ball for next year. Her and West make a perfect match with their in your face boldness.
Tyra Banks also caused some controversy. She did a photo shoot on her hit show America ’s Next Top Model that featured the contestants portraying different nationalities. I thought it was en vogue and clever but many critics took offense to it. She took off her weave and showed America her real hair as she declared it was National Real Hair Day and even won her 2nd Emmy. I must admit Tyra looks great without all the extra hair and her real hair is in great shape. It’s not Oprah’s length but it’s beautiful. Tyra also amazed her fans as she dropped some weight. She had gained some weight since she left the modeling industry to focus on her talk show but she is back skinner than ever. She can still strut her stuff on the runway and can make a comeback if she wanted to. I doubt if she will because she is so focused on her career and has even talked about settling down and having some kids one day. I predict Tyra will mix things up a little bit on her talk show as Oprah her mentor has announced that 2010 will be her last year. Who knows maybe Tyra will try to fill those big shoes.
Full Figured Women Explosion
Glamour Magazine featured plus size model Lizzie Miller in their book and the magazine received an influx of mail regarding their approval of a real person in their magazine. This was followed the next month by a spread that featured the likeness of Lizzie Miller, Crystal Reen, Amy Lemons, Ashley Graham, Anansa Sims, and Jennie Runk. This was a huge statement in the modeling industry. In addition to this, Crystal Reen released her book Hungry. To see the true beauty of women over the size of 10 check out Runway Revolution.
The Berlin Magazine in Germany banned skinny models. Next year they will only feature real women in their magazines as they don’t want young girls to get the wrong message and develop eating disorders. Kudos to them.
Photoshop Madness
America is still obsessed with perfection and this proved true when Ralph Lauren digitally enhanced model Flippa Hamilton beyond a humanly imaginable state. Flippa came forward and told her story to the world and she was soon fired for being overweight. Months later Olay decides to use 60 year old Supermodel legend Twiggy to promote their eye cream. This must be an amazing product because it features her without any lines and looking like a twenty year old. Shame on Olay as they would sell more makeup just using real women. Hats off to an organization called About Face whose mission is to help young ladies understand the images portrayed in the media. They are a wonderful organization and can be found at rel=nofollow http://www.about-face.org/
Would you believe that supermodel Giselle Bundchen’s baby bump was erased for her London Fog ads out of respect for her privacy. Very bizarre but with the magical world of technology anything is possible.
Next Supermodel
Ladies and Gents keep your eyes on Chanel Iman as this young lady is the model to watch. With a name like that one would expect great things from her. She always wanted to be a model and when she was younger, each year she would dress up for Halloween as a model. She’s been endorsed by Tyra Banks and this year she even signed with Victoria Secret’s.
Model Mates
Models seem to always end up on the arms of athletes, musicians, and just plain old celebrities. Heidi Klum was busy this year giving birth to baby number 4 and she showed up on the runway after only 5 weeks of giving birth looking fabulous. She even legally changed her last name to Samuel to match that of her husband singer Seal.
Giselle Bundshen and NFL player Tom Brady welcomed a little boy. Former America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford got engaged to actor Lance Gross. Last but not least, the story of the year is Tiger Woods having multiple affairs on his wife former model Elin Nordegren. This will filter over into 2010 as several women have come out speaking about their affairs with the world’s greatest golfer.
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Tracy Hogan is a professional model and educator with over 15 years experience in the modeling industry. She has taught modeling classes at a national modeling school. She specializes in print, commercial, hair, promotional, runway, and free-lance modeling. Think of her as your agent without the agency fees.
Article Source: 2009 Year in Review – All About Modeling
