Leah Abraham
I’ve only been modelling for just over a year, but have come to conclusion that FW is the most arduous test of endurance when it comes to self-preservation. The stressors of tightly packed schedules and overarching pressures like fitting in, restriction etc. Trying to get as comfortable as you can with the idea of being constantly switched on. We are models, but still human, feeling things. Being scrutinised, objectified, and picked apart, then dismissed, is part of our day to day for Castings. I think many of us feel it’s easier to survive in a perpetual state of detachment, to mirror the treatment by casting directors/brands/agents/bookers and everyone else in between. I’m trying to undo this behaviour, by sharing and connecting with all those who may have felt themselves there, but we're looking for something more than that...
There is a large amount of hustle and grind that goes undocumented as a new face model. The travelling, time constraints, heavy expenses, the solitude, the detachment, they inflict physical and emotional tolls on us. As a brown model, it’s an even smaller window of opportunity to be discovered, to thrive. Offset by a much larger window of liminality; of never quite knowing if you have the credentials to be the lasting face that they desire, if that desires truly authentic. I have felt, and overstood how it leaves many of us hardened. We are constantly in competition with each other. Hardening becomes a coping mechanism for us to keep going, to show up despite brutal hours, the nonchalance, ill equipped mua’s/hairstylists the occasional mistreatment, and neglected care/empathy.
Softness, is an immediate identifier for me . I cannot think of my existence without that attribute. It is my orientation to the world, I’m highly sensitive, in-tune with my emotional capacities, my internal world, and my body. Over the years, I’ve needed to prioritise retreat to do a lot of internal work to understand myself intimately, how I might thrive, but also falter working as a model in this industry. This time, after feeling through LFW heavily, I decided to write out some guidance notes, to energy cleanse, and just to have some devoted reminders to remain soft, and stay centered. I wanted to appeal to something different, using subtle forms of tenderness, and compassionate narrative to carve out strength and affirmation. To show up for myself, and those who were looking for connection. I’m laying down the soil for a platform for collective healing, really that journey is ongoing...
courtesy LEAH ABRAHAM
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