Adut Akech, Paloma Elsesser, and More on the Realities of Working as a Model Today

The image of the modeling industry often conflicts with its reality. Television, magazines, and social media have sold the idea of the glamorous, globe-trotting runway star, but few see the long hours and hard work that lead up to that. In this episode of Vogue’s model documentary series, the young women in front of the camera get real about how the business has shaped their lives. The distinction between fashion’s fictions and its truths can be challenging—especially when the job requires 24/7 commitment. “I think there’s a misconception where people think that modeling is just about looking beautiful or having a certain look that people like,” shared Adesuwa Aighewi during a candid moment at the Vogue offices. “[In actuality] you have to be your business manager, you have to be your PR. You have to be a therapist; you have to be your mom and your dad, your own life coach.”

The multiple roles models now have to juggle are due in part to the changing nature of celebrity. In an era of multitasking stars whose creative endeavors have become fully-fledged brands, it isn’t enough to score a big cover or work with a key photographer. Entrepreneurship has become the expectation and new models—many of them teenagers and twentysomethings—are tasked with building online followings, collaborating with fashion heavyweights, and becoming a living commodity. “It’s draining, emotionally, physically, and mentally,” says Adut Akech. “That’s the side people don’t see. They only get to see the glamorous bit of it.”

Even the moments of mystique are underpinned today by real-world concerns. A decade into the industry-wide sea change that pushed fashion to acknowledge issues like diversity and size inclusivity, the power of those shifts is still being felt, particularly by those seeing themselves reflected in media for the first time. “Working in an environment that is all about beauty and how you look obviously it shapes you a little bit,” shared Dutch model Jill Kortleve. “I’m 26 now, so when I was reading magazines [growing up], it was all the same type of girl; white, blonde, tall, skinny. I was the opposite of that so there was no representation at all. I thought that was the norm, but obviously now that it’s changed, now that I know it can be different I see that this should have happened way before.” The sentiment is echoed by Somali-American star Ugbad Abdi, who realized she could enter the industry upon seeing the success of fellow Muslim model Halima Aden. “It made me feel that because she was doing it, I could do it too,” she says. “My little sister is five years old, and she was watching me on YouTube [now] she says she wants to walk the runway because she saw herself in me.”

Above, eight of fashion’s most prominent faces get real about what it is to work in fashion, and how images resonate long after they appear in a magazine.

Director: Shaina Danziger
DP: Marcus Burnett
Audio Recordist: Ana M Fernandez
Editor: Victoria Mortati
Color: Jaime O’Bradovich at Company 3
Sound: Ric Schnupp

Who Was the Fabulous Woman Who High-Kicked on the SAG Awards Carpet?

Amid all of the glitz and glamour on the step and repeat at tonight's SAG Awards, there was one star who approached red carpet posing a tad differently. Hollywood stuntwoman and actress Zoë Bell, who is from New Zealand, stole the spotlight when she performed an impressive high kick (in stilettos!) instead of a traditional hand-on-hip stance. The action film-worthy move had the paparazzi going wild.

Bell’s chic outfit certainly made enhanced the unexpected red carpet moment. She impressively flexed her fighting skills in a tasteful white wrap dress design by Leave Her Wilder, a bridesmaids and resort wear label. She accessorized it with gold jewelry by Cathy Pope Jewellery, a gold clutch, and clear PVC stiletto sandals that she, somehow, was able to kick well above her head.

You've likely seen Bell's work, even if you're unfamiliar with her name. She has appeared in many Quentin Tarantino’s films, most recently in Once Upon a Time ... In Hollywood. She also served as Uma Thurman’s stunt double in Kill Bill, and had a leading role in Tarantino’s film Death Proof (one of the best heroine roles in a Tarantino film, hands down). Her karate-worthy pose on the carpet tonight, however, cemented her status as one of the industry’s coolest chicks.

Katie Holmes’s Birthday Suit Includes Her Favorite Winter Coat

Yesterday, Katie Holmes celebrated her 41st birthday. The stylish actress marked the special day by taking to the streets of New York City—she is a true New Yorker, after all!—for what we hope was some shopping and celebrating. And for the occasion, Holmes chose one of her favorite winter coats to tackle Manhattan’s unexpected snow squall. (Seriously, watch the ominous time-lapse video of it.)

The star’s coat of the moment? That would be Max Mara’s teddy bear shearling coat. Holmes wore the luxurious faux fur style earlier this month with checkered pants and low-tops; yesterday, however, she really leaned into its warm, cozy factor with a matching hoodie and sweatpants set in gray. (Consider it a primer on how to dress up a sweatsuit in the city.) Her sleek leather tote, crisp white sneakers, large sunglasses, and refined beanie helped elevate the look. Holmes: 1. Winter: 0.

Kylie Jenner Upgrades Athleisure With Vintage Chanel

The billionaire beauty mogul Kylie Jenner has a knack for glittering up even the most “casual” fashion moments with designer gear. She recently posed for a few Insta snaps wearing some seriously fancy athleisure.

Jenner’s off-duty ensemble began with a classic pullover sweater, a rare vintage style by Chanel logo’d with lipstick and a compact. (A fitting motif for a beauty mogul.) Then, she added another athleisure staple—leggings—though hers were a more fashiony pair, complete with a split-open detail at the ankle, which showed off her white stiletto pumps. No comfy sneakers here!

To finish it off, she piled on luxurious accessories, such as her 2000s-esque Chanel sunglasses and a discreet Prada shoulder bag. Her ultimate accessory, though? That would be the sleek, expensive-looking silver car (one of many she owns).

Priyanka Chopra Captures Fall’s Biggest Trends in One Outfit

While a fashion trend may start on the runway, its first real test is whether well-dressed celebrities will carry it into the streets. This season, Katie Holmes, the Hadids and other trendsetters have introduced us to a bevy of must-have jeans and accessories. And yesterday in Los Angeles, actress Priyanka Chopra highlighted many of the season’s biggest trends in one single outfit.

Chopra built her outfit around a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg jeans in white—the trending denim silhouette for fall, as worn by stars such as Margot Robbie and Katie Holmes. Overtop, she added a chic floral-print wrap top by Reformation with capped sleeves — the kind of romantic flourish that was seen all over the catwalks during Fashion Month. Then, she finished off the look with accessories that were of-the-moment, too, including plastic sandals—a major summer trend transitioning into fall—a structured cross-body bag by Bulgari, and retro sunglasses. Looks like someone has done their fashion research this season.