Ex-Victoria’s Secret Angel Reveals The Truth About Runway Modeling: 'I Don't Even Look Like My Pictures'

Jul 21, 2023

Modeling is simply the act, art, or profession of someone who models. For most people, the world of modeling starts and ends on the runway, but there is so much more to it than walking on the runway. There are about 16 types of modeling, including body part modeling, child modeling, editorial modeling, fitness modeling, and fashion modeling, to mention a few. Fashion modeling encompasses promoting high-end fashion pieces for designers, runway or catwalk modeling, and, in specific cases, editorial modeling.

A model is a person who displays, promotes, or advertises products. Models mirror the works of art made by creatives. In the past, the requirements for becoming a model were high, but these days there is a type of modeling for every body type, size, and shape. To become a model, one simply needs to identify their niche, create a portfolio, practice, attend modeling casting calls, and get signed to an agency.

Regardless of the relative ease of entry into the modeling world, the challenges models face are still unchanging. Being a successful model is something many upcoming models aspire to achieve. But this level of success comes with challenges that include dealing with criticism, pressure from social media users, pressure to maintain a healthy lifestyle, pressure to always be picture-perfect, and a constant battle with low self-esteem.

At some point in their careers, top models have struggled with people's perceptions of them. While some of them talk about it, others have carried on with their careers without saying a word. On the June 21, 2023, episode of the RealPod with Victoria Garrick podcast, ex-Victoria's Secret models Jasmine Tookes and Josephine Skriver talked about the fakeness of runway modeling, another aspect of modeling few people knew about.

Ex-Victoria's Secret models Tookes and Skriver were guests on an episode of the RealPod with Victoria Garrick. During the show, the models laid bare the efforts that go into crafting their image for their strut on the catwalk.

When Garrick asked the models if they understood the impact of runway modeling on people who watch fashion shows, Tookes and Skriver's responses showed that they knew firsthand how it impacted people. 

"It was a weird time because you realize you were getting a massive amount of eyes looking at you," Skriver said. "We got signed right when social media exploded too so it was this combination of everyone's gonna know you for this glamorous side, takes two and a half hours in hair and makeup, personal trainers, this whole situation," she added.

Skriver noted that although social media has been used to showcase their glamorous sides, it has also provided the opportunity to showcase their real selves. She revealed that it was until she realized that fans were obsessed with the little details that she knew she had the responsibility to show them how much work was put into achieving her physique.

To support Skriver's claims, Tookes revealed that she receives comments on Instagram from admirers praising her for being all put together, which she promptly shuts down, reminding them that her image on social media is just a version of her.

Further into the conversation, Skriver noted that she has become unrecognizable when she steps out as her real self. She said there were instances where no one recognized her, even after standing by billboards for an extended time.

"I'm like, 'I don't even look like my pictures.' Sometimes my mom would be like, 'Is that you? I didn't even know you could look like this.'"

Skriver and Tookes' revelations showed the other side of modeling and went a long way to enlightening people about such realities. 

What do you think of Jasmine Tookes and Josephine Skriver's interview? Do you think it is their responsibility to remind people of the difference between their modeling image and reality? Let us know and — and be sure to pass this article on to friends and family members.