16 Models Explain How They Got Their Start | The Models | Vogue

Every model's journey is unique. In Vogue’s four-part docuseries "The Models," runway stars Gemma Ward, Carol Alt, Halima Aden, Chanel Iman, Soo Joo Park and more explain how their modeling careers began.
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[@ema.698]

You know it’s a rough life when the Russian lady cries.

[@redmanish]

Em A. I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like. Being so young plus not speaking English she would’ve been such a target for predators.

[@williamcostes3245]

That is Vlada. She was very in demand during her prime and she'll forever live to tell the tale. She has walked all the high fashion runways and she has lived the dream that most models could only dreamed of.

[@joshuaaguilar8631]

(Laughting in latino/african)

[@Kelalasdemonx]

@@joshuaaguilar8631 Are you trying to be condescending and/or disregard the struggles the Russian lady went through because you think your heritage entitles you?

[@joshuaaguilar8631]

@@Kelalasdemonx it's called third world, if you survive that you have my respect, not a russian who emigrated to model, here that is dream

[@RB-vi3bz]

The girl who removed her own braces had me cracking up. Legend.

[@dominicweber]

She had me tearing up, not cracking up.

[@Brinah]

I liked her right away!

[@peanutcallada4991]

I love herr😂

[@MsFree09]

$1100 to remove braces?!?!?! FOH!!!

[@undercoverhamster2549]

@Samara Hamilton So glad she could do it herself- what a waste of money

[@juliaolga6264]

"girl weren't you on a cover of vogue magazine, why are you still cleaning toilets here" omg if bella and kendall could see this

[@barbaralemere5183]

Ain't that the truth!

[@moonraker30]

She seems so humble

[@bs4e]

Yeah she was worried about what might happen in a few months, and kendall jenner can skip fashion week and know she'll still have her job when she decides to go back. It's really nepotistic.

[@mohamedahmedyassinhussein6856]

She’s sooooo humble and cute Hahahahahah

[@beautyh.9898]

She’s the cutest and the most beautiful love her

[@Sarah-re7cg]

"I hate competition but I'm very competitive" this quote is just everything lol

[@aenirrinea523]

Mood

[@shaquilleredlox1179]

Literally me

[@niak551]

Just like me fr

[@theidealmodelco]

🤣

[@gisph1353]

It's wonderful that Vogue didn't include those nepotism or Instagram models. These are bunch of real working models.

[@nicolairomanoff4652]

Gisele P Exactly! These are the real hard working models and not the instamodels who had it easy. I remember when Kendall Jenner said that she cherry picked her jobs. It is because she is a Kardashian.

[@AquaMarino]

Vogue knows whos who and I hope they will continue to do this series and with other professionals like make-up artists, casting ditectors, etc because it's good to know all sides of the industry.

[@nursingnewbie4749]

I would have also been enteraining to see them try to come up with answers though haha

[@coralinestas]

I think that's because it doesn't go well with their concept

[@Yungjhit30]

Nicolaus Romanoff please stop with that, she’s a perfectly fine model

[@amzzxx1416]

“I had pliers and I popped them off”. I’m deaaaddddddd😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimberley3577]

I was like WHAAAAT

[@phiakate]

She wasn’t letting anything get in the way of that opportunity 😅

[@absentminded7230]

amzz xx goes to show that they were clearly overcharging for something that can be done without training.

[@a.j.2362]

@@absentminded7230 She could have easily chipped a tooth but it's really overpriced

[@Soraya1911]

Just ended every dentists careers 😂

[@nicolairomanoff4652]

These are the real models if you ask me-the ones who face struggles and hardships. Insta models on the other hand got famous due to nepotism, family wealth, and social media. PERIOD

[@Gogs126]

And PHOTOSHOP

[@Yungjhit30]

Nicolaus Romanoff ummm most Instagram models aren’t rich and we’re never rich, so stop with that bs

[@TheLily97232]

Don't be jealous. TALENTED models are real models, nepotism or not.

[@Yo-n2751]

Rich because of sugar daddies

[@nellakaze4807]

Nicolaus Romanoff at least insta models are not being treated like trash

[@yourmdfriend]

Instagram Models: Can't relate.

[@je39981]

They can't relate but trust me.. some of them are going through it mentally to compete with others

[@Yungjhit30]

Micaela Vargas their still doing their job and modeling

[@kP-ii1lb]

I don't get it

[@daniellereeve3988]

Why should they? Sounds like a pretty grim reality if you ask me... are you saying that’s the reality you want for them as well? I’d say dodge the agents and set your own terms, and if instagram helps you achieve that ... good for you!

[@kP-ii1lb]

Danielle Reeve That's what I'm saying ! Like if Instagram helps use it

[@lynne4865]

"my family thought I was doing playboy" I'm dead

[@Z5Z5Z5]

Honestly that's what my dad would think

[@comfortasaju2489]

Literally what I think my parents will think when I tell them I want to model 😬😬💀

[@justacomment430]

EXACTLY WHAT MY MOM THINKS ABOUT MODELING WHEN I TELL HER THAT I WANT TO BE A MODEL IN HIJAB LMAOO

[@samararoberts7596]

Lmaoo😭🤦🏾‍♀️💀🤣😂 smh.

[@valentinemarie5475]

this clearly shows a different side of modeling so separate from Instagram thank you Vogue this video makes this job seem how it really is, I'm glad you are shining a light on how the industry works and how not so glamorous the modeling industry is

[@andreinamontes5352]

Kendall Jenner have left the chat.

[@yipyipitsme123]

hard to describe ur start when it was bought for u

[@tomke2188]

Has

[@andreinamontes5352]

Sorry English is not my first language

[@someone-go8ee]

Girl she was never in the chat

[@nahla__]

She doesn't even know what real life is.

[@miamus92]

Carol Alt's eyes are just so beautiful. even though the video is greyscale her eyes stand out. mesmerising!

[@nahla__]

and she is very sweet and down to earth...her times were when fashion and modeling started getting big. It's touching when she spoke about the struggles many girls had to go through to get a job, how they need to survive life and that she lost some friends due to this job...it is very sad and eyes opening on a reality that is not that shiny and perfect. She was and is a beautiful woman

[@bugmandragonman8880]

🌹Carol Alt truly has a heart of Gold ✨💛. She has carried A lot on her Shoulders for so many years . I’m just Glad She Can Finally speak . Bravo 👏. Stand Up ( And Be Heard ✊🏼) Your Voices Actually Help So Many . And That Is Truly Beautiful 🙏👏✊🏼🆓

[@Anna-vd4kt]

she is so pretty! elsa hosk reminds me of her

[@kirk1007]

She is beautiful. What does greyscale mean

[@AR-gg2su]

When Carol Alt cried about the girls who were desperate.....wow.

[@jameschio756]

BEING HUMBLE TO THOSE IN NEED. That was shown without words. Carol Alt still got it and 58 wow. The instagram and Jenner types could learn a thing or two. Wait who am I kidding.

[@Maria-gr6ng]

When you realize « oh ‘m kinda cute » well that’s a mood

[@dominikasaboszewska785]

Vlada is 31? Oh God she looks sooo young

[@kristiyanadimova5901]

31 is young...

[@dominikasaboszewska785]

@@kristiyanadimova5901 yeah, I agree, but I thought she is 20

[@baffyntiamoah1514]

And Bella hadid is 22 smh😹😹 . Who looks older

[@clariefalcao8526]

Bella definitely looks younger

[@sams517]

Clarie Falcao no...

[@ags3484]

So refreshing to see unique faces instead of Instagram models 🖤

[@aclementine9928]

Vlada, Gemma, Ali.. all these models I grew up adoring, but never saw a raw interview with them, they were like beautiful dolls in a bubble. Its refreshing to see that they're human beings like the rest of us

[@mirwik]

absolutely. Specially Gemma

[@hermosareaux670]

I pray God allows me to model while I still have my youth

[@karliemiller4259]

girl omg you’re literally gorgeous. hope modeling works out for you !

[@bumpom432]

I hope u make it! bless you

[@daniiela007]

I hope we both become Models

[@chiaugenyi6652]

You and me too sis

[@-mouse]

if that's you on your pfp, i think you're really gorgeous and should find yourself an agency!

[@gertj363]

Is Carol alt really 58?????;!!!!!! Woah

[@PHlophe]

she looks it

[@evelynaaspidov123]

She looks absolutely lovely!

[@blackopal8611]

Shes so beautiful. I think she could be in the category of the first supermodels. I love her!

[@damnmuggle]

@@PHlophe she looks good tho

[@PHlophe]

@@damnmuggle she is 100% gorge, we shouldn't use youth as measure of beauty , women are beautiful beings at any age. we need to stop the " omagggad, i thought she was half that age.. "

[@anavicardito]

Me: There’s a lot of competition and I hate competition Also me: but I’m very competitive

[@lizazackry6312]

Halima omfg I’m crying. She’s beauty she’s grace

[@hellaxya2469]

she is coming to my college next month and im so excited to meet her

[@mohamedahmedyassinhussein6856]

Liza Zackry shes sooooo cute and down to earth genuine soul

[@HoeBitch-qn5sl]

hellaxya what college ?

[@2natree854]

I really appreciate the model who got the vogue cover then went back to cleaning toilets! Keeping it real girl 😉

[@BadassBobY]

😉😉

[@Obiee_]

Adesuwa thoooooo HER NIGERIAN ACCENT STILL ON POINT have to love !!!!!!!!!!

[@wendywafula]

💖I know 😁💖

[@Love25648]

Adesuwa is in here🤣? Now I’ll actually watch the entire thing

[@Bam97277]

Yesss😂😂

[@roadworkaheadsign3707]

I LOVE HER

[@qwertyhimym]

the older women gave me hope. this is my dream, and I will never stop working for it. im 20 years old, and I know I still have a long way to go, but I will never stop working and I know everything happens for a reason. every job I don't get is a learning opportunity. I just signed with my first agency almost a month ago and I cannot wait for what the universe has planned for me.

[@michellexbeauty9832]

How tall are you if you don’t mind me asking?

[@qwertyhimym]

Michellexbeauty I’m 5’7 1/2 :) so definitely short for a model haha

[@a.g1540]

callie r hey I’m 20 too and want to be a model

[@NattyTrilobite]

callie r I’m 5’7” too and my dream is to be a model, and the fact that you got signed at that height is giving me motivation and hope. Good luck!!

[@msrain1235]

You can do print and commercial modeling.

[@ramirenriquez6795]

not that i don't respect models but now I have more respect for them

[@minerchick1258]

right when she talked about her friends that died for modeling... her tears. These women go through it

[@rubinaasem8045]

Yes I need this not the typical overrated models

[@EvenzerYurry]

Vlada is just mesmerising. I remember seeing alot of her growing up ❤️

[@AquaMarino]

Approved. Me too, and I now she speaks up what she experience made her truly be human

[@nikeolas]

I SCREAMED when I saw her. I love her so much

[@daniel.alvarado]

Vlada is such a wonderful model, she has accomplished so much and still looks bomb! Glad to see her on this video.

[@dominicweber]

Vlada Roslyakova is just such an icon. Even here, she just has that aura, that charisma. It’s incredible.

[@nat8083]

Conclusion - No underage girl should be in the modeling business!

[@thatskai3070]

Nat so victim blaming

[@mooglare]

@@thatskai3070 i don't think they're saying that toward the models; they're talking to the agents who go after underage girls and recruit them

[@scallen3841]

Didn't these women sign a contract ? And worked in the the industry by choice ?

[@sebastianalvarez4211]

@@scallen3841 No, sometimes they're forced by their parents to become models, or become indebted to agents/agencies that force them to become models. Sometimes, yes, they initially want to become models but they change their mind but since they contracts are strict they're not allowed to leave.

[@scallen3841]

@@sebastianalvarez4211 still don't see a mass exidus of models leaving for , better come condition's . Maybe the agencies need I revamp , if those are the conditions .

[@theadventuresofedlucille]

They all are very humble. Very human and true to themselves. 🥰

[@hendrajaya2405]

Halima is thea combination of sweet and strong

[@killbieberforabetter]

9:46 you just knew she had gone through a lot

[@297banu]

I don't think Carol Alt has gone through a lot, she is just a caring soul with a lot of empathy.

[@hookerbunny322]

Gia Carangi 💔

[@someone-go8ee]

@@297banu Thats what i was thinking. I dont think she experienced the worse of the industry, but she definitely saw others who did and it broke them.

[@amyparra1881]

"Send me a copy to Nigeria" Geez... that made my eyes water! These young women who became so strong and independent at a young age should be applauded. In fact, any woman with a similar frame of mind (for any profession) should be applauded.

[@jvv80085]

My parents always told me that models have no talent, that they just got lucky. I’m going to show them this series cause it’s amazig

[@tseamus8288]

Gisele Bundchen was discovered when she eat at McDonald..what a moment for legendary supermodel

[@revchai6897]

'carolyn murphy 44' wtffffffff dayum sis better drop that skincare routine because i thought she was like 24

[@ssh1487]

1) genes 2) sun protection

[@Liza33650]

3) healthy alimentation 4) Don't smoke

[@iamshadowbanned699]

Retinol. It's a miracle substance.

[@fembot521]

Carol Alt looks stunning at 58!

[@summer-jw1nb]

"sold their souls" "died for this business" Nothing more has to be said, clear as water you gotta make a contract with the devil in this business.

[@tristecherie7464]

i think she meant drugs lol

[@AquaMarino]

in a spiritual sense, yes. its also about the unprofessionalism of the elites and bosses.

[@dariowerbowy9976]

sold their soul? means? is it an idiom?

[@someone-go8ee]

@@tristecherie7464 I actually was thinking eating disorders and other psychological disorders

[@jobowisheshewasnomo4171]

It's not that literal.

[@zacatecas570]

Halima Aden story is so cute!! She's GOREOUOOOOOOSSSS!!!

[@ellarivera9715]

the models that actually fought to get were they are right now hit different than those “models”(instagram models) who grew up rich and had connections

[@elizasimsek6840]

Halima is so positive

[@jonellea4131]

Halima’s little laugh at the end was adorable 🥰

[@Lucy-fn9rj]

adesuwa's parent: so..... you're doing playboy, right? adesuwa: ME AND WHAT TIDDIES

[@Love25648]

Lucy 😂😂

[@s.v.4144]

kendall jenner: **well oh... I started only with a billion dollars, it was tough...really really tough** bella hadid: **so my mother is a model, we have connections. also, It was good surgery-stealing someone else's face COUGH Carla Bruni COUGH**

[@fa2ma2]

stefan vasic fr😭

[@acelovebot905]

it was really tough i had to do everything on my own my famous family didn't help with getting into modeling

[@mallikag4387]

But she is a good model so like

[@furioza5701]

kendal: I had to shave my nose and lift eyebrows and eyes. As told by my surgeons so here I am a successful model hahhaa

[@udita8888]

That Carla Bruni part 😂

[@wurlycurlygirly]

VLADA is like an angel. So ethereal. I didn't think she was even real!

[@Stella-cf4cl]

All of these women actually have such inspiring stories. They all overcame a personal struggle and found success for themselves and their families. You don’t have to want to be a model to be inspired

[@emilathari]

It's not easy trying out as a model, when you don't even meet the standard requirements, so the part about all the beforehand rejections really hit me. So much respect for all the hard working models, who in the end finally reached their dreams!

[@Ax-9119]

9:18 " There is a lot of competition and i hate competition but I'm very competitive" This is soo me

[@sarailahi7945]

The one talking about plying her braces off is beautiful, but looks sooo high

[@Liza33650]

she looked depressed for me

[@cleomondragon8971]

Carol Alt has absolutely gorgeous eyes she’s stunning

[@eregenterry4722]

Oh my Vlada . She was one of my favourite model when I was in high school . Now I’m 30 years old . Still missing the days that Vlada and Gemma , Tanya etc was killing the runway that time . So many things changed now .

[@Nermin_mira]

More halima please!

[@yxxng1z943]

they are such an inspiration, it makes me wanna become a model even more

[@alzaen2240]

I want become a model too

[@HerBijiKurdistan]

Its been 2 years, do yall still wanna be models? I hope so :)

[@yxxng1z943]

@@HerBijiKurdistan sadly to inform you friend i don’t have those dreams anymore but if you still do, i hope the very best for you in your future modeling career

[@666magnesiumcarbonat9]

@@yxxng1z943 im gonna be one. i'll let you know as soon as i did it

[@trenycemcmeans8490]

I want to be a model but I am scared to because of how I look.but as I watch this video I realized I can make my dream come true. I should never put myself down . I don’t want to be become just to become one I wanna be one because I always put myself down and bullied.this made me realize I can be one.and not look like a Kardashian/Jenner I can be me.these women are inspiring.

[@onlykay5023]

I can relate🔥

[@dontknowwhattoputhere5043]

i’m 5’5 and 14 my dream is to become a model...but my height makes me so scared.

[@FaizC16]

Can you post full interview with the models? especially Vlada and Gemma. My mid 2000s icons.

[@mamisanga4825]

And Kendall Jenner won the Best Model Award...can't relate😎

[@dureenurbiztondo1138]

Masanga Sailo what about Naomi Campbell

[@dariofontana6040]

Adriana Lima said it and im going to quote her: "it's just a trophy, it doesn't mean anything".

[@mishi144]

Money and fame doesn't equal worth. People never seem to get it.

[@alejandras5586]

she cant even walk so.. that trophy doesnt matter

[@mytube6538]

Dario Fontana yeah it doesn’t matter nowadays where everyone gets a participation trophy smh.

[@kijiji93]

also, Carol Alt is insanely gorgeous. Such massive eyes.

[@eleni1888]

omg so many doll face era models!!

[@romycullen17]

I need to give Vlada a hug so badly, she's always been my favourite model and she always will be.

[@nadda698]

Vlada’s story really touched me

[@nunnaurbiznez8815]

Carol Alt is a class act and such a lovely selfless woman. Still drop dead gorgeous.

[@barbie6336]

Carol Alt was sensational during her modeling days. She was everywhere along with Kim Alexis and Kelly Emberg.

[@yasmim5573]

I want to hug Vlada

[@superpower5069]

Dear vogue, Can u correct your mistakes? Concerning Halima Adan, cause she was born in SOMALIA. She came to usa as a young kid. BOTH of her parents are Somalians.

[@cambecambe3199]

btw somalian isn’t what we’re called. the country is somalia, our language is somali, and our people are somali!

[@libanwarsame5428]

Better say "She was born in Somalia, she is Somali", as there is nothing called Somalian. Please note that 'Somali' is both a nationality as well as an ethnicity.

[@davidkellymitchell4747]

Carol Alt is a legend. It's good to know her heart is just as pretty as heart face.

[@rachelmorrow9042]

0:55 First, let's talk about how this lady looks this youthful at 58 year of age

[@hoome260]

Vogue should continue to film series like this. So real n raw. Love it

[@chrisdanjia2018]

I remember when I was scouted by a Canadian photographer on vacation with his family at 13 sitting in my dad's gas station. All the criticism and no's I heard after that really made me develop a tough skin. But I got to meet so many amazing people and travel to some really beautiful places. I loved hearing all their stories.

[@ashante190]

All of these women are inspiring. Especially Carol Alt. One of my favorite 80s supermodels and her insight into the industry when she started was needed here.

[@suryarichman]

All of these women are beautiful!

[@mwahhha226]

Halima is so sweet and beautiful I love her

[@dimatadore]

Halima Aden is so down to Earth and adorable.

[@rabidheartbeats5953]

9:52 Awww Gia's story still makes me cry to this day

[@pinkskies2164]

we need to make industries safe for (young) women and men.

[@adibaahmed8805]

probably the best video this channel has put out.

[@Ivyana2015]

I would really love to hear more about Vlada modelling journey. She seems like someone who has a interesting story.

[@djshockafrica4330]

9:44 What a powerful moment 💔❤

[@btsx1ateezskzitzynct153]

Halima aden 😍😄❣

[@dr.elizabethceli1421]

Thank you so much for this docuseries and this one in particular. They've been very insightful and helpful. Bless and thank you.

[@thisisadrienne2345]

these are the real models that tell you how you can turn ur dreams into reality through hardships and perseverance🤍 .thank god vogue didn't invite models who grew up with fortune and fame because of their parents.

[@taraprice1758]

“They sold there souls” “I have friends that have died for this business”

[@Robertking1996]

Absolutely superb, great casting of the new girls, icons, and top girls. Really felt the raw emotion.

[@noticiascvoce]

Carol Alt reaction was so honest to models desire to succeed no matter how 9:41

[@miss.phyllisreneefoster9547]

god, bless you, miss carol alt, god bless you,

[@vandabiss]

halima is just the cutest

[@hanbanan4]

I absolutely ADORE Gemma Ward

[@isafunny59]

this is really amazing, a series like this but with designers would be very interesting too!

[@happytrails699]

Love Carolyn Murphy ( still has amazing thick gorgeous hair), and Carol Alt

[@maiavitale8458]

i screamed when Vlada appeared! thank you Vogue for including her ❤️

[@CherylGoer]

Love how this is filmed 💛💛💛

Such a powerful video. Got me in the feels in the end.

[@nkwari]

That was like 10 times better than I anticipated it would be. Good interviews.

[@bricolq8870]

Great informative videos about the behind the scenes of modeling I really appreciate it! I’ve been thinking of doing modeling for a while now

[@livco6626]

Wow i think this was the best video u guys ever made! Thank u

[@aishaym]

Halima os so pretty and sweet

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

This was superb.... MAKE MORE !

[@channelingprogram]

I love this. 💛 so much. So grateful they shared their stories.

[@kijiji93]

Aamito Lagum....WOW. My GOD, she is beautiful.

[@khodomimushahary334]

All of these models are so inspiring 😢❤❤❤

[@Monica-fm5fy]

I love this new series! Can't wait for episode 3.

[@emmalouise55555]

This is the first time I’ve ever seen Alima, I am honestly SHOOK by her beauty