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AIBU?

12 y.o dd just been scouted by top London model agency, isn't she too young?!

148 replies

seakelp · 02/07/2011 15:42

A woman approached my dd and asked her if she'd been scouted before, she said no, she then gave her a card and I've checked the agency out, it's basically v. well known indeed.

My dd is only 12 though, surely it's a big mistake?

OP posts:

Report

Riveninside · 02/07/2011 16:39

Happenend to dd1. She did a few shoots and hated it. I disapproved but she did it anyway.
And yes, most of them are anorexic and yes, dd became so and yes, its taken fucking years to help her.
Hate the fashion industry.

worraliberty · 02/07/2011 16:41

Do you think the same way when you see kids on TV shows/Tescos ads/baby food ads etc....?

I think people immediately think 'starved catwalk model' when in reality it might be just a nice little bit of pocket money for a few adverts.

LineRunner · 02/07/2011 16:42

I mean, I take it we're not talking about the OP's daughter modelling kids' wellies for the Argos catalogue, are we? We're talking 'fashion'?

Sorry to hear about that, Riveninside. Sounds horrendous.

HelloKlitty · 02/07/2011 16:48

Lineruner don't be so stupid. Modelling isn't evil....the OPs child is a minor and will be chaperoned everywhere....OP she's not too young if she wants to do it....she could make decent money towards uni.

Its about the balance though....maybe you could go along with her and have a chat. Ask what kind of campaigns she would be up for....if it's teen type stuff then I can't see any problem.

It is hard work though...a lot of schlepping around and possible knock-backs.

Is DD vey confdent in her own skin? Or is she sensitive and insecure?

HelloKlitty · 02/07/2011 16:50

I have to disagree with all this negativity. I modelled from age 15 to age 23 when I went to drama college. I wasn't anorexic...nor' was I taken advantage of. I had a ball!

HelloKlitty · 02/07/2011 16:51

Pus linerunner who knows what we're talking about. THe OPs child could be up for M&S gigs....or Accesorize...all very wholesome. Nobody has said she has to strip off and wear high couture on the catwalk.

MistressFrankly · 02/07/2011 16:51

I think you should think ring the agency, see what their policies on child models are and see how it sits with you in consideration to dd. Only you will know how she will respond to the modelling world. Any reputable agency will be more than happy to talk everything through and will have dealt with anxious parents before.

You also have to consider how supervising this will fit into your life and current responsibilities as it will be on you to make sure she is kept on an even keel.

linerunner cant quite see what you getting you knickers in a twist about. Presumably 'top london model agency' was used as OP didnt want to name names but wanted to say it wasnt some two bit amatuer sleazy operation.

RitaMorgan · 02/07/2011 16:53

Over my dead body would a 12 year old daughter of mine get involved in modelling!

HelloKlitty · 02/07/2011 16:56

You sound like modelling is akin to drug dealing rita

MistressFrankly · 02/07/2011 16:56

If OP is raising concerns it would suggest that she is not seeing pound signs and is making sure her dd is not going to get exploited? Not everone that enters modelling gets chewed up and spat out. It is the parents responsibility to watch over their child and if OP is prepared to do this than i cant see a problem.

BornInAfrica · 02/07/2011 16:59

Anyone on this thread so far with a face like an old boot and an arse like the rear of a No 81 bus?

OP I say congratulations to your DD and if she wants to go for it, in whatever capacity, then good for her!

maypole1 · 02/07/2011 17:02

Yes I watched that they moaned about them getting fat which gave the girls complex they waited to see how the frills developed then dropped them when their puberty didn't go their way also I found in the program the girls were often wearing very grown up clothing eg see trough tops with no bra

And the agencies were encouraging the girls to leave uni/ collage to work

JUST BE SURE IF SHE DOSE THIS THEY WILL ONLY GIVE A SHIT IF SHE IS MAKING THEM MONEY?

seakelp · 02/07/2011 17:03

Ok, dd is much more sensible than me at her age she is level headed, academic & athletic. She is not also concerned about her looks and just as comfortable in wellies at the stables, so I'd say she would probably love the experience, even if it was just that.

OP posts:

TheThrill · 02/07/2011 17:20

Helloklitty - I love your nick!

My dd was approached in London by a Guess Jeans scout. I decided against it as it would have been a lot of travelling for us, plus the timing wasn't right. She still goes on about it now!

JoySzasz · 02/07/2011 17:34

I started very young,and was scouted by top agencies as a teen.

The agency has shown an interest, they will want to see if she is photogenic as sometimes the most beautiful women are not!

If you have checked them out and see they are one of the big ones...it is really up to you what you would like to do in the future...

Keep that card

CrapolaDeVille · 02/07/2011 17:36

I think as long as she has something to fall back on and school comes first, go for it. If you see her getting too hung up on looks then stop it.

And she could have enough money in the bank by Uni that she won't leave with debt.

hellospoon · 02/07/2011 17:37

Op, do not let her do it. They will chew her up and spit her out at the first sign of a spot or a bulge in her belly.

She will have to pay for the photos they take of her, it comes out of her wages from modelling, if they get no jobs in a certain amount of time they still have to cough up. Were talking hundreds for a couple of pictures.

Girls in the modelling industry are prone to eating disorders, anxiety, depression and take some pretty awful knocks with rejection because the 'people' running the business are awful with it.

hellospoon · 02/07/2011 17:37

Op, do not let her do it. They will chew her up and spit her out at the first sign of a spot or a bulge in her belly.

She will have to pay for the photos they take of her, it comes out of her wages from modelling, if they get no jobs in a certain amount of time they still have to cough up. Were talking hundreds for a couple of pictures.

Girls in the modelling industry are prone to eating disorders, anxiety, depression and take some pretty awful knocks with rejection because the 'people' running the business are awful with it.

CrapolaDeVille · 02/07/2011 17:39

Never mistake she is a commodity, they will not look after her and she will be subjected to half naked men and women in dressing rooms. One of my dcs models, a bit, they recently complained about really bad language on a shoot and were told just to close ears!! Needless to say they won't be working there again and her agent was told.

JoySzasz · 02/07/2011 17:39

hello no,that is not always the case.

I had a very nice career for 20+ years.

I was not treated badly...if your head is screwed on,you are no more prone to crap than any other career.

lisad123 · 02/07/2011 17:46

why not name it? I dont see the problem at all.
DD1 was asked to join a london model company that rarely take on new faces, shes 8.
Why I think she is beutiful, she isnt doing it. I dont want her growing up thinking you can get by on being beutiful, that she needs to worrying about her weight and she would much rather be at home drawing than being in London with loads of people.

smokeandglitter · 02/07/2011 17:55

'If your dd is pretty and thin enough to be a model then she will be at 18 too. Concentrate on school and having a life for now.'

Soverylucky, not many agencies would sign an 18yo. Unless they were amazing. It just doesn't work that way.

Op, I'd say if she wants to, she should go for it! :D I've done some modelling and it is great fun and opens lots of opportunities. There's no guarentee it will interfere massively with school or anything, particularly not now. Maybe if she has the right look and people take to her at 14-16, but earlier than that she won't really be expected to do too much. Honestly, they do keep an eye on your development, but if she's a bustier girl as she grows up then they'll probably put her in commercial rather than haute couture - meaning they will be led by that and her looks rather than forcing her body to be something it's not. You do get the occaisonal "You need to tone your arms" or "Your legs are too big for us" but thats more at castings than the agency, and tbh I've been told things like that and had far more hurtful comments outside the modelling world. Tell her congratulations!

And LineRunner, you clearly know not a lot about modelling? Not sure why you're sounding so agressive?

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lisad123 · 02/07/2011 17:57

should have said DD1 was spotted by truly Scrumptious

magicmelons · 02/07/2011 17:59

I would take her and chat to the agency, you'll get a feeling about it and decide after. I wouldn't of thought they will have her working for a time yet and even after that you can do as much or as little as she likes, she can do a job here and support herself through Uni.

I would say alot depends on your dd's personality yes it can be a tough business but if she is a confident child she will be ok. No harm seeing whether she likes it.

I have a friend who has modeled from 16 on and she has set herself for life and has remained very grounded.

Personally I don't think i could decide not to give my dd that opportunity if it came along, if she hated it then so be it. It will be your job to keep her grounded.

yousankmybattleship · 02/07/2011 18:04

Very flattering for your daughter but I would bin the card and move on. I don't think it is apporpriate for a 12 year old. The worst possible time to let her become involved in an industry that only cares about external beauty (and a very narrow view of what constitutes beauty) - what a terrible message to teach to a young girl at such a vulnerable age.

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