Britain’s Missing Top Model
The programme was televised starting 1st August 2008. More details about this BBC programme can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/missingmodel/
After watching the first episode of the competition I am highly confused, what do the program makers class as a disability? Who is the program really aimed at, the fashion industry or the general public? Is the show even “disability friendly”?
The opening credits of the film puts forward various different view points. One of the most extreme opinions was that ‘New York would rather burn down than have a disabled model on the catwalk’. This illustrates the amount of prejudice that the girls will face from the fashion industry. This begs the question that with such serve attitudes facing the girls, will a small program being shown on BBC3 really make that much of impact? Even shows like America’s Next Top Model, which is one of the most popular modeling shows in the world, have failed to create a top model and the winners of the show do not even have a visible disability to compete with. Thus I am skeptical that the program and the winner of Britain’s Missing Top Model will actually change the opinions of the fashion industry.
However, that being said, hopefully the program will change the perceptions of the public. One of the contestants, Jessica, said that she believes the program will show that ‘you can be disabled and pretty’. This is a common barrier that, in my experience, many people with disabilities face within society. In many cases people see the person’s disability before they see the person, and if this show can raise awareness of this issue then surely progress is being made.
Another positive aspect of the show is that included some of the difficulties that the girls face in their every day life, regardless of modeling. For example, when Sophie was on her way to meet Jonathan Phang she had to cross cobbles which caused her problems because she was in a wheelchair, had she been able bodied it would not have been seen as such a problem. This depicted how things, like cobbles, that those who are able bodied do not consider a problem do, in fact, affect people with disabilities. If Britain’s Missing Top Model can make the public aware of these situations then the show should result in positive impact on its viewers.
Nevertheless, the main issue I have with the program was the judging panel and their comments. After leaving the judging room many of the girls complained that the criticism from the judging panel was too polite, Jenny went as far as saying that she thought it was patronizing.
Although, I believe Laura Masters, one of the judging panel, crossed the line. Laura believes that the winner of the show should have a visible disability, arguing that ‘people need to know that the model is disabled, otherwise we are not doing our job’ and that was the reason why she wanted Lilly, who was deaf, to leave the competition, as her disability was not obvious. However, I feel that if a prime time television show that is running fo r five weeks with the sole aim to find a disabled model isn’t enough to make the public realize that the model is disabled then I don’t know what is. And, I would also like to point out that the word disabled encompasses all disabilities, whether they are physical or learning, visible or hidden.
Which leads me to my next question, why haven’t the makers of the show included models with learning disabilities? I find it very hard to believe that out of the 350 girls that applied the only eight girls that could be models all had physical or sensory impairments. Therefore, I feel that through this exclusion of people with learning disabilities the show is only helping a certain part of the disabled community and pushing people with learning disabilities further back in society.
At the moment I have no real favorite to win, and the reason I haven’t commented on the girls is that I don’t want to jump to conclusions regarding their personality. Although, what I have found interesting is the way they have reacted to the other girls’ disabilities and the way it makes them think about their own. During the first episode some disability elitism has already begun to appear with some girls and it will be eye-opening to see how this progresses.
So, basically, at the end of this I am still as confused as I was at the beginning, hopefully episode two will help me find some clarity. What’s your opinion? Contact Us
The second episode of Britain’s Missing Top Model has not answered any of my previous questions, and has in fact posed even more questions to confuse me. Are the makers of the show looking for a model or a role model? This is a question that even the judges don’t know the answer to.
The task the girls had to undertake this week was becoming live mannequins in a shop window modeling lingerie. It was during this task that I noticed a different side to Sophie really. During the first episode Sophie said that you can’t compare people’s disabilities, whereas in this episode she is doing just that! Sophie’s first attack is on Kellie Moody, she said that just by looking at her you wouldn’t know that she was disabled and then goes on to say that people wouldn’t know that Jess was disabled just by looking at her either. Jess then jumped in to defend herself and Kelly by saying that without this competition it would be difficult for them to get on in the modeling world. I think that this is a very valid point because many designers may think that girls like Jess and Kelly have the perfect look for them but the designers may be uneasy about using them because of their disabilities, and isn’t this the barrier that the show is supposed to be braking down?
Once back in the house, Sophie continues saying that all the other contestants are the same as any non-disabled person and because of this, questions their right to be in the competition. Jess believes that Sophie doesn’t understand the disabilities that the other girls have and feels that Sophie thinks Jess is less disabled than herself. Again I feel that Jess has hit the nail on the head, and that this is another example of disability elitism.
The next task the models have to partake in is a fake casting call, with Michele Paradise, which the girls think is real. On the way there is a bit of a palaver because one group of girls didn’t wait for Kellie, Lilli and Jess. My opinion on the matter is that, like Jonathan Phang said, the girls are a team and they need to work together. Michele Paradise is an industry expert hired by the top modeling agencies to train new models. Michele has been told to act like a tough casting director and interview the girls. Yet again, I have a bone of contention with this part of the program. Michele, like any other casting director, asked the girls to walk during this activity, but the girls haven’t been taught how to catwalk yet, immediately putting them at a disadvantage.
After the task, the girls have a real casting call with Louis Mariette from Couture Milliner. The contestant who wins the campaign with Louis will be part of a show room presentation that means they will have to mingle with clients, show off the product and help sell it. Louis chose Kellie Moody as the winner, which automatically leads Sophie to believe that she didn’t get the job because she is in a wheelchair. I completely disagree with this as one of the main things Kellie will have to do is mingle with clients and this means she will have to make conversation with prospective clients; one of the things both her and Lilli struggle with when they are in large groups of people, which there will be in the show room. Sophie decided to have her rant in the taxi in the way home whilst Kellie was sitting in the front of the car. In my opinion this was a blatant disrespect for Kellie and her disability.
All the girls, apart from Jess, went out to a club the night before the photo shoot. The men that they featured in the show appreciated the girls’ beauty without focusing on their disability and Kelly Knox made a new male friend who she kissed. I think that this was a positive part of the program and it showed that not all non-disabled people see the disability rather than the person.
At the photo shoot Jonathan Phang said to Sophie that ‘the winner of this competition will be judged on how well she performs as a model not about making a political, visual statement.’ This is in complete contrast to how the BBC marketed the show, and is yet another example of how the makers of the show have not put in enough consideration into what the show is trying to achieve.
These conflicting views yet again confused the judging panel as they do not know what they are looking for. There was another debate over whether the judges want a model or a role model. In my opinion all these flaws should have been sorted out before any of the girls became involved and definitely before the program was aired.
At this point Lilli and Debbie have been eliminated, do you think this was the right decision? Who do you want to win? Do they think that they are presenting the girls in a negative or positive light? What’s your opinion? Contact Us
This week’s episode involved catwalk and makeovers. Ian Mills choreographs the runway routine and gives the girls advice and tips on how to tackle it.
One of the first problems to arise is Jenny’s balance in the high heels. Due to Jenny’s disability her body will sometimes shake and balance is an issue. After Jenny tries to walk in the high heels Jonathan Phang and Ian decide that they will have to use different shoes for the show and Jenny continues the rest of the session without shoes on. I must question how likely it would be for the shoes to be changed in a real runway show and how understanding the designer would be when every outfit, accessory and shoe is planned out meticulously. Although I believe that they made the right decision by changing the shoes, I can’t help but feel that in the real world of modeling the majority of people would not be so understanding and that by making it easier for Jenny she is not being shown how harsh the real modeling world can be.
During the rehearsal Sophie goes into a different room and cries; the practice has reminded Sophie how much she misses dancing. I don’t think that this mini-meltdown was for attention, I feel that Sophie’s emotion was real and that it was a shock to herself that she reacted in such an emotional way. This may come as a shock to anyone who read my review of last week’s episode, but I do think that if the tears were for attention she would have either stayed in the room and cried or would have left the practice room in such a foul mood that every person there would have known how bad she was feeling.
Once back in the house the girls are given mp3 players so that they can listen to the music to practice the routine. Being deaf, Kelly Moody can’t hear the music but she says she can feel the beat and appears to be happy. I thought the way she dealt with not being able to hear the music was fantastic, she just got on with the job at hand and I think that is the sign of a true model. In her room, Sophie tells the camera that she feels much more positive and that she knows she is more than capable of doing the catwalk. Sophie goes on to say that all disabled people should be allowed on the catwalk. This is a complete u-turn from her attitude last week where she questioning everybody’s right to be in the competition apart from, of course, herself. Now this is where I have to ask if catwalk rehearsal suddenly made Sophie realize that she isn’t the only one with a disability or whether she merely said that to the camera to gain support.
The next day the girls have a fitting with Tracy Boyd, the designer whose clothes they will be wearing for the show. There is yet another problem for Sophie as she feels that she is not doing the clothes justice due to the fact she is sitting down. Tracy tries to reassure Sophie by saying that the clothes look beautiful and when this doesn’t work Jonathan and Tracy remind Sophie that it is Tracey’s opinion that matters and not Sophie’s. It seemed to me that Sophie was looking for compliments rather than genuinely feeling insecure. Tracy’s only issue with Sophie’s body was that her shoulders were slightly wider (due to pushing her chair) than some of the clothes in her collection, however Tracy found something great for Sophie to wear and both model and designer seemed happy.
The catwalk show that the girls were taking part in also used non-disabled models, so the girls really had to work hard to stand out. It all went well apart from the man responsible for calling the girls forgot about Kellie Moody so she missed her first walk. Nevertheless, after saying a few brief words to the man Kellie went out, forgot about everything and excelled on the runway, and I think that this is role model behavior.
This weeks judging was very controversial. During a break in judging Jenny offered some words of advice to Jess basically telling Jess that there was no way she could ever become a model. I thought that was completely unnecessary and a way of trying to break Jess as perhaps Jenny felt threatened by her in the competition. When it was Jenny’s turn to talk to the panel Mark questioned her about her flirtatious and almost sexual behavior toward him. I agree that he should have discussed the issue with her because ultimately if she won the competition the judges would not want someone behaving in that kind of manner to represent the show. However, I believe that the way in which Mark approached the matter was inappropriate and demeaning. Laura then asked Jenny what she said to upset Jess. Jenny told her and then Sophie joined in saying that Jess was constantly tired and that she had to toughen up. Again, I think that this was as a result of the Kelly feeling threatened by Jess and a way of trying to pull her down.
The judges decided that Jenny should go home. Personally I think that this was the right decision as Jenny had not really stood out in the competition for her modeling skills previously and her behavior was inappropriate, regardless of whether it was as a result of her disability or not, but I do feel that the matter could have been approached in a more sensitive manner.
After the judging, the judges had an argument over the subject and the way it was dealt with. Mark and Wayne had quite a heated argument over the fact that Mark felt Wayne was afraid to say his true feelings as he was scared of offending people and wanted to make himself look good. To be honest I don’t think this needed to be shown, it makes the judges look petty and almost like children have a temper tantrum. The previous footage made it clear that Wayne disagreed with Mark and I think that producers decided to include the footage for extra drama. In my opinion it was not needed as tension had been high in the show throughout.
So Jenny has been sent home, did you think this was the right decision? What are your opinions on the judges? What’s your opinion? Contact Us
This week the girls had to work with male models on a commercial casting and a photo shoot.
In order to prepare the girls for the challenges ahead they took part in an intimacy workshop with the male models and led by an acting coach. The task was a complete success and there was no drama! The girls took all the difficulties presented in their stride, in particular Jess (the youngest contestant and a lesbian) and Sophie. One of the exercises was to move their partner’s body and I think Sophie worked really well with the lack of feeling in her lower body and the difficulties of touching her partner due to her chair. I was actually quite surprised how there was no tears or tantrums from any of the girls and I thought that they did an amazing job.
As a treat for the girls after their hard work at the workshop, the male models were invited back to the house where a chocolate fountain, strawberries and wine awaited them. Sophie and Kelly Knox enjoyed the treat whereas Jess and Kellie Moody felt isolated. Kellie Moody felt that the girls had forgotten about her as they were all talking in a group and not making and effort to let her into the conversation. This I found this upsetting because both Kellie Moody and Lillie (eliminated in an earlier round) were upfront from the beginning saying that they found group conversations very difficult to understand when everyone is talking over each other. I felt quite disappointed in the girls that they had forgotten this. On the other hand, Jess felt excluded because of her sexuality and when asked if anyone was in a relationship or anything similar Sophie then pointed out that Jess is a lesbian. Kelly Knox then pointed this out too but in a more sarcastic way, however, I think that Kelly was pointing out Sophie’s inappropriate behavior. Jess was offended by this as she felt that they were making an issue out of her sexuality and personally I believe that if Jess wanted to tell the model then she should have been the person to comment not Sophie or anyone else.
The next day, the girls had to do a commercial casting with the male models for a fictional ice cream called “Phang’s Ice Cream”. Kellie Moody was told that she was not allowed to use sign language by Jonathan. Kellie was not happy with this as she believes that sign language is part of her disability and that if Sophie can use her chair to go down a catwalk then she should be able to use sign language in a commercial. I do empathise with Kellie as not using sign language does hamper her performance, however, the comparison between sign language and Sophie using her chair is slightly unfair as if Sophie was not allowed to use her chair on the catwalk she would have unable to partake in the show. When Kellie went into the casting she told the agent that she wanted to use sign language and it was agreed that she would do one take using and one take without. I don’t really know what I think about this subject because in the majority of cases the director would not want sign language used so Kellie would have to do jobs without it. However, if Kellie continues to push for sign language it may result in more sign language being included or it could result in her losing the job. Therfore, I think that this is a very tricky subject with no definitive right or wrong answer.
Yet again, the debate of hidden disability verses visible disability was raised again. Kellie Moody stated that one of the reasons she wanted to use sign language was because her disability is hidden and she wanted to show it to people. Kelly Knox pointed out that Jess’ disability was not visible either; whether this was to comfort Kellie or unsettle Jess I am not entirely sure. Jess then told the girls she didn’t want to lose the competition for not having a ‘good enough disability.’ Sophie replied that it’s not about having a good enough disability but one that will challenge perceptions, which is a politically correct way of excusing labeling disabilities e.g. challenging vs. typical, hidden vs. visible. Sophie then continues to say how she wants to change the industry and how it would be ‘cool’ to have somebody really different on the catwalk.
One of the problems at the photo shoot was that Kellie Moody’s model was not responding well to her and due to this Kellie found it difficult to do her job. The second was that Sophie had to be carried up the stairs. I thought that Sophie responded to this really well as she let the man carry her and didn’t let it affect her photo. Sophie also commented that a sexy photo shoot between male models and disabled girls for many people is unthinkable, so the fact that the show has challenged this concept is definitely a positive factor. Additionally, the girls put their claws away and the photo shoot was done without any fighting, something of a novelty, or at lest that’s how the shoot was edited, until they went out that evening.
Jess was saying to Kellie Moody how her mother has to interpret for her, when Sophie jumps in and asks her what she doesn’t understand so Jess continues to explain that she is half deaf and the implications it has on her life. Sophie then tells her that she says ‘I can’t’ a lot, which is interesting considering one of Sophie’s early rants to the camera where she informs us of things she cannot do. Sophie then goes on to tell Jess that she shouldn’t compare her disability to the others, which, I believe, is very hypocritical coming from Sophie. Kelly Knox also jumps in and says that it annoys her when Jess makes comparisons. Jess then tries to explain that she is merely trying to make a connection with the others, which Sophie says is unfair and asks why she feels the need to do this. In response Jess explains that she has to prove her disability in order to get help because, unlike Sophie, there is no visible sign of it.
Sophie feels that Jess is defined by her disability, is this trait that could be seen in all the four remaining contestants, including Sophie? Sophie then tells Jess to stop feeling so sorry for herself, a piece of advice all these girls could have taken on one occasion or another during this competition. While I realize this program is edited to show what the program makers wanted to show I feel that this grilling from Sophie was slightly hypocritical. In a previous episode she questioned every other contestant’s right to be in the show as they are able-bodied. This debate went on for sometime, with no one attempting to stop the grilling Jess underwent. On reflection, this incident may be deemed as bullying from Sophie, however, does the fact that Kellie Moody or Kelly Knox failed to put an end to it make them just as bad?
The judges decided that Kellie Moody’s time was up. In my opinion, Kellie did have a bad week, whether this is excusable because of the male model or the fight she had to put up to use sign language I am unsure. However, I do know that when you take into consideration Kellie’s previous work, despite what Wayne thinks, there was an overall improvement; she had won tasks and challenges and she excelled on the catwalk. Therefore, I think that based on this week alone Kellie should have gone, but, when you look pervious episodes, Kellie should have stayed.
Do you think the right girl went home? What are your opinions on the fight between Sophie and Jess? What’s your opinion!? Contact Us
So, it’s the final! The three girls remaining in the competition are Jess, Kelly Knox and Sophie and all three will do a photo shoot with Emilia Troubridge, a photographer who has worked with Vogue. Then there will be an elimination; leaving the two finalists the task of a naked photo shoot. This picture will then determine who will be the winner of the competition.
This week the girls had to model in an editorial shoot in an urban location. The location was not wheelchair accessible and the weather was typically British; wet, cold and miserable. Emilia’s attitude towards the girls was not understanding in the slightest however, like she said, its her job to get the best shot that she can and I believe that this was a brilliant opportunity for the girls to see how harsh the real world of modelling can be. This presented problems for the girls from the offset, but I think they handled it like pros.
First up was Jess. As soon as she got on set, Emilia asked her if she could take her splints off, which she did and then continued to hold the watering can and the umbrella despite her limp wrists. Kelly Knox resented the fact that Jess was able to this as she had previously stated that she was paralyzed in her wrists. Nevertheless, I think this was a positive thing for Jess to do because, despite the difficulties that her limp wrists presented, she did want the photographer wanted, pushed through the difficulties and surely this is the type of behaviour that all models and role models should strive to achieve?
Next up was Kelly Knox. Emilia stated that a woman without part of an arm presented a problem for her, as she has to create a photo of perfection, of beauty and of fashion. I think that is a completely negative view, but one that the girls will have to face in the commercial world. This is a very sad reality but hopefully the winner of this competition will go on to challenge this opinion. However, this comment was said to the cameras and not to Kelly, which I think is very unfair as Kelly did not have an opportunity to respond to this but I think that her photographs can do the talking for her.
Then, it was Sophie’s turn to model. The location chosen for Sophie was the roof top, so Sophie had to be carried up the stairs. Again, Sophie did not let this affect her performance and she excelled in the photo shoot. Emilia decided that she did not want Sophie in her chair and that she wanted her sitting on the floor. Then there was a struggle to achieve the right positioning of her legs which seemed to annoy Emilia and one of her team seemed to stifle a laugh as Sophie tried to get the right position. I thought that this was very cruel, but, regardless of this Sophie soldiered on doing her job professionally; a sign of a good model and role model. Emilia said to the camera that ‘I need to do the best job that I can and that I need that person to do certain things and she simply can’t do them.’
She then went on to say that ‘You wouldn’t normally ask some one who couldn’t move their legs to do and asking to then do it is hard.’
This type of attitude further excludes the girls from the world of fashion and is definitely something that needs to change. However, I think that for the girls to face this attitude in the competition is good for them as it really does introduce them to the cut throat world of modeling.
The last picture of the day was a group shot of all the girls. Before Emilia started to shoot, Jonathan approached her and told her that Sophie was better and more mobile in her chair. Despite this, Emilia took Sophie out of her wheel chair and placed her on a red plastic chair. Then, Sophie had to do battle to get a pair of shoes on. Although, yet again, Sophie continued to do the job to the best of her abilities and I think she should be applauded for that.
In this shoot the girls all had to face different challenges that are hard for them, e.g. Jess having to hold the watering can, Kelly having to pose to hide her arm and Sophie having to position her legs, but they still did what the photographer asked in a positive and professional manner and due to this I think that all the girls displayed that they had what it takes to model.
Before the girls enter the judging room, the judges and Jonathan Phang discuss the photo shoot. Lara and Wayne were extremely disappointed that Emilia decided not to include the girls disabilities, and Lara goes as far as saying she that she feels ‘offended’ by this decision. Jonathan says that realistically the majority of jobs will not want Sophie in her chair. The same issues are raised when they see Kelly’s and Jess’ photos, with Wayne saying that he doesn’t think he can judge them. However, Marie argues that this is a fashion shoot so they can judge them and that there is quite a lot leading up to the actual photo that could result in an elimination. Mark agrees with this, but Lara sides with Wayne. In my opinion, the girls should definitely be judged on the photo regardless of their disabilities are shown as they should be judged on how well they model not how well they can display their disability.
The judges bring the girls in and ask them individually how they feel about their disabilities being hidden, and all three agreed that they didn’t mind. They then talked to Jess about her stamina and falling asleep on the shoot and the way the make up artist had to cover up a zip mark left on her face which wasted time. Jess says that feels the competition is helping her M.E and that the more she does the more she gets. The judges then ask Kelly Knox how much she wants to win and she replies that she really wants it and that she loves it.
The judges decided that, due to Jess’ stamina, it was Jess’ time to go home, leaving Sophie and Kelly to battle it out in the nude photo shoot.
Sophie was first up for the photo shoot. She had brought a few diagrams of poses that she had drawn with her to show the photographer, and whilst shooting made sure she used these poses. I feel that was a good thing for Sophie to do, especially after the last photo shoot, as it would have been helpful for the photographer if he didn’t have a lot experience working with a wheelchair user and although Sophie had input she was not too forceful or abrasive. When talking to Jonathan after the shoot Sophie said it was a very liberating experience, and that the picture is a statement of this is me and this is my chair. She went on to say that she had always hated her chair and that she now accepted it was part of her. I do believe that this realization was real for Sophie and that through out the weeks in the competition Sophie has slowly been coming to terms with her own circumstances.
Then it was Kelly Knox’s turn to model. Whilst Kelly was modeling Sophie said that she thought it was supposed to be a collaboration and that Kelly wasn’t bringing anything to the table. I thought this an unfair criticism as although Kelly did hold the same pose for a while she made subtle changes in her facial expressions that made every shot different. Kelly said that the experience was very liberating to be naked and that she had enjoyed it.
The girls then had to choose their own photographs to take to panel as a test to see if they can judge themselves professionally. Kelly said that she chose her picture because there was a sparkle in her eye, the body shape and the way in which her arm was totally exposed. She also said that she decided on that shot because you look at her face first and the disability second. Sophie chose her photo and she felt that it incorporated everything that the show was about, firstly beauty and then secondly disability.
The girls explain how they both feel that they have been on a journey due to the show. Kelly Knox has never really considered herself disabled and the show has helped her to embrace this. Additionally, it has made her realize that she does want to be a model and a role model for people. For Sophie, the show has helped her accept her chair; to stop hating it and feel more connected to it.
The judges question both Sophie and Kelly about why it should be them and then they deliberate. Lara and Wayne voted for Sophie, whereas Melissa (the Director of Take Two modelling agency) and Mark voted for Kelly, leaving the casting vote down to Marie. Marie chose Kelly, who was quietly ecstatic at the fact that she had won. Sophie smiled hugged Kelly and when Marie tried to comfort her Sophie asked why she shouldn’t be the one that won, to which Marie replied she felt Kelly had the photographic edge. Sophie then left the studio very annoyed saying that Kelly wouldn’t change anything because she didn’t care enough about it. The first time I watched this episode I thought what a sore loser although, on a second watching, she did try to hold back her disappointment and did so long enough to hug Kelly and smile at her. This I think shows that her resentment was towards the judges and that the things she said at the end of the show were out of hurt and spite rather than being directed at Kelly. Back in the judging room Kelly is still in shock about winning and says that her mum will be so proud of her.
Personally, I think that the best girl won and hopefully Kelly will make a difference to the modeling world. Do I think that due to this show there will be major changes in the fashion industry? No, but I do think that the fact a straight talking, sassy woman with so much model potential despite her disability has been given the chance to try to make a difference shows that the times are changing and eventually the fashion industry will have to accept the fact that nobody is perfect.
Do you think Kelly was the right to win? What’s your view of the photographer Emilia? How do you think disability issues have been dealt with over the series? What’s your opinion!? Contact Us