Dating in the modelling industry is very common due to the vast amount of attractive individuals in the same environment. Known for it’s fun, party lifestyle the fashion world regularly brings creatives together with some relationships lasting long term and with others a few weeks or months. As new, aspiring models it is important to be cautious and sensible when it comes to romance, as you need to focus on your career.

What’s it Like Dating a Model?

Mixing in the same circles as other fashion models it is natural for relationships to blossom. An exchange of a phone number or even an email address may lead to a date yet take it slowly. Being surrounded by single female models and available men at photoshoots it is easy to imagine that romantic feelings will develop. Get to know the person and figure out if you truly have romantic feelings towards them or if you are getting swept up in the hype.

Do Models Date ‘Normal’ Guys?

If you are already in a relationship before entering the fashion industry it is important that you have a conversation about modelling. Being surrounded by beautiful women and handsome men at fashion week may make your partner feel insecure. Trust is a major factor to ensure that the relationship has a good chance of surviving. Even great girlfriends and boyfriends who have your best intentions at heart may feel envious of your new lifestyle querying each encounter and new face. Also, make them feel as involved as possible and reassure that your relationship is not in jeopardy.

Reasons Not to Date a Model

If you want a ‘normal’ relationship where you see your partner most evenings and weekends – models are not for you. Dating a male model who will be around beautiful females the majority of the time is a scenario that the jealous types would not be happy with.

Models work when the roles are there, it is sporadic and does not conform to the regular 9-5. They will have to travel regularly, work in the evenings and at weekends, which does not suit everyone. Date a male model only if you are happy with his unpredictable schedule. It will not be a conventional relationship. However, if you are working towards a career yourself that has irregular shift patterns it may work for you. Never let a relationship stop you from achieving your dreams, your partner should be fully on board to support you.

Tips to Dating a Model

• Working as a model involves travelling a lot to New York City for example. Being away from your partner whether they work in the modelling industry or not for great lengths of time is challenging. It can cause strain on your relationship. Make sure you FaceTime, WhatsApp or Skype as much as possible to feel connected.
• Social media can damage trust with its unrealistic depiction of real life. An innocent tag in a photo with an individual that they do not know could raise questions. There may be nothing in it yet your partner who is miles away may reach the wrong conclusion. Make sure you talk about each social engagement and the people you are with to put their mind at ease.
• Due to rejection and the judgmental aspect of the modelling world, models can feel insecure about how they look or if they gain any weight. Eating disorders are common. Many turn to the closest person to them for reassurance, which can be draining at times. Try to remain positive and help them to feel confident again.
• Models are paid sporadically; with large pay cheques reaching their bank account every couple of months. Some may be good at managing their money putting savings aside however; others may go on a spending spree leaving the partner to pay the rent. Try to help them work out a financial strategy that helps them balance their income.

Who Do Supermodels Date?

A supermodels dating life is usually widely publicised in the media. Gigi Hadid’s relationship with pop star, Zayn Malik, Gisele Bunchen’s marriage to American footballer Tom Brady and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s engagement to actor Jason Statham – we could go on – is highly documented. Fans are drawn to their supposedly glamorous, high profile life that usually features on their Instagram account. It is only natural that those mixing in the same circles will date each other as they are familiar with the lifestyle of fashion shows and photoshoots around the world.

Actors, football players, television show presenters and singers all work tremendously hard and travel internationally. Therefore, they get it. The fame and fortune is very much a part of all of their worlds. A ‘normal person’ would struggle to have every aspect of their life torn apart by the press. Yes, they may like the parties, jumping queues and first class travel yet supermodels have to watch that the guy or girl isn’t with them just for their looks or money.

How to Deal With Unwanted Advances

Unfortunately, both male and female models are met with advances from individuals working in the industry. Whether this is a photographer, designer, organiser or model agency you should NEVER feel pressurised to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. People in places of power (in comparison to a new, emerging model) have been known to suggest inappropriate acts to further the hopefuls career. A lot of reports from Hollywood with the modelling industry following suit, have emerged with young women put in compromising situations by older men. Their fear of not being believed and hindering their career has kept them from speaking out. Yet, the bravery of a few women has opened the door for a lot of girls being able to finally tell their story to prevent this from happening again.

Never sleep with a man or woman to be successful. Politely decline and leave the room. If you feel that the individual has overstepped report them. Unfortunately, many meet models who are naïve and make inappropriate remarks or comments. It also regularly happens to young male models too. Never feel as though you have to do something to get ahead. You don’t! Many activists are working to stop these situations by speaking out and giving a voice to young models.