When it comes to the world of modeling the standard of beauty and acceptability varies, magazines and companies pick a handful to represent the masses for people of Color in our society. Developing and upholding unrealistic standards within the realms of the modeling industry . We at Femme Royale chat with model Deborah Weinberg, why she thinks this occurs, diversity within the modeling industry, how different audiences perceive her "look", challenges in her career, Weinberg has managed to achieve a slue of accomplishments while pursuing her modeling career. From making an appearance in Vogue Italia- "The Black Issue", graduating from NYU with a degree in journalism and Media Studies, & pushing past the mold of commercialism to pursue and make her presence known in the world of high fashion.
Q.What has been one of the biggest challenges in your career?
A. The biggest challenge so far, for me, has been entering into the high-fashion, editorial world of modeling. I have a very commercial, all-American look, so my steady clients are companies’ like Target, Gap, Kohls, L’Oreal, etc., all very wonderful company’s to work for, but like many other models, I got into modeling because I LOVE fashion. It has been difficult to get those high-fashion, editorial jobs where they want someone with a more edgy look. Because I am very determined, and feel like I can do anything I put my mind to, it’s frustrating me that I am often overlooked for these sorts of jobs because of my “category” or am not given the opportunity to show my “edgy”. Another challenge I have faced in my career was that because I have always been very involved in my education outside of modeling and fashion, I chose to go to college after high school. I went to NYU for 5 years, and just graduated (YAY!) with a degree in journalism and media studies. I could not be happier that I made this decision, but it definitely did set me back in my modeling career. Often times, models are told that the earlier they start the better, which in some cases is true, particularly in high fashion, so many aspiring models heed that advice, and start traveling overseas as soon as they graduate from high school and sometimes even earlier. Because I had to be in NY pretty much all the time for school, I wasn’t able to travel overseas except for during the summer, so I didn’t really have the same opportunity to build my book with amazing European tear sheets like most of the other girls. Because my traveling was very limited, I had to focus on building my domestic clients, who I still work for to this day, but I do believe this played a role in why I do not do more editorial work.
Q . Have you noticed differences in the way you’ve been received internationally as opposed to the U.S.?
A. It’s funny; I have a very diverse, multicultural background, and am seen as very “exotic” here in the US. Overseas, there are more people who look like me, or who have similar mixes, so it’s interesting…my look is more accepted overseas but at the same time is less unique, I guess.
Q. Do u think it is harder for people of color to break into the world of fashion and television? Why do you think this is?
A. Yes I absolutely do. There are so many complicated issues that surround this topic but I’ll touch on a few of the major ones. First, there are only a few spots available for “minorities” in each fashion/television production, which makes what is already a very competitive mission, even more competitive. Second, the people who choose the models for the jobs are scared to try new things. They know what works, and they do not want to break outside of that box for fear of losing revenue, fans, etc. So it seems like they stick to the girls who fit the mold of what they (the product/company) believes is “black” or “mixed”, and that’s it.
Q. As a model what would you say is your most appealing and alluring feature?
A. Hmmm…I am quite the mutt, and have a very mixed-up, multicultural background, so I have many features that are unique to someone with my skin coloring. I think that my freckles and eyes are the two physical features that set me apart other girls. Also, because my look is very ambiguous it is broadly appealing because people of different backgrounds can find some of them in me.
Q. What has been one of your most humbling experiences?
A. When a blog or website gets a hold of your images and viewers offer their opinion/comments on them…sometimes it can be pretty harsh.
Q. On a lighter note, how would you describe you personal style?
A. My style is both simple and eclectic. I love fun, flirty, sexy pieces with and edge. I like mixing things so a lot of what I wear is a combination of very different styles.
Q. Who are some of you favorite designers?
A. .I really loved the Fall/Winter Gucci Collection. I’m also very much into Givenchy, YSL, and Catherine Malandrino
http://www.deborahweinberg.com
Deborah Weinberg: Model Chronicles
