Because we get so many questions about our “models,” I thought I’d share some of our guidelines:
Rule #1: If you’ve always wanted to be a model, you can’t model for us. We only use gals with real bodies — no additives or preservatives.
Our “models” have real jobs or consuming passions. Since we spend a LOT of time with our “models,” they’ve gotta be interesting and interested, someone with whom we’d want to spend a lot of time.
And always, unselfconsciously confident.
In the end, our “models” are regular women, leading regular lives, lives not so very different from our own.
Missy Park, Founder
You say, “no additives or preservatives”, but there’s something conspicuously missing from your “real models” in the catalogue — there’s also no fat! I’m sorry, but you think these muscular gals have “real bodies”, but most of the women I know, even the ones who work out regularly, are not rock hard like the gals in your catalogue. Most have a little belly, particularly after having had some kids. Me, personally, I’ve always had one, and I’m fit and healthy, and 5’8″ at 135 pounds, and I don’t apologize for it, as my abs are nice and tight underneath it. It’s called “heredity.”
Your models are not quite “regular women” as I know it. And hey. I work in the fashion industry, where self-image is constantly under attack. So I know when I’m being fed a line. Out of all the women I know, maybe two work out as much as the women do in your catalogue. And the women I know are mothers, marketing people, designers, models (yes, models! even THEY don’t look like these girls), fundraisers, artists, writers, editors…) Presenting all these buff girls as “regular” women is just another way of making REAL regular women feel that they can’t measure up.
Just be honest and say your catalogue is aimed at women who work out extraordinarily often, and who invest a lot of time physical activities. That I’d buy.
In case you wonder why I’m commenting, I’m still wondering where you guys got my address to send me your catalogue…
Just received one of your swimsuits. Is my absolute favorite. Thanks for using everyday people for models!
After visiting your new Evanston store (and making a purchase! Thank you for coming to the Midwest) I thumbed through the catalog again and read about your “real” models. It is refreshing to see healthy women modeling clothes. But most of all, to my surprise, the first few comments I read were the same as what I was going to mention. I’m creeping up to 60, am a biker, hiker, canoeist, gardener, and I practice Yoga. It’s time to show some “older” women enjoying your clothes as well! Now it’s time for purveyors of active wear to show some “real” mature women too. How about you make the first move? (As an aside, I’m 5’8″ and bought a small yoga top today so please don’t equate older with chubby!)
Love your model guidelines. How do you find your models?
Hiya Ann Marie – Since we don’t believe in using professional models in our catalog, we call up folks we know – friends and teammates – real women who are willing and able to get up and go on a photo shoot at a moment’s notice. Thanks for lovin’ Title Nine. 🙂 –Jen@T9
Hello Ms. Park,
Using real women, and real bodies, in your ads is a refreshing change. Kuddos to you. I also support other comments encouraging you to take another step and use full figured, and older women. I’m a fit, 57 year old grandmother. There are a lot of us out here. Baby Boomers rock! Let me know if you ever decide to go a little older with your “real women” models.
Jo Jackson
Hi,
I am a customer who just read what you wrote in your catalogue in re: only using models with real bodies – “no additives or preservatives”.
Before you make such a blanket statement, please be aware of the 2.5 million women around the world, who, like me, are breast cancer survivors. I have two breast implants now, not because of vanity, but because my real ones were trying to kill me. I’m a two time survivor and I’ve undergone nine surgeries in two years. In fact, several of those surgeries had to do with problems with the implants. That’s why, as an athlete (who worked out during 16 weeks of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation), I ordered very sturdy sports bras from your company.
I also had to have a diastasis repair after my C-section in 2006 when I was left with a hernia and a large protruding belly. So now I effectively had a tummy tuck as well. I guess I will never be good enough to be a role model.
None of this was my choosing. Remember, not all of us who are “fake” ever wanted this. You should issue a correction or you will alienate the very people who support your business.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rand
How about some fit over 50, 60, 70 or 80 year role models with grey hairs and feminine bellies to show those young folks that there is active life after 50. LL Bean had the guts to have older models years ago.
Sandy, 54, president of an analytical test equipment company, has clocked in over 50 years of skiing, loves hiking up hills, eating food from her garden, paddling with her sea kayak instructor/guide husband, and doing yoga in cramped hotel rooms.
Glad to see I’m not the only one requesting older models!
Hiya — I don’t doubt that your models are displaying their real bodies, but it would be nice to have a few XL models so we big girls (athetically muscled despite our wee rolls) can relate, too. Hey, I’m 61, still out there swinging, but in case you all don’t know, women’s shapes start to look pretty different after 50. That doesn’t mean we aren’t outside playing hard still. And anyway, we are your sisters who got the Real Title IX going in the first place!
Cheers!
Hi,
I love that you use real people as your models. I’m 45, but would LOVE to see older, fit, active, REAL women model your clothes. An active older woman is an excellent role model and sure to be interesting. Also helps to break the myth that you can only be young to be active.
Angela
PS. When are you opening a store in the DC Metro area?!!
I am proud to be the mother of one of your REAL models!!! My daughter exemplifies everything you write about your models … a real athlete, passionate about her studies, work, activities, life, and an interesting, smart young woman!!!
I have been a Title 9 customer for years … how exciting for me to see my daughter on the cover of your great catalog!