Not only Calvin Klein, but also apparently a large number of fashion industry members, including Rebecca Romijn, are not entirely enthusiastic about the manner that “supermodels” are selected these days. The world of social media and the number of followers a young and attractive public figure has somehow translates to landing the big gigs in the world of fashion nowadays.
Rebecca Romijn spoke candidly when asked about her thoughts on two such prominent reality stars-turned-top models, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid: Supermodels land Victoria Secret gig and slay… – https://t.co/xDk5hPxVdF #GistToday pic.twitter.com/u5AOF9VL08
— SmartCribs (@SmartHomes_NG) November 11, 2015
During a chat with Entertainment Tonight, Romijn responded to a question about the two young women.
“As a former fashion model, what are your thoughts on the new generation of models such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, who are more famous for their social media presence than their runway experience?”
The former model and actress shared the frustration that such an avenue for selecting today’s models has created in the industry.
“No one has proven yet that numbers of followers translates to revenue. So it is frustrating. I know a lot of people — legitimate fashion people — can’t stand it. Hate it that these, you know, social media stars are now the supermodels in fashion. They are not true supermodels. And the thing is, I have always looked to Vogue magazine to lead the way, not be a follower. I rely on Vogue to set the standard, not follow what everybody else is doing. So I have been disappointed that fashion magazines have been supporting this trend of social media stars to set our style standards. But it will change; fashion always does. “
Recently, fashion designer and the founder of the Calvin Klein brand spoke on the same subject, noting his personal preference about recent campaigns of the fashion house that shares his name. Klein’s words revealed a shared opinion with Rebecca Romijn and additional fashion designers.
The designer, who sold his brand over a decade ago, now speaks from the outside looking in about how he perceives things have shifted in the industry and also comments on the rise of “Insta Girls”- those models who simply rise and shoot to the top of the pack based on their popularity and number of followers on the social media platform.
Klein first addressed the fact that he was not entirely a fan of Kendall Jenner in a recent campaign for Calvin Klein. Us Weekly shares Klein’s words on the subject.
“You know, I’m really not familiar with [Jenner’s role in Francisco Costa–fronted Calvin Klein ads.] I’m honestly not. I’m sure she’s a lovely young woman. It’s not the kind of thing I would have done, even today.”
Calvin Klein Threw Some Subtle Shade at Kendall Jenner’s #MyCalvins Campaign https://t.co/6PecoJQ9K4
— ELLE Magazine (US) (@ELLEmagazine) April 19, 2016
Calvin then went on to also speak on the manner that models are booked nowadays and, much like Rebecca Romijn, does not believe that the formula will translate to better sales, meaning that the strategy will not last.
“Now, models are paid for how many followers they have. They’re booked not because they represent the essence of the designer, which is what I tried to do. I don’t think that, long-term, is going to work. I don’t think that’s a great formula for success for the product you’re trying to sell.”
However, when it came to an additional campaign that involved Justin Bieber, Klein was all for the result and shared that the Bieber campaign is something that reflects an avenue he would have taken back in the day when he was the creative director and designer behind the brand.
“When [I say] I like Justin Bieber in the Calvin Klein Underwear [campaign], it’s because I like him — not because he’s got millions of followers. I think [Bieber’s posters] are very good.”
[Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images]