ANASTASIA TAYLOR-LIND, UK
RUSSIA: YOUNG BEAUTIES FOR THE WORLD’S CATWALKS
They live in Siberia, they are still children and they dream of becoming top models in the world’s fashion capitals. They attend modeling schools – which is an expensive investment for their parents – and hope to get a shot at one of Russia’s ‘Top Model’ TV shows. They train for a career in front of the cameras of renowned photographers and picture themselves as long-legged beauties on the catwalks of famous fashion designers.
© Anastasia Taylor-Lind/VII Agency
But it’s the so-called ‘talent scouts’ of international model agencies who will make use of their hopes and dreams. These scouts know how extremely the lure of far away places, thirst for adventure, glamour and the promise of money dominate the dreams and actions of these girls. Although some of these delicate teenagers might even make it in the brutal world of mere appearance, they will pay a high price.
The English photographer Anastasia Taylor-Lind was often struck by sadness when she visited modeling schools, night club fashion shows and bikini shoots in the company of the aforementioned ‘talent scouts’. She loathes the idea of using one’s own body as a profitable commodity. Nevertheless, she understands that a child will do everything to flee from melancholic Siberia.
Curriculum Vitae: Anastasia Taylor-Lind
