While the pearly white smiles we see on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk will be wide and bright, it’s a far cry from the emotional rollercoaster the models have been put through to be cast in the show.
A new video released on Victoria’s Secret channel shows how hundreds of young women put everything on the line to impress the show’s casting directors.
As the models strut towards the show’s final decision-makers, it is evident how crucial that particular moment.
The emotion is not limited to the inexperienced either. The video shows Brazilian model Izabel Goulart, who has walked in the celebrated show since 2005, shedding tears while she struggles to get her words out.
The 31-year-old eventually gets her point across, saying: “Every year it feels like it’s the very, very first show and one thing that I do all year long is really try to… to work as hard as I can so I can deserve to be here.”
Models will dedicate the entire year to focus on this particular casting call. Emotionally, it is a rigorous process where only models in the best physical and mental shape will be considered.
“Every model in the world wants to be in this show – it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be a very difficult couple of days,” says executive producer Monica Mitro.
“There is no room to hide, there is no airbrushing, they have to bring it,” echoes creative director Sophia Neophitos. “Some of the girls were literally fighting back tears or crying here today – because there is such a build-up and they want it so badly.”
Over 500 models from around the globe were submitted to casting director John Pheiffer – who is no doubt a man envied by many for his role in the industry.
“I saw close to 300 girls in person, then we had two days of call backs for just 100.”
But for most of the girls, the desire to be announced as one of the top 47 is merely a dream.
“You know how hard [the girls] have worked,” says executive producer Ed Razek in the video, which is part four of a five-part glimpse into the making of the show.
“A few here today showed their emotions, but they all feel that way inside,” he acknowledged. “But hardly any of them will make it.”
Models who are selected for a Victoria’s Secret show are instantly propelled into the global modelling spotlight as soon as the production is aired on television. And the rewards – for finances and fame – are instant.
The Victoria’s Secret Runway Show will be recorded in New York on November 10 and will air in America on December 8. The show, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will feature musical performances by Ellie Goulding, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd.
via stuffco