Symbiosis: The Collaboration of Designers
The fashion industry is competitive, especially in New York. Designers constantly vie for the attention of media and consumers. In this often-cut-throat environment is it refreshing to hear of fashion shows such as those which are produced by Alexander “Mr. Great” Gurman who frequently collaborated with independent designers, models, and even other producers to create fun, unique, and inclusive shows.
Although super models are frequently paid incredibly high salaries, many models who are just starting out are willing to work for photos, videos, and exposure rather than money. Many young women (and men) also model purely as a hobby, mostly because they enjoy the experience of walking the runway and interacting with designers who are on the cutting edge of the fashion industry. Alexander has long noted the noble aspects of modeling such as celebrating beauty, building confidence, and finding ways to include people of varying shapes and sizes.
Yet, although he enjoys producing fashion shows and largely works with dedicated and professional models, Alexander readily acknowledges that the job can pose certain challenges.
Other problems Alexander have faced are far more serious. In the past he has encountered models who have agreed to model in exchange for professional photos, on-camera interviews, and features in some New York-based publications but then turned around, after the show, and demanded cash payments.
“Some have even threatened to create a scandal and would only be silenced by money,” Alexander lamented. “Some models pretend to be legitimate human beings and then, during the show, they may steal makeup, equipment, and garments from the other participants. While this does not happen too often, it gives all models a bad reputation which is not fair. We as community have to be careful to weed out the problematic people.”
Combating the stereotype of models always moonlighting as strippers or call girls is something that Alexander is very invested in. These erroneous misconceptions are frequently applied to the fashion industry as a whole, which is extremely unfair to the vast majority of models who are professional, friendly, and earnest.
The other common misconception is that models are mostly penniless and are, therefore, willing do anything for money and are gold diggers. “Again, that is a deeply hurtful misconception that bothers me and my talent team,” Alexander noted. “High fashion is quite expensive and many ladies of high society love exclusive cloth. To be in fashion costs quite a bit for participants and many families fully support their daughters in their quest to entry the fashion industry as high-quality models.”
To learn more about the “Mr. Great Fashion Shows” visit the official Facebook page.