"Nudity on set: Should I do it?"

In this current climate of sexual misconduct this is an issue that becomes more and more important to address. But I don't want to discuss the politics too much as it really becomes a matter of not "if" but “how" it’s executed. The abuse of power in coercing models to perform naked is inexcusable. If the model is uncomfortable with it then it is not the project for them and they should not proceed further at any cost.

With that being said, fashion is an art form. The power of the naked body in fashion can be an exquisite thing. As long as we can maintain a distance between the artists and the power mongering perverts the issue of nudity should continue to be a diamond of what we do in fashion. Models should understand how to express themselves with their bodies for the right projects. Part of doing this is being comfortable with your body but also being aligned with the vision of the artist to execute it. Together you can produce magic.

Here are my thoughts as an agent. A model should never be surprised on set with a nude shot. I always tell my models if you are told to get naked for a shot and you didn’t know, I didn’t know. Because if I did my job is to notify the talent and talk to them about it, prepare them for it or see how they feel. If the artist feels that this shot should be added this is something they have a responsibility to pull the talent aside and talk to them about it. Then the model should be able to discuss it with their agent to get some outside thoughts. I always tell my models if they are ever in any uncomfortable situation they should find a way to excuse themselves to the bathroom and notify me so I can intervene as soon as possible.

Part of what we do in fashion is assess the body because fashion is based on clothing and how it fits the body. The shape and proportions of a human figure must be assessed to see how it will maximize the power of an article of clothing. Thats basic math in fashion terms. Models do need to be prepared to show their body for these purposes when casting as long as it doesn’t abuse their exposure. There are certain clients like Calvin Klein which I let my models know that there may be digitals taken in their underwear. We expect the utmost professionalism of those clients and if the models don’t get that they should always feel free to report it to their agency.

A model is simply that; a model. The greatest of the models are born with a body that is exquisite is nature and they understand how to use it. I think it’s important to embrace this concept and protect it. Only a smaller percentage of people feel comfortable in this art form. But you can be a great model without it. As a model you need to look deep inside to understand where you feel with it, then move forward with 100% commitment.