When Did Alternative Go Mainstream?

Hello, dolls!

Today I am going to discuss a topic that has only recently come to my attention.  As you know I am working hard to make it as an alternative model, meaning that I model subculture fashion rather than what you would normally see in a magazine like Glamour or Lucky.  I tend to focus on Japanese styles, gothic, lolita, fairy Kei and Pastel goth.  These looks really speak to me and I feel at home wearing them.  

I've learned that there is a demand for models in these areas, but have also learned that those positions need to be filled by either girls who are extremely skinny and super tall as in the case of the online clothing store Dollskill( thank you fashion industry) or girls who are already surrounded by thousands of followers on social media sites like Kawaiigoods.com.  They make an effort to seem 'real' to their costumers by using non traditional models, but still make modeling for them as difficult of an achievement as walking for Louis Vuitton.  

Top Model for Dollskill.com

So, you might be wondering, why is this an issue at all?  Just suck it up and keep plugging forward.  What bothers me is the fact that even though these brands root for the underdog they only allow people who are previously established to model for them.  How is that true to their image?  Basically, it isn't because in the end they want to make money.  That's the terrible truth about all those cute little indie brands who claim to be people and user friendly.  

Now, I am not saying that all small companies are like this.  That is certainly not the case.  It's only the ones who have gotten big enough to have a following and thus create an image that is appealing to their buyers.  Lime Crime Cosmetics is a perfect example of this.  The owner creates a product that is desired by many because of its adorable packaging and unique colors, making it easy for demand to pile up.  Even though you don't get that much product, Lime Crime has become a cult favorite among beauty junkies. 

 The other sites that have become selectively discriminating are those that focus on Japanese or Gothic cultures.  Because it is so hard to find these things stateside, or in normal circumstances that do not involve expensive anime conventions, places like Kawaiigoods.com, sheinside.com and Romwe.com have started to cater to those people who are seeking super unique clothing.  

Alexa Poleti who models for Kawaiigoods, Dolluxe false lashes and Gothic Lolita Wigs.

Now, don't get me wrong; I am totally psyched that these sites exist because I have had a fascination with Japanese culture for a very long time and am super psyched to be able to purchase things that mimic this countries unique street style.  What bothers me is that no matter how hard a girl may try she is constantly overlooked, even despite her potential because she doesn't have twelve thousand followers.  It's frustrating to hear one girl's story be, "How I got into modeling; I sent them a picture that they liked and they asked if I wanted to model for them." (See Alexa Poleti's Q&A video)  It's like, "Well I'm glad you got lucky, but I try just as hard, so what's wrong with me?"

It used to be that alternative modeling was a safer place for girls to go because it offered sites and people who were more forgiving of regular body types.  You didn't have to be super skinny because all kinds of body types were accepted because that was part of what made alternative style so unique.  Anyone could do it if they had passion.  But, as time has gone on these sites and fashion subcultures have done their job to ostracize 'normal' girls.  I used to love watching Alexa Poleti's youtube videos because she had great makeup skills, but when I learned that a large majority of her 'favorite' things were handouts from the brands she was working for I lost a lot of respect for her.

As a social net-worker you want to be able to connect with the people you meet online.  Share your loves, hobbies, dislikes and struggles with.  I mean, so many wigs and not enough money is something I can talk to someone about on Instagram.  But, then when those people we idolize for being like us become suddenly a lot less like us and more akin to what a normal celebrity would be, we lose faith in an industry we hoped would understand us.

Bottom line is, it's wrong for these sites to claim that they use normal girls when really they use people who are already famous on Youtube, Instasgram, Tumblr and everywhere else.  Not to whine, but it isn't fair to the girls who have been trying hard to be themselves and are rejected on the grounds that they don't have enough followers or likes to merit investment.  All that tells her is that Alexa Poleti is pretty and she isn't.  

Get it together alternative modeling and remember why you started; to embrace things that weren't perfect.

Through it all, remember to be true to you, my dolls. <3 <3 <3