The Perceptions and Pressures of a Role Model with Model Nimue Smit

“As a model you are really the glue that brings the set together. So there is an idea and inspiration of what something should look like and you are the person that is going to bring that all together; the clothes, the makeup the hair. You are going to transform that idea and concept into a finished product.”

Dutch model Nimue Smit has been modelling within the fashion industry for over 12 years. Alongside her modelling career, Nimue is an ambassador for the Models Health Pledge, an online platform advocating good working conditions in the fashion industry, a founding member of Model Activist and is currently studying Public Health in London.

Nimue discusses how the misconceptions surrounding modelling can be detrimental, while the pressures put upon models can be really tough on a young person. “What I think is a common misconception about modelling that causes a lot of risk, is that modelling is an easy job and that it is glamorous.”

She also addresses the perception that “models are role models”, due to the added pressure of social media, but also how this additional platform his providing a liberating space, where she can use her voice for positive change.

Opening up about the struggles within the fashion industry that affect models, Nimue admits that she has dealt with issues such as loneliness and finds that the lack of information provided to models can lead to a repeat of many mistakes, which she finds frustrating for herself and her peers to experience.

Because of this, Nimue supports organisations within the industry such as Model Mafia and the Be Well Collective, to provide a sense of unity and community within an industry that can very often feel fragmented.