Catherine McNeil is looking to be gearing up for a full return to the runway after a lengthy absence. After skipping the Spring/Summer 2010 season completely, McNeil made appearances at only five shows for Fall/Winter 2010. While the names were fairly notable (Prada, Louis Vuitton, Blumarine, Stella McCartney, and Hermes), many expressed disappointment that she failed to book more shows.
There is conflict over what the reason for McNeil's sudden disappearance from runways, ranging from personal problems, to lack of interest in modelling. Perhaps the most vicious of rumours in the press have been those concerning a drastic weight gain. When asked where McNeil was, one high profile member of the fashion industry is infamously quoted as replying: "I don't know, go check McDonalds".
However, after her short Fall/Winter schedule, she has slowly but surely worked her way back into the fashion world, with the summer seeing her pick up a fragrance ad at Narciso Rodriguez, and a spot in the Pirelli calendar. In May, she appeared in editorials for Vogue Germany and Numero, as well as H&M's summer magazine (she also featured on the cover). June saw her return to the pages of Vogue Paris in a beauty editorial. She was also the face of Louis Vuitton's 2010 Resort line.
As we transition to the fall, Cat's showing no sign of slowing down, appearing in campaigns at the Gap and French fashion house Givenchy. Not to mention, she's making noise down under, getting a campaign at Bonds and completely dominating Australian Vogue's September issue, snagging the cover and two editorials. She also participated in David Jones' runway show with other Australian top models, who were flown in as replacements for Miranda Kerr.
I am really hoping that Catherine's recent move to London is a signal that she is returning to the circuit. She has one of the most intriguing faces in the industry, and I'd love to see her take on more projects and return to her former glory... and perhaps even surpass it. However, I find myself incapable of fully expressing the disappointment I have in the press, the fashion industry, and many fans of fashion besides. The cruelty that has been focused on McNeil is completely unacceptable. I understand that being a model means having to deal with daily criticisms of one's body, and countless other difficulties. But that people could embrace this girl (who is still only 21, by the way) one moment, and then turn on her is something I find highly disagreeable. There are countless reasons why the fashion industry is frowned upon by the every day public, and one of those is the fact that it often appears cold and heartless. Forget about offering models proper support under the stresses of what is a difficult and demanding professing, you would hope that people would at least avoid making blatantly hurtful comments.
Anyway, that's my rant for the day... Fingers and toes crossed that we see Catherine gracing runways in New York next Thursday. If recent photos are anything to go by, she's looking better than ever. Next's NYC show package hasn't yet been released, but I've got a feeling we'll be seeing her in the Big Apple next week. May it be a return of epic proportions.
Peace, love, and floating,
Gill Ford
Photos courtesy of style.com, models.com, and The Fashion Model Directory
However, after her short Fall/Winter schedule, she has slowly but surely worked her way back into the fashion world, with the summer seeing her pick up a fragrance ad at Narciso Rodriguez, and a spot in the Pirelli calendar. In May, she appeared in editorials for Vogue Germany and Numero, as well as H&M's summer magazine (she also featured on the cover). June saw her return to the pages of Vogue Paris in a beauty editorial. She was also the face of Louis Vuitton's 2010 Resort line.
I am really hoping that Catherine's recent move to London is a signal that she is returning to the circuit. She has one of the most intriguing faces in the industry, and I'd love to see her take on more projects and return to her former glory... and perhaps even surpass it. However, I find myself incapable of fully expressing the disappointment I have in the press, the fashion industry, and many fans of fashion besides. The cruelty that has been focused on McNeil is completely unacceptable. I understand that being a model means having to deal with daily criticisms of one's body, and countless other difficulties. But that people could embrace this girl (who is still only 21, by the way) one moment, and then turn on her is something I find highly disagreeable. There are countless reasons why the fashion industry is frowned upon by the every day public, and one of those is the fact that it often appears cold and heartless. Forget about offering models proper support under the stresses of what is a difficult and demanding professing, you would hope that people would at least avoid making blatantly hurtful comments.
Anyway, that's my rant for the day... Fingers and toes crossed that we see Catherine gracing runways in New York next Thursday. If recent photos are anything to go by, she's looking better than ever. Next's NYC show package hasn't yet been released, but I've got a feeling we'll be seeing her in the Big Apple next week. May it be a return of epic proportions.
Peace, love, and floating,
Gill Ford
Photos courtesy of style.com, models.com, and The Fashion Model Directory
1 comment:
do u know catherine mcneil?
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