spilling the tea on the fashion industry: my worst experience as a model 

"If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces." That's what you're doing right now - Your emotions ARE VALID. Always.

why can’t things like this go viral instead of RU-vidr drama? i’d rather watch this and bring awareness to this instead of people being upset over a lipstick.

"You know in that way when you’re a woman you speak to a man who’s making you uncomfortable but you’re too afraid to say flat out ‘no’"... The fact that women know exactly what you mean is such a problem... Thank you for being such a brave soul and speaking so openly.

l love that you made the distinction between SUPERMODEL and NEPOTISM MODEL. some of these "models" don't realize that being the daughter of somebody famous is not actually a career/job qualification

I can’t speak for others, but for me and many other viewers, we never judge you negatively on the way you speak. In fact, for many of us, we love how you speak, we love your humble and authentic personality, we love your 70s vibe and love for Stevie. We love Cooper and bathroom chats. Speak about what you want, when you want, and however you want because the majority of us will 💯 support you. Update: now that I’ve watched the entire video, I just want to say you are an incredible woman!! I also want to say that just because others may have had “worse” experiences doesn’t take away from how traumatic, scary, dangerous, heartbreaking, and frustrating yours was. Sharing your experience doesn’t make this a “pity party” or a “privileged problem” it’s sharing how toxic mindsets can be to people in the modeling career, to society, and to anyone in a workplace with bigoted views. You are such a good kind person and that’s why we adore this channel. Stay you, stay strong, and I can’t wait to see how far you go. The sky is the limit when you are proud of who you are and have people on your side who appreciate you and your values.

Reminds me of a TEDtalk from an ex-officer: 'NEVER go to the second location'. You did the right thing.

When I think of getting stolen into sex trafficking I think of getting kidnapped in a dark alley into a sketchy white van.. never thought to mind wealthy "powerful" men honestly. My own ignorance. Thank you for speaking out and bringing awareness.

Honestly you should maybe start some kind of organization to educate models on the signs of trafficking/knowing their rights. You are extremely intelligent and it could really make an impact on women's lives. Maybe even run for Miss USA or something of the likes to get your message on a more national platform.

The driver probably saw they were uncomfortable and purposely took them to the ‘wrong’ airport- to indirectly save them. Everything happens for a reason

As a brazilian girl, I know what you're talking about. It's terrible how bad women are treated here sometimes, especially when it comes to powerfull men, and we're fighting to change this. I'm so sorry that you have been through such a bad experience

The industry is so abusive to females. I worked as a Clinique counter salesgirl. Nothing like a model of course. BUT Clinique does hire a certain look. Anyway I was great at selling skincare. I had that flawless skin much desired. Blonde but my skin had a pink undertone and also tan deeply. I am putting so much discription on my appearance because its neccesary to understand. I got awards for my high sales and even won company vacations i was doing very well. Until i was involved in a car accident. I returned to work after 6 weeks and was told that i no longer had the look that represents Clinque. I had a scar now on my forehead that i did try to hide behind bangs and i stll hide it from insecurity. I also had a tiny scar the size of a tic tac on my chin. I was devastated. This was a job i was good at. I was earning a living and was independent at 20 years old. This was in the early 1990s. They did not even offer me another job doing something behind the scenes in the company. They just fired me. I walked out of there with my head low in tears. Idk if Clinique would still do something like this today. I pass by the counters of Clinque today and I see they still hire that same type of girl. A girl i used to be. It took me years to recover emotionally from the accident. What Clinique did to my self esteem was beyond damaging. This is how far the industry branches out with the abuse even a cosmetic sales girl is treated just for appearance not by my ability .

You being taken to the "wrong" airport was not a coincidence!

You were human trafficked by the modeling agency. They rented you out to these men.

It was beyond irresponsible for your agency to put you in that position. I'm so glad you got out of it safely.

Thank you all for your kind words ❤️ just want to add, I was at a top agency when this happened. It had/has a reputable name. People assume that an agency name equates success, or safety. But that isn’t the truth, unfortunately.

It’s one thing to be proud of you as your manager but it’s another thing to be proud of you woman to woman. We need more examples of strength in this industry. You are such a huge role model and I’m so inspired by the fact that you grew even more through this experience. I pray that no other model has to go through what you went through. All I have to say is karma… love you always babes x

Thank you for NOT getting on that private plane, and thank you for trusting your intuition and God. Bless you.

All these years I’ve dreamed of living a life as a model just like yours , but now my mind has completely changed ; I would never want to be caught up in this disgusting industry that’s deteriorating and endangering women

I’m a Comm professor and I’ve never judged you negatively for your speech. You’re quite intelligent and eloquent!

Just saying but it sounds like you almost became a human trafficking victim. Very scary... Glad you are safe. Read Not for Sale by David Batstone.

I tried to be a model when I was younger and all I ever got was perverts preying on my naivity and hopes. I threw the towel in when they kept saying I wasn't small enough and my doctor was ready to admit me to hospital until I gain weight. It's rough! I'm so proud she spoke out xox

Being a model seems like the worst and most demeaning job ever.

How visibly shaken you are by this should be a huge sign to your agency that the situation you were put in was a legitimate concern. Intuition is REAL.

I haven't finished watching but this sounds eerily similar to human trafficking. They lure models in through agencies for false photoshoots and end up taking them. This is so dodgy. Thank god you didn't get on that private plane. Us women need to trust our instincts. It can save our life.

It's disgusting that agency was so careless to send you to that gig to be arm candy and potentially be human trafficked.

Whenever I hear a teenager say they want to model because they think it’s all glamorous I just cringe cause they have no idea.

PS... so sorry about the awful audio, my phone’s been dropped one too many times and she’s on her last leg 😅

I’m struggling with extreme anxiety right now because I left a toxic workplace and I was discriminated against for telling them I have anxiety and depression! They fired me for telling them! I spoke out and filed a lawsuit with the EEOC so they can’t do this to someone else! Thankyou for this video!😀😀

I can't believe your booker didn't care enough to get you out of there. If you feel unsafe, it is THEIR JOB to make you feel safe.

Being a model sounds like its low key indentured servitude

I was feeling so anxious hearing you talk about the Brazil story. I'm SO sorry you had to go through something like that. Regarding the "healthy" comment, I have to say that you are actually really brave acknowledging that. I was once at a fashion show and a very prestigious casting director called me fat (even though I wasn't there as a model and my weight was no one's business). A model that I was talking to, who probably thought I felt bad about being called fat like that, said that she loved my body and thought I looked great. The casting director laughed and said: well, if you ever look as healthy as she does, don't call me again. And please, do not apologize for not speaking a certain way. If you actually tried to sound "smarter" (whoever says you are not smart because you speak a certain way should shut up), it wouldn't feel as genuine as this video did. Again, you are really brave doing this, because the nepotism models and the supermodels are not going to speak up at all. I wish you the best in your career =)

I am kinda surprised they didn't say "well, you shouldn't be having periods..."

Smart girl. You got yourself out of a seedy situation smoothly. Most girls wouldn't know what to say or how to leave. We are so conditioned to go with the flow for fear of offending men.

It's sad to know that so many famous/supermodels out there know all the nasty stories but never told them even though they have all the power to help other models

Just because someone might of had it worse doesn't mean your worst doesn't matter. I'm so proud of u for speaking up about this subject especially because a lot of details that u mentioned are sooo important and I'm happy u're helping us understand what u went through. U look divine as always and I'm so excited to hear more from u, stay safe girlie 💕

"Maybe you should walk less" omg!!! What the heck!!!! I have been watching you for so long and it is so amazing that you are brave enough to share this ❤️

Your hair looks so beautiful!❤️

The top models should see this. I'd like to see their support.

I’m 6ft, when I was modeling I weighed 125. My hip bones are wide and instead of saying my hips are wide, I was always told how fat I was and that I needed to lose weight. My agency knew that was never going to fix anything. The modeling industry has gotten better since then, but I had a lot of healing to do before feeling confident about myself.

As a woman you always have to be thinking one step ahead. You made the right decision to walk. Many woman go missing every day. This was not right. You should not have to tolerate abuse for a job.

You're amazing and brave. Please don't take this down.

You can be happy to know that your RU-vid followers are here not because of how beautiful you are, but because of your glowing personality. I'm excited to see what's next for you and I hope you'll share some of your music! Thank you for sharing these stories. It's a shame the industry is the way it is.

Acknowledging your privilege and power is a very brave thing to do by itself. So is speaking up about this huge issue. Thank you for speaking up!!

maybe you need a redirection. Maybe this is a sign to create ur own agency so no one goes thru da same

I'm brazilian and i'm so sorry for your terrible experience 😫 you did the right chose! you deserve best things in your life and career. You're amazing 😘

This is why I quit. This right here.

What the... this is despicable. This could've so easily turned into a trafficking situation. The lack of concern for the safety of their models by this agency is appalling.

I'm not a model, i study architecture in college. And this kind of stuff happens here too. I use words like "like" and i like fashion and makeup and other girly things, and because of this, everyone assumes i'm an idiot (i'm in college, if i'm dumb then how did i get in?) like even when i tell people my good grades they're like "really? You?" My "friends" tell me that i should switch to a less challenging course. My teachers always look at me like a "dumb blonde", they're all male so you can imagine how sexist the whole system is. I've also heard stories of professors getting dirty with girls in exchange for good grades. Just thought i'd mention this story to show that these kind of hurtful comments exist in all industries

The situation they put you and your friend in is inexcusable . Thank god you were smart and you listened to your intuition and the uncanny, almost miraculous mistake the driver made by taking you to the wrong (right) airport and you finally and safely got out of there!

I feel like a local driver cant accidentally go to the wrong airport he most certainly meant to help

you be you... I wish someone had told me that when I was your age... (43 now) I wish someone had told me... you have your own path... you do you... always.. trust your intuition.. everyone has their own path... follow yours. love and light and remember in the end it doesn't matter... none of it matters... love your dogs ❤❤❤they are the purest souls...

For sure the agency knew tho...very spooky. I just hope ur well. Its crucial many know what happens in the industry. I think your way of telling stories is also eloquent. Be awesome as you are. Keep up the great work.

As you were telling that story, I kept thinking the whole time, "DON'T GO ALEXANDRA!!" "You are smarter than this!!!" "GET THE F$CK OUT OF THERE!" I was so glad you guys got out safely! I hope you carry some kind of protection with you at all times. I always carry a pocket knife and a flashlight. Plus a back up knife that folds down like a credit card in my wallet, just in case. I might not win, but I'm going down fighting. I'm so glad you're safe.

Is it just me or is the audio a little weird?

It's true I've seen it as a makeup artist, models need to be protected from these monsters. thanks for sharing you are so inspiring and strong!!!

Expose the agency! They sound like they are terrible 😵

God bless you girl. And stop being so hard on urself. You def learned that from that industry. Nobody is perfect. So what if you say “ummm” and “uhhh”. I’m sure those same ppl criticizing you do the same thing. Also they might be jealous of you because you’re beautiful and expect unreasonable perfection from you in anything you do. What I see is a very articulate, empathetic, loving, brave, and highly intelligent woman. Be careful out there with ppl taking advantage of you because you’re an empath. Keep that chin up, always love yourself, stay positive, and stay being you. You are lovely 😘 ❤️🙌🏿

girl, i'm so fucking happy that you & the other model got the heck out of there safe!!! god, what a nightmare situation :( you're an extremely special person & you were brought here to bring awareness and authenticity to society. i'm so happy for the upcoming jobs that WILL make you feel safe and WILL make you feel comfortable! :)

Kudos to you for being SO brave to share your experiences! You said you don't speak well, but in fact you spoke beautifully on this subject matter. I mainly subscribed to you because the good in you radiates through the screen. I wasn't wrong. God bless you! May you go from strength to strength ❤

Jeffree EPSTIEN is all I need to say it seems that a lot of men in power that have a sexual preference for young girls / boys is a huge problem I. Sorry this happened and to be honest your agency probably know them and have sent other models it’s disgusting you should be safe and secure when you are with a agency 💖

To feel a little more like Buffy the vampire slayer 😂 Hope you always feel that way🖤

A lot of courage is needed to be so honest about this difficult industry. Thanks for this! You’re an inspiration.

I’m brazilian and I feel SO sorry for your experience 😭

you definitely almost got involved in human trafficking

girl I seriously love you so much. I love how you stick up for girls and women and you’ve actually made me become obsessed with stevie nicks!

OMG Girl! That's horrible... I am so sorry... I work in the fashion industry myself and it makes me sick to my stomach with some of the things I have seen/heard. A lot of these men working in the industry act so inappropriate and creepy with these girls. It's especially scary when they are underage and don't know any better and get taken advantage of. It's so disgusting. Please, don't doubt the validity of your feelings. God gave us a gut instinct for a reason and its always good to listen to it. It's very brave of you to talk about this and I am glad that I came across this video.

Don't make yourself sad for anything, you're perfect. I love you :)

you are well educated, beautiful and kind hearted. thank yoiu so much for sharing this. This was terrifying hearing what happened to you, I'm so glad you made it out safely.

💙💙💙💙I really needed to hear this today, omg, the timing. Thank you for this. I'm crying rn watching this.

Hey Alexandria! it has been some time since watching any of your videos, but this one caught my attention and I have one thing to say. I'm from Brazil, and what they did to you was definetely NOT normal. the business men most likely thought of you guys as escorts, and your agency totally knew what was happening... as you said yourself, Brazil isn't inferior to America in this industry, and we do shoots just as professionally as the US does them (in Sao Paulo and Rio at least), so what they did to you was totally unprofessional and a strange situation overall.. glad everything worked out in your favor at the end, as that situation would've totally gone the wrong way.. truly. i wish you nothing but the best xx

Your experience sounds terrifying, so glad you survived and sharing your story. You are helping others and are very brave, thank you for your video. Hugs

I’m so happy that you made it thru the storm and are able to bring awareness to others... young , old, whom ever. Your awesome...you will make it far God willing. Amen.

Alexandria, I feel so deeply for what you went through. You shared your story in such a genuine way and I think this is so important to raise awareness for other girls/women in the fashion industry- and any other career, as a matter of fact. Thank you for sharing your rawness with us, truly.

Your heart is so beautiful Alexandria ♥️

It's so scary what you've been through. Better things are coming sweetie. Thanks for this advice, love u.

your vulnerability here is incredible. so grateful for you + your bravery sharing all of this. i wanna hug you. you’ve always been such a light on this platform and so glad you’re you !!!! binging your vids now :) much love to yiu

An important and intelligent video, Alexandria. For ALL women. Models, and all women who are in a man's world. You trusted your instincts, did all the right things, and escaped with your lives! Who knows? Thank you for this post. All women of the world should watch it. God Bless you.

You’re so wonderful for opening up about your experiences. Especially sharing with others who are on the same path. You’re awesome keep following your truth.

I have so much admiration for you that you realised the situation you were in & listened to your instincts that it was wrong. In the past, i was in bad situations i should have listened to myself..but i just dismissed my instincts because i thought i was just 'being anxious'. Judging by the way the photographer reacted to your 'NO' just showed how much he thought he could control and use you..as though you were HIS plaything. You were so right, strong & brave to stand your ground. Thanks so much for bravely speaking out. It's encouraged me to as well. That agency only cared for itself. Wish you all the best.

this is sick. Your agency should PROTECT you. I'm glad you are safe.

You are such a beautiful person, on the inside, that it comes through the camera. I don’t follow the fashion industry anymore, but I still follow you because your light shines bright. The fact that other people suffer “more” doesn’t mean you are not allowed to suffer too, although I hope you’re happier now. ♥️

Bravo for speaking up. I watched the whole video. I ran two international modeling agencies in Tokyo. I was extra mindful of my models safety. Most of them were underage and it was their first time away from home and of course away from home and in a far, far away country. Thank you for making this video. It will help a lot of young models. Shame on your previous agency.

This is so powerful. Her story and the situation she have been in is truly horrifying. Her words and opinions truly resonates with me so much as a woman. I'm so happy that you were able to get out before anything worse could have happened. I wish you the best in your career path! I'm cheering for you! Thank you for sharing such an intimate experience.

super scary situation, as a man, I would have been scared too

When you said it's so hard to find a sense of home when you're in your twenties, I felt that. I'm going through the same feeling and it's just one of those things like you said that it's like being in a purgatory. Here's to sticking it out and finding strength in each other! I've always loved your authenticity since I found you. Xx

So much love & light in her!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and not being afraid to be vulnerable in an industry we're taught to hide as a "Model"

You’re so beautiful inside and out, and I love how you’re using this platform. You are always someone I’ve had a lot of respect for and looked up to as a role model. Bent but never broken !! Stay strong and keep doing what you’re doing 💙

You’re such an incredible person Alexandria! I think you’re such an amazing role model for young people whether they’re in the modelling industry or not, continue to inspire everyone and continue to inspire change within the industry! 💕✨🌸

She articulated herself well! I can relate to the pressures of matching my written speech to my verbal speech.

As a model thats new in the industry you, your videos, and your tweets have always inspired me so much and if making this video made anyone lose respect for you that is on them! Always share your story and your truth

you are so precious. this literally brought me to tears and made me feel so much. thank you for sharing your story with the world... it will impact people more than you'll ever know. bless you

Thank you so much for sharing this, you are an amazing, strong, kind, intelligent, and beautiful person from within. Yes you of course have outstanding outside beauty but your inner beauty is far more important. As a young aspiring modelling this is so encouraging for me to listen to my intuition, and not be afraid to speak out..something I have ignored in this industry because of the conditioning we have been taught. Thank you thank you thank you. You will never know how much this helps me as I relate to you so much. Thank you Alexandria❤️

Alexandria I am so moved by your vulnerability! Your courage amazes me. I’m so proud of you and standing up for yourself! I hope you all the best in your future!! Love your haircut! Love you! Xx

Thank you for being so brave to tell your story. You are very articulate in your speech no worries there! Your caring and honesty is so refreshing. I have no doubt you will find your way in life, you are smart, strong and compassionate. Good luck to you!!! go forward and conquer! xxx

The last part of your speech really got to me. Your authenticity is really inspiring even if I work in a different field :) There have been moments where I felt hopeless about the future bc I thought no one else worried about these things, and that it was just me being messed up. I’m seeing more and more that it isn’t the case, and there ARE plenty of people who want to succeed while remaining ethical. Cheering for you from this point onwards. We need more kindhearted people in every industry 🤞

Alexandria, I can see the fright and sadness in your eyes when you talk about these horrible incidents and I am so sorry you had to go through that. You are a very strong woman and I am so proud of you 💛

You are the most down to earth and relatable human, in addition to being a gorgeous model! We love you Al, please continue to make videos and inspiring content on your social media platforms.

I had a serious oppertubity to become a model when I was 14 years old. I decided to not do that exactly for this reason. I am only a shell of their idea of “beauty” but inside is what matters the most. Because I live with me. Because I live with my head. I knew to be put into an industry like that would not allow me to flourish and blossom at that age. Now as an adult I think I would like to model but I totally hear your pain girl. I’m glad things are turning out better for you and that you’ve found a new team. ❤️

I am amazed by the intelligent way you handled the situation, doing everything right and following your gut instinct to prevent a possibly disastrous situation from unfolding. You were also so right to pursue the difficult road of getting out of your contract with a bad agency. You have a special way about you, Alexandria, and I have no doubt that bigger and better things are in store for you, but also that you have grown from this and truly know your worth in the world so that those who set out to make you feel small will fail to do so. Bravo, Girl!

I love you so much Alexandria