Nepo Babies and Influencers are Taking a Lot of Heat When Hitting the Runway
Nepotism exists in any work field, while it is not as popular in certain lines of business, it is a large deal in others. Specifically, in the modeling industry. There is always debate about if certain supermodels were handed their success on a silver platter, or if they earned it through hard work. These “Nepo Babies” are the children of some of Hollywood’s elite celebrities and some have even surpassed their parent's success. The question always remains, does their success come from their parent’s connections, or did the hard work they put in triumph over their fame and relationships?
Photo: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin via Vogue
Some of Hollywood’s most known nepo babies include Lily-Rose Depp, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, the Kardashian-Jenners, check out The New York Times article for more insight. Still, the debate that bothers so many people on this subject is whether or not these nepo babies have the talent to be hired or was the job given to them based on their parents, last name, or looks.
Lately, we’ve seen how nepo babies respond to the allegations, some taking the situation lightly and even making jokes. Others are hurt and upset because they want to prove to the world that they are their own person and their success comes from their hard work.
Photo: Stefanie Keenan via British Vogue
Specifically, Hailey Bieber, the daughter of actor Stephen and Kennya Baldwin, takes a lot of heat and is labeled as a “double nepo” not only because of her famous father but also because her husband, Justin Bieber, who has been a household name since he was in his early teens. She has clearly seen the articles and opinions about nepotism babies and her stance is clear, she is not ashamed of it. She was photographed in low-rise jeans with a white baby tee that says “Nepo Baby”.
Photo: Sofia Malamute via Vogue
If you are a model and your name isn’t Kendall Jenner or Kaia Gerber, who are many times asked to walk and are not required to audition, you’ll find yourself running from casting to casting. Also, while more famous models are paid a considerable amount, the lesser-known models deal with merchandise, store credit, or exposure as payment for their work. During a casting for NYFW, a model will sit and wait for hours at a time, do their walk, and then leave.
Unfortunately, NYFW can be glamorized and seen as more exciting and constructive than reality, one that includes models truly hustling their way around. This is where models are truly hustling their way around and cramming into small apartments while dealing with their agents, little money, and their physical appearance for the show.
Photo: Giovanni Giannoni via Women’s Wear Daily
Although there is a lot of debate centered around nepotism in the modeling industry, many of them have the talent to walk in the shows and can keep up with the fast-paced intense industry. However, a new debate has come up in the past few years with influencers having similar opportunities to celebrities. While it is not an everyday occurrence, some influencers have been cast for runway shows and many people have disapproving opinions toward it. Some influencers have walked the runway and the reactions from the audience have not been the greatest. Social media stars such as Lele Pons, James Charles, and Manny MUA have taken on the runway but unfortunately, they did not give the positive press the brand was looking for from them.
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images via Elle
From a brand’s point of view, it is smart to hire social media influencers for their runway shows because of the marketing strategy behind it. When influencers are hired by brands, it is mostly because they will give a lot of attention for the brand and provide traffic for their website. But, in order for the runway show to receive good press from the influencer, there should be some kind of runway education given before the show. Having non-model celebrities and influencers on the runway can also pique the interest of the audience.