Although she considers herself “a baby” in the modeling industry, Emma Ostilly ’11 has already worked with major brands such as Abercrombie, American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Victoria’s Secret.
At 17-years-old, Ostilly is one of the youngest professional models in the industry today and has only been working for a year after signing a three-year contract with Wilhelmina Models. This is the same modeling agency that represents celebrities such as Fergie, Beyoncé and even Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens.
In the first year of her modeling career, Ostilly has met Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow, been compared to Jessica Simpson, and appeared in an ad in Times Square — no small successes, considering modeling was always her dream.
“My family has been very supportive to me over the years and it is great to have parents who were models because they can relate to the experiences I am going through,” Ostilly said.
Ostilly’s modeling career has moved quickly. Just two weeks after signing her contract with Wilhelmina, Ostilly found herself in Hong Kong representing North America in the Elite Model Look World Final. As one of the only Americans there, Ostilly was forced to lose 10 pounds before boarding for China. The senior reflects on the requirements for the trip as well as her experience touring the eastern seaboard.
“It was tough to lose that weight, but I always think about the benefits down the road. It was scary at first in Hong Kong because of the language barrier. Looking back at the experience it was one of the best I have had in my modeling career,” Ostilly said.
Ostilly’s trip to Hong Kong is just one of the many highlights in the first year of her modeling career. After a photo shoot in August, the Westport resident saw an advertisement of her with Aerpostale appear in Times Square.
Spanning nearly two blocks in the home of the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, the moving advertisement features a sight of Ostilly blowing a kiss. The Wilhelmina model reflects on how exciting it has been to see her face in Times Square.
“At first I didn’t think it would get this much hype. When I saw it I could not believe it was actually me. Seeing my face in Times Square came as a huge surprise because I had no idea when the ad was going to go up,” Ostilly said.
Ostilly’s quick rise in the modeling industry has not only bolstering her portfolio but also her bank account. According to Ostilly, models are paid on a day rate, meaning that the amount of money she receives per shoot depends on the job.
For example, she received $250 for the editorial spread she did in 17 Magazine. On the flip side, for jobs like the advertisement in Times Square, models can make anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 per shoot. Ostilly claims that all of the modeling she now does is in the major money range and she credits her unique look for her 2010 success.
“2010 was a great year for the first year of my modeling career. I think I was able to be successful because I am shorter than most models, have a really classic American look, and am one of the younger models,” Ostilly said.
While she may enjoy a great deal of glamour and fame, there are several different negative aspects to the modeling industry. For starters, Ostilly is constantly scrutinized and critiqued for her work, weight and overall health of her body. At her photo shoots that can last up to 10 hours a day, Ostilly is constantly poked and prodded by makeup designer and yelled at by directors.
The senior explains the difficulties she deals with on a daily basis. “It is hard to keep yourself intact. There is never an off day even when I am sick or have a pimple. Being a model can be very hard at times because all day long you are always being told what to do and are being ripped for not executing,” Ostilly said.
The constant pressures and never ending expectations placed on models have forced many down the dark road of anorexia. This is an issue that Ostilly is certainly cognizant of. In fact, just a few weeks ago French model and actress Isabelle Caro had he life taken by the eating disorder after battling body image issues since the age of 13.
While the perfect body image is the ideal goal for models, Ostilly puts her personal needs before the desires of casting directors.”In the modeling world there is always the need to feel skinnier. I always feel like the big one at the shoots I do because I am heavier than most models. It is a huge pressure but I love to eat so I like to enjoy my food,” Ostilly said.
With one year of modeling under her belt, 2011 is filled with endless possibilities for Emma Ostilly. Ostilly’s dream is to one day become a Victoria’s Secret super model. She plans to attend a fashion institute in New York City next year, which will allow her to put a greater focus on her modeling career. Although she may just be a baby in the modeling industry, Ostilly has already proven that she is not your average 17 year-old girl.
