The term “supermodel” is a touchy one, mostly because some whose careers peaked at dawn of term are seemingly passing judgement on today’s most photographed bunch including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, et al, making a case that their social currency is more relevant that that of their actual modeling skills. Case in point: Stephanie Seymour—a legend in her own right—who has dubiously referred to the current crop of models as “bitches of the moment” instead of supporting or even so little as acknowledging the legitimate work put in by the gals ruling the scene at present. And while Seymour’s commentary has been out in the open for a while, Kendall J. has finally fired back, but in the most eloquent way possible: by penning a thoughtful message to her website, calling out the aforementioned supermodel for her harsh opinions.
Standing up for herself and model bestie, Gigi, Kendall shared: “Gigi sent me the most recent rant and I’m disappointed. If you’re going to tell us not to be in ”your moment,’ then don’t be in mine! This moment is all about being supportive—NOT cyberbullying. But, if you choose to be a cyberbully, I’m going to stick up for myself. No one is trying to steal Stephanie Seymour’s thing, or trying to be her. I actually looked up to her. She has a daughter! I guarantee you that she didn’t imagine someone so publicly shaming her daughter when she made those comments about us being ‘bitches of the moment.'”
And while Kendall has seen a great amount of success (in a short amount of time no doubt), she defended the fact that she and her comrades truly put in the work to earn industry accolades and that she plans to help younger, aspiring models to do the same:
“Being a ‘supermodel’ is a relative term. If people want to call Gigi and I supermodels now, it doesn’t take anything away from supermodels of the past. Obviously, I have so much respect for those women, but right now, we’re the models of this time. Significant? Maybe. Hardworking? For sure….When I’m older, I’m going to be so nice to anyone who’s trying to do the same thing as me. There are other supermodels who give me tips and build up my confidence, sending me notes after a spread comes out, saying, ‘You’re killing it.’ That’s the classy way to behave and I fully intend on being a positive influence on anyone younger than me, my entire life.”
Bravo, Kendall. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
