Top Model star blasted for cosmetic surgery
Top Model star blasted for cosmetic surgery
The Daily Telegraph
May 27, 2008
A YOUNG model has been blasted for having cosmetic surgery in the latest scandal to hit Australia's Next Top Model, with one of the program's fashion photographers labelling the move a "tragedy". Twenty-year-old Alex Girdwood, who has twice had collagen injections in her lips, earned the wrath of judges and photographers on the Foxtel reality series in an episode that airs tonight.
Modelling agent Priscilla Leighton-Clarke, with whom the winner of the series receives a one-year contract, weighed into the debate yesterday, warning young models not to resort to cosmetic surgery in an attempt to further their careers in the cut-throat modelling industry.
"My line on cosmetic surgery when it comes to young, beautiful girls is leave it well alone," Leighton-Clarke told Confidential.
"Particularly in this situation, when the girl is naturally attractive and is chosen for her natural beauty, it's just not necessary. I would never encourage any of my models to have plastic surgery and none of them do - except for one who is in her 30s."
Professional photographer Juli Balla, who appears in the episode, was shocked someone so young and beautiful felt the pressure to resort to cosmetic surgery at such a young age.
"It's a tragedy what she has done," Balla said. "Obviously Alex is not confident in who she is, which is not a good sign at the start of your modelling career."
The latest controversy comes after a group of other contestants received widespread criticism for bullying.
Contestant Alamela Rowan broke down on air after she was harassed by a gang of contestants led by Wollongong teenager Demelza Reveley.
Judge Charlotte Dawson, who was one of the first people in Australia to trial botox 15 years ago, added: "She's a really great advertisement for when augmented lips go horribly wrong."
Copyright 2009 News Limited. All times AEST (GMT +10)
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