When models go on trips for their contracts in other countries, it is an exciting and memorable experience. The anticipation of the trip, the new friends, new places, new emotions, and the countless photographs capturing it all create a sense of paradise. From castings and fittings to exploring the city and shopping, the days are filled with activities. And at the end of a long day, tired and worn-out models return to their temporary homes.
Initially, models stay in hotels with spacious rooms, large windows, plush beds, and luxurious bathrooms. According to their contracts, the living arrangements should meet European standards. This is where the adventure begins, as models from all over the world, with different personalities and outlooks on life, live under the same roof.
For this particular trip to China, I am staying in a two-story apartment with a communal kitchen, two showers, and six spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the city. Upon arrival, a silent competition ensues among the models as they run around the house, trying to find and claim the best room for themselves.
I am fortunate to have a large room to share with three other girls for the duration of our contract. However, after living together for a week, doubts start to arise about my choice. Our lively Skype conversations and differing musical tastes become more apparent.
Each of us has our own bed, which, surprisingly, is not as comfortable as expected. They are wooden and leave us with bruises every morning. Another surprising aspect is our “wardrobe,” which is essentially a frame covered with cloth, featuring one shelf and a zipper. The European standards can be quite unexpected at times.
The washing machine is another source of surprise, as it only offers a cold wash. When we turn it on, it starts moving around the kitchen, gradually getting closer to our mini-fridge filled with vegetables, fruits, and yogurts. Opening the fridge feels like entering a magical world where your products mysteriously disappear.
Living in such conditions also means being observed by curious Chinese citizens who spend hours watching and taking photos of the European girls from their windows. Fortunately, China’s internet restrictions block Russian sites, as well as notorious platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
One of my favorite aspects of this temporary home is our magnet board. We use it to share news, draw funny pictures, and leave messages like “Let’s have a farewell summer party!” or “Who used my shampoo? Buy a new one!”
When you have one bathroom shared among seven models, you quickly notice that things tend to disappear. My jar of precious burdock oil, which I brought all the way from home for hair growth, was not an exception. It mysteriously became half empty, and that was the last straw for us. We decided to concoct a special mixture using sunflower oil, green throat medicine drops, dish detergent, and more. Once the bottle was empty, we revealed our plan to the other models. This was how we discovered the shampoo thief without directly naming names.
The modeling industry is often portrayed as harsh and competitive, with everyone out for themselves. However, despite the challenges mentioned above, living in a foreign country brings models closer together. In the absence of their own families, models become each other’s support system. If given the choice between a modeling apartment and a hotel, I would choose the former without hesitation. It is always full of adventure and unique experiences.
As the contract comes to an end, mixed emotions arise. There is sadness in saying goodbye to the girls, the city, the country, and the work. However, there is also the joy of returning home. Bon voyage!