Linda Evangelista Opens Up About Early Modeling Pressures and Personal Struggles
90s icon Linda Evangelista has spoken about the beginnings of her modeling career and the intense pressure she faced as a teenager, shedding light on how the industry treated young entrants. The remarks were reported by Page Six at the time.
Evangelista described a troubling moment from her youth when, at sixteen, she was asked to participate in photos that required her to remove her clothing. She recalled feeling frightened by the expectations placed on her during assignments abroad, including in Japan, where she was confronted with explicit demands before any work could begin. She explained that the experience started with intensive measurements and requests to undress, a situation that left her unsettled and fearful about what was expected in the early stages of her career. This account highlights the vulnerability young models sometimes faced when navigating the industry’s early opportunities.
In later reflections, Evangelista spoke about the enduring impact of her relationship history on her life and career. She discussed abuse she experienced from her former husband within the context of a broader dialogue about accountability in the fashion world. Her comments also acknowledged the courage of other women who spoke up, including those who accused him of rape, and she credited their willingness to come forward with giving her the strength to tell her own truth. This perspective appears in coverage tied to the Apple TV+ documentary Supermodels, which has contributed to the public conversation about exploitation and safety in the industry. The discussion underscores the importance of speaking out and supporting survivors as a path toward change.
Earlier moments in Evangelista’s career also drew public attention, including emotional appearances during major fashion events in Europe. These moments, though fraught with personal difficulty, are part of a broader narrative about resilience and evolution within the modeling world and its communities.