Every week, another celebrity model surfaces becoming the face of another coveted fashion campaign.

Last week it was Jane Birkin’s granddaughter Alice, who was featured in the Comptor des Cotonniers campaign. Before that it was Lily Rose Depp, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Kaia Gerber, Karrueche Tran, and the usual suspects Cara, Kendall, Gigi, Bella, Georgia. The list goes on and on. All these celebrity models are signed to modeling agencies and landing major campaigns, without it seems, one casting call to their name. For models hustling from one audition to another, it seems unfair or even impossible to land a gig without a famous last name, a reality show or famous ex-boyfriend.

When it comes to scouting, agencies like Wilhelmina Models work directly with the celebrity’s management, and look for a certain type of individual. Just like every model can’t be a celebrity, every celebrity can’t be a model, no matter how many social media followers they have.

“I personally think they are two separate entities,” Taylor Hendrich, the Wilhelmina Models Men’s Director, who represents celebrity models such as Nick Jonas and RJ Mitte told StyleBlazer in an exclusive interview. “An amazing model is an amazing model. An amazing model who comes from a celebrity background, is coming from a totally different place. There is still a clear differentiation.”

Wilhelmina Models recently signed Shaniece Hairston, known as the daughter of “Livin’ Lozada” star Evelyn Lozada. The announcement of her modeling deal was timed perfectly with the start of her new reality show, and after failed attempts at being signed earlier in her career it proved to be the jolt she needed. However, there is no denying that there are misconceptions surrounding celebrity models.

“I see myself as a working model,” Hairston told us. “I just went to a casting last week, just like every other model that was there. I don’t see myself as being bigger or better than anyone. I’m still learning.”

With over 700,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram combined, Hairston comes with a built-in audience, something it takes years for working models to build. However, just like models, celebrity models have to work hard to maintain their brand, and ensure longevity in a very fickle and ever-changing fashion industry.

[Wilhelmina] is trying to be a little more openminded with who they sign,” Hairston said. “It’s not like back in the day models anymore. Times have changed, social media is important, your presence is important. I think that is what they’re leaning more towards: changing with the times.”

Wilhelmina Models recently signed Shaniece Hairston, known as the daughter of “Livin’ Lozada” star Evelyn Lozada. The announcement of her modeling deal was timed perfectly with the start of her new reality show, and after failed attempts at being signed earlier in her career it proved to be the jolt she needed. However, there is no denying that there are misconceptions surrounding celebrity models.

“I see myself as a working model,” Hairston told us. “I just went to a casting last week, just like every other model that was there. I don’t see myself as being bigger or better than anyone. I’m still learning.”

With over 700,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram combined, Hairston comes with a built-in audience, something it takes years for working models to build. However, just like models, celebrity models have to work hard to maintain their brand, and ensure longevity in a very fickle and ever-changing fashion industry.

[Wilhelmina] is trying to be a little more openminded with who they sign,” Hairston said. “It’s not like back in the day models anymore. Times have changed, social media is important, your presence is important. I think that is what they’re leaning more towards: changing with the times.”

“I think it’s an inclusive moment, and it’s the brand being your friend, and not trying to sell you something,” said Pattern To Plan founder and fashion social media consultant Gretchen Harnick. “In the modeling world, and we’re in a time of individuality, with everything from the feminist moment, to the transgender models, I like that they are scouting models through social media. It’s inclusive, everyone has a chance in this day and age to create their own future.”

Currently, agencies are striving to find the balance of working with celebrity models and getting their “normal” models on social media, all for brand recognition.

“When a model comes into the industry it’s because they photograph well, they move well and they are who we believe we can build into being the next big thing,” Hendrich said. “Along the way we start working on their social media platforms. There are some models that don’t want to have their social media and their day-to-day life put out into the world. You have to really want it. It takes a lot of work to build that social media presence by posting every day, and taking selfies and really building your social media following.”

At the end of the day, it is a reminder that celebrity models will soon not be the only ones with a built in audience as an advantage, and just like any other trend it has an expiration date. So this fashion week, instead of focusing on the Kendalls and Gigis, look for the girl walking right behind them who could be the next big thing.

“Celebrity models have been a part of the industry for a very long time, this isn’t anything new,” Hendrich said. “I think currently there’s been a lot trending with kids with celebrity parents, and having those attachments, but trends do change. I also believe that’s there’s always a chance for a model to come up the ranks and become the next superstar.”

[via StyleBlazer]