Swedish model gusts fashion industry as ‘foolish’ for saying she is too big for bookings

Swedish model Agnes Hedengard has hit back in the dangerous and absurd body standards of some in the fashion industry, after being told she is ‘too large’ for bookings.

‘It’s absurd and I hate it,’ the 19-year-old says in a disturbing YouTube video where she claims brands have refused to book her because of her measurements, telling her to ‘get in shape’.

This, regardless of the fact her BMI is 17.5, which is classified as underweight.

Agnes says she’s had to give up modelling full-time as she’s struggling to get jobs after nearly five years in the industry. She’s been working as a model since the age of just 15 and came third in Sweden’s Next Top Model only last year.

Pointing at her super-slim 5ft 11in frame in the clip, Agnes says: ‘They think this is too big. They think my butt is too big, and they think my hips are too wide.’

She goes on: ‘According to the modelling industry, you cannot look like this. You need to be thinner. I have been in contact with big agencies and clients that really want to work with me, but as soon as they get hold of my measurements, it’s a whole other story.’ 

She told Swedish woman’s magazine Veckorevyn how she’s no longer able to get enough work as a model and makes a living as a shop assistant in Stockholm.

‘Modelling is more like a part time job now,’ she admits, describing how she gave the industry a real shot in the last year.

‘I gave [the modelling world] a shot for a year – I barely ate and counting calories was a daily chore,’ she says, explaining that she also works out every single day.

She adds: ‘I’ve had anorexic thoughts, but I’ve fought against them. It’s hard, but if you put all the energy you normally would waste on these thoughts towards loving yourself instead, they can’t hurt you.’
However, she endup saying I’m ALRIGHT!
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