Model Reveals Unsanitary Practices in Fashion Industry

A model has detailed significant hygiene issues prevalent in the fashion industry, including the reuse of makeup brushes on multiple models and the sharing of undergarments during castings.

Yente Lisa Reitsma, a model with campaigns for brands like Toni&Guy, DSQUARED2, and Superdry, took to TikTok to share her experiences. In a video viewed millions of times, Reitsma described instances of makeup artists using the same brushes on numerous models backstage at shows without proper cleaning.

"You are being lined up before you go on that runway and they are like 'final touches!' That's when you know you gotta run. That's when you know you gotta hide..." Reitsma explained, detailing how brushes are used for multiple lips and eyes.

Reitsma also highlighted concerns surrounding casting calls, particularly for bikini and lingerie shoots. She recounted an experience in Milan where models were expected to wear the same bikini bottoms, even when sanitary padding options were not sufficient or available. "Hundreds of models have been wearing the exact same one single thong - and you could see it," she stated, adding that she refused to participate in such conditions and wore her own underwear during the casting.

Further exacerbating the issue, Reitsma commented on the living conditions in some model apartments, describing them as "disgusting" with widespread hair and mold, particularly noting male model apartments. She stated that the inhabitants often appeared indifferent to the poor conditions.

Reitsma's video, captioned "No bro, it's NOT FINE," has garnered significant attention for bringing these behind-the-scenes realities to light.