Chrissy Teigan speaks out about the dark side of the modeling world
The former model has opened up the harsh conditions of the industry in a candid Instagram post.

By Emma Dooney
Chrissy Teigan revealed the problematic side of the modeling industry in a recent Instagram post.
The former Sports Illustrated model shared throwback photos of her catwalk days with her 33.9 million followers, detailing the grim reality behind the glamorous images.
In the lengthy caption, she talks about the long hours, meager wages, and cramped conditions that shaped her experience working at Miami Fashion Week in 2010.
“I’d wait 5/6 hours sitting on the floor of the Mondrian to be seen,” she said. Chrissy would be paid just $200 for an entire show, which was further reduced by agency fees.
A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen)
A photo posted by on
Surviving in one of the most expensive U.S. cities on such a low income wasn’t easy for her as a young model. Chrissy became extremely frugal, ordering surplus food at restaurants after shows to take home because the “fashion show money would disappear with agency fees.”
Her living situation was also far from fancy. “Sleeping in a two-bedroom at the Flamingo with 5 other girls, memories!” she wrote.
It isn’t the first time Chrissy has opened up about her difficult start in the modeling world.
More from woman&home:
- best hair straighteners - for every hair type and styling need
- best hairdryer - it can be a challenge to pick the best so our experts have done the hard work for you
- best mascara - lift your lash look with these top picks
In 2019, the cookbook author told Vanity Fair that she didn’t even have a bank account or credit card during her few years of working as a model. She said she subsisted on fast food because she couldn’t afford to feed herself properly.
“I knew exactly how much it was with tax to get a McDouble and fries.”
Despite the challenging conditions, Chrissy looks back on the early stages of her modeling career with fondness. She joked that she saw herself as an inferior version to one of the world’s most iconic supermodels as she strutted down the runway. “C-class Naomi Campbell coming throughhhhhh!!!!!!”
-
-
Married At First Sight's Cam and Jules reveal they 'didn't find each other attractive' at first
“It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was a vibe at first sight.”
By Emma Dooney •
-
Will Smith opens up about why he's choosing to speak about his experiences with racism now
Will Smith has recently opened up about his experience with racism in a new interview
By Laura Harman •
-
Britney Spears shares a rare photo of her sons on Instagram
Britney Spears is a ‘cool mom’ and shares an adorable family photo on social media
By Laura Harman •
-
Jennifer Aniston reveals how she's been spending lockdown with a surprising new hobby
The Morning Show actress has given fans an insight into what skills she's been brushing up on over the last few months
By Selina Maycock •
-
Jennifer Aniston reveals her relationship deal-breaker - and it's not what you think
Jennifer Aniston reveals her relationship deal-breaker - and it's not what you think...
By Selina Maycock •
-
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is doing a 'tell-all' interview with Oprah Winfrey, CBS has confirmed
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is doing a 'tell-all' interview with Oprah Winfrey, CBS has confirmed
By Selina Maycock •
-
Gwyneth Paltrow launches new vibrator with hilarious post
Gwyneth Paltrow showcases her new goop vibrator on Valentine’s Day
By Laura Harman •
-
Chrissy Teigen’s lips swell up after allergic reaction to orange
Chrissy Teigen has suffered from an allergic reaction after biting into a 'suspicious orange'
By Emma Dooney •
-
Reese Witherspoon shares a sweet message to celebrate co-star Jennifer Aniston's 52nd birthday
She wrote a heartfelt Instagram post
By Sarah Finley •
-
Kelly Clarkson makes thinly veiled dig at ex Brandon Blackstock as she plans first Valentine’s Day alone
Kelly is celebrating all the independent women
By Georgia Farquharson •