I spent a lot of time trying to find an appropriate label to my work. Until then I didn’t even imagine how many different meanings there are for a simple word- model. The only thing I knew for sure is that I am no mainstream one. And that is great, I never wanted to be. But then I found myself in the endless sea of alternative model options and variations.

An alternative model is basically everyone. Because there are no height, weight, hair color or proportions rules, there are no guidelines so you can be sure to say - that’s where I fit in. And to me, as a person who loves rules and specifics, that was very confusing. So I decided to play it safe, and go for the Goth model label, which I thought was very precise and clear. So, I started following works of many others that call themselves that, and I was truly surprised, and not in a good way. We all know that there are many different styles in the Goth culture, and for a future model, that’s good news. You are not so limited as you thought. You can go all girly classy Victorian, or explore the more aggressive, dark part of you, and go for a “killer” look. And that is all good, as I believe that transformation, and different looks are the most important thing for someone to stand out as a model.

But there is a whole disturbing world of “Goth” models out there. In that world, explicit nudity, bedroom outfits, bondage accessories and poses that go accordingly are considered and called GOTH. Just to be clear on one thing, I am no puritan or squeamish, and I don’t mind erotic or nudity inspired photography. It can actually be so beautiful when done right. But please, call it by its true name! It upsets me very much when I see that some of the greatest models, that were Goth when they started, became adult actresses or adult product models, run explicit porn websites, but are still called and connected with Goth culture and fashion. The same thing happens when a page that promotes Goth models shares a photo of a naked girl in high black heels, and calls it Goth beauty. She is beautiful, no question there, but SHE IS NAKED. There is nothing dark, gothic, or fashionable about it. It’s a photo of a naked girl on a bed. As simple as that. Why does this upset me so much?

There are many reasons, but first of all, I believe it creates a wrong and distorted image of a Goth model to people who are “fans”, as they will expect to see the same thing from you and will get bored if you are fully dressed all the time, and it creates many difficulties to the models themselves. It sends a message to us- if you want to reach thousands of likes and followers, be featured in magazines, get more sponsorships - get all sexy fetish like, or simply get naked. If you like it, please do. Then just please, reconsider the “Goth model”, “Gothic girl” or any similar part of your artist name or brand. For the sake of the culture, overall image and work of others. There is nothing wrong in being sexy, and desirable, at the end of the day, that is what we ‘sell”. But we do not represent the bdsm community, or adult industry. There is a line, and we need to defend it.