The Cut - A Top Model Is Done Making Nice

A few years ago, Cameron Russell reached a level of success many young fashion models dream about. She had appeared in campaigns for H&M and Tiffany’s, walked the runway for Prada and Chanel, and fronted covers of Vogue Italia and i-D. Increasingly, brands hired her because she was a respected activist campaigning for the Me Too movement and environmental protection. But when Russell’s agent told her a luxury brand wanted to offer her a million-dollar contract, the job marked a new milestone — a record salary.

As her team finalized the deal, Russell agreed to a test photo shoot. The day started well, she thought. But several hours in, the tenor changed and never recovered. The president of the brand arrived and, without introducing herself, barked orders at Russell. The art director pressured her to pose topless and with fur, both forbidden by her contract. The crew grew tense when she objected. The set, which was a restaurant, started seating diners who ogled as she posed in her underwear. The art director took every opportunity to touch Russell unnecessarily, told her he had recently separated from his wife, and asked to shoot her in lingerie for another brand. Trying to make nice, she agreed, she smiled. Russell felt trapped. The photos looked terrible.

The next day, Russell’s agent called her. The million-dollar deal was off. The CEO saw her test pictures and deemed Russell too “vulgar” for the job.

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