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Supermodel Cameron Russell says she helped a 'grotesque industry' look beautiful

Part 3 of TED Radio Hour's The state of fashion

Supermodel Cameron Russell has experienced the privilege of the fashion industry, and has witnessed its failings firsthand. She describes her journey to hold the industry—and herself—accountable.

About Cameron Russell

Cameron Russell is a model, writer, and activist. Her book is called How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone.

She spent the last twenty years working as a model for clients like Prada, Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Vogue and Elle. She gave one of the most popular TED talks of all time, with over 40 million views. She is the co-founder of Model Mafia, a collective of hundreds of fashion models striving for a more equitable, just, and sustainable industry, and was the force behind campaigns including #MyJobShouldNotIncludeAbuse, which brought the #MeToo movement to fashion.

Russell graduated from Columbia University with a degree in economics and political science.

This segment of the TED Radio Hour was produced by Rachel Faulkner White and edited by Sanaz Meshkinpour. You can follow us on Facebook @TEDRadioHour and email us at TEDRadioHour@npr.org.

Web Resources

Related TED Bio: Cameron Russell

Related TED Talk: The simple solution to fast fashion

Related TED Talk: Fashion and creativity

Related NPR Links

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Fresh Air: Trailblazing Black Model Bethann Hardison

Consider This: When Fashion Is About More Than Trendy Clothes
Copyright 2024 NPR

Manoush Zomorodi
Manoush Zomorodi is the host of TED Radio Hour. She is a journalist, podcaster and media entrepreneur, and her work reflects her passion for investigating how technology and business are transforming humanity.
Rachel Faulkner White
Rachel Faulkner is a producer and editor for TED Radio Hour.
Sanaz Meshkinpour
[Copyright 2024 NPR]
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