Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

By Caley Skinner

When
Cameron Russell’s TED talk was posted online, it went viral: a successful, experienced model speaking frankly made for a fascinating insider look at the fashion industry. In her talk, Russell claimed to have simply won the "genetic lottery" and showed images demonstrating the unreal ways in which she has been portrayed in magazines. The goal was clear: Russell wanted to challenge conceptions of beauty and question our tendency toward model worship. Since her talk, Russell has launched feminist website
Interrupt Magazine. This past weekend, the model appeared on
Nightline to speak about the difference between perception and reality, and the sheer luck involved in becoming a model. Russell stated that "the barrier to entry to being a model is not hard work… I am promoting an ideal that’s not attainable, and for that I am guilty." [
Racked] More daily fashion news: The finalists for the 2013 National Magazine Awards have been announced [
Fashionologie] Hermès art director Pierre-Alexis Dumas is being granted France’s Chevalier of the Legion of Honor [
WWD] Dolce and Gabbana designers charged with tax evasion [
ELLECanada.com]