Nostalgia in the Fashion World: Glenda Gilson’s Journey
With the upcoming release of the America’s Next Top Model documentary on Netflix, fans of the fashion industry can’t help but reflect on the memorable figures who have made their mark. Among them is the iconic Tyra Banks, who hosted the show from 2003 to 2018, often delivering tough critiques to aspiring models.
Glenda Gilson: A Homegrown Talent
In Ireland, one model who stands out for her impressive career is Glenda Gilson. She began her journey in the modelling world with commercials for well-known brands such as Bank of Ireland, Kellogg’s, and McDonald’s. Her early experiences laid the groundwork for a successful career.
The Catwalk Experience
As she matured, Glenda transitioned to the catwalk, where her height and striking looks helped her shine. In a recent interview with EVOKE, she reminisced about her time in the industry, stating, “I loved it. I just thought back on it recently, and I enjoyed every bit of it.” Glenda’s journey exemplifies how fulfilling a modelling career can be, even amidst its challenges.
Support from Fellow Models
Despite working in a competitive environment, Glenda emphasized the importance of camaraderie among models. “No matter what was going on behind the scenes, the girls always had each other’s backs,” she shared, highlighting a sisterhood that often gets overlooked in the fashion world.
A Brush with Supermodels
Throughout her career, Glenda had the opportunity to work alongside some of the top supermodels globally. A particularly memorable experience occurred when she modeled at the Brown Thomas International Fashion Show at The Point Theatre in Dublin at just 16 years old. Sharing the stage with legends like Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Yasmin Le Bon was a significant milestone in her career.
Memorable Encounters
Reflecting on her time with Naomi Campbell, Glenda noted, “I remember she arrived with a police escort.” The glamour of the event was heightened when Naomi chose a stunning Gucci dress that an Irish model had intended to wear, highlighting the competition and allure of the fashion scene. Glenda humorously recounted, “I remember, it was worth thousands,” after Naomi accidentally damaged the outfit.
The Unforgettable Yasmin Le Bon
Another fun memory involved Yasmin Le Bon during the same show. As Glenda and her fellow models meticulously checked their appearance in the mirror, Yasmin approached, asking, “Does my bum look big in this?” This moment resonated with Glenda, who recalled thinking, “If she thinks her bum’s big, what the hell do we look like?” Such encounters offered insights into the insecurities even supermodels face.
A Transition to Television
While the modelling industry can be demanding on both body and mind, Glenda has no regrets about her journey. She stated, “I loved it. Modelling was my thing.” Following her successful runway career, she transitioned to become one of the principal presenters on Xposé, where she interviewed celebrities and solidified her status as a household name in Irish media.
In conclusion, Glenda Gilson’s career is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the enduring bonds forged within the competitive world of fashion. As viewers anticipate the America’s Next Top Model documentary, stories like Glenda’s remind us of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by models in their pursuit of success.
