Models Never Talk

On Tuesday afternoon, French fashion curator and historian Olivier Saillard and the French Institute Alliance Francaise premiered the performance piece Models Never Talk, which stars seven former models from the ‘80s and ‘90s (Anne Rohart, Charlotte Flossaut, Axelle Doué, Christine Bergstrom, Claudia Huidobro, Amalia Vairelli and Violeta Sanchez) at Milk Studios. Dressed in minimal, form-fitting ensembles (black stilettos, black leotards, and black tights), each model vividly recounted tales from their modeling days in low-decibel, monotone voices. “Saint Laurent loves my androgyny, but me? I wanted to be sexy. I make my entrance,” said Sanchez. Recounted Doué: “’Too tall, too curvy, too much bottom!’ This is what Madame Grès said when I introduced myself for a fitting.” While speaking, the women gracefully mimed the process of putting on dresses, tucking in imaginary crepe-de-chine blouses, and fluffing tulle skirts. In an industry where youth is obsessively coveted, their performance showed that beauty and grace is forever.