Because we get so many questions about our “models,” I thought I’d share some of our guidelines:
Rule #1: If you’ve always wanted to be a model, you can’t model for us. We only use gals with real bodies — no additives or preservatives.
Our “models” have real jobs or consuming passions. Since we spend a LOT of time with our “models,” they’ve gotta be interesting and interested, someone with whom we’d want to spend a lot of time.
And always, unselfconsciously confident.
In the end, our “models” are regular women, leading regular lives, lives not so very different from our own.
Missy Park, Founder
Hi,
Ever since I encountered Title Nine a couple of years ago, I have been dreaming of becoming a model of yours, though I have never ever wanted to be a model before in my entire life. Quite the opposite actually.
I am a mother of twin girls, who are ten now; I work as a professor of religious studies and environmental studies at a local university in Northern California, and have lost nearly 50 pounds in the past five years!
I write about Hinduism, women, ritual, art and ecology! I have brought tons of clothes over the past two years, and have utterly loved the way they look and they feel. At 49 years old, I feel more sexy wearing your clothes than I ever did when I was in my 20s!
Five years ago I was a size 18 and could have only fantasized about wearing your clothes. Now, I am no longer obese and wear your size 10 and now can even fit into a size 8 swim suit! I am aiming for a size 6 or 4 to stabilize at. I feel great. Friends keep saying to me, “You look so lean and fit.” Something I never thought I would hear.
During the twenty-five year hiatus of not exercising, I worked in factories, built furniture, house-painted, did anthropological fieldwork in India, organized hundreds of community events, got a Ph. D., birthed twins, taught at Harvard, wrote articles and essays, and worked on finishing a book.
Last year I picked up the idea of consistently exercising (5 times a week minimum) and now it is embedded deeply into my everyday life. I feel as if your catalogue and clothes are some of the most physically inspiring creations for both my body and my spirit. Thank you to your designers, to your models, to your visions. I hope someday soon I will be chosen to join you as one of your models! Thanks, Viji Raj
Hi Viji –
Wow – kudos to you and your new fitness regiment! I know how it feels to change up your lifestyle and how very rewarding it can be. Thanks for throwing your hat into the model ring however, at this time, our model line-up is full. Should an opportunity arise, we’ll give you a call. Again, congratulations on your new, sleek bad self! Cheers! –Jen@T9
Yes, I do subscribe to all the reasons you mention regarding the selection of your models: they lead interesting lives, have healthy-looking bodies and seem in harmony with themselves. In short, they are good role models. But for you good role models don’t seem to exist much beyond the age of 40. True, your clothes generally appeal to women below 45, but I am sure I am not the only 60-year old still buying from your catalog/web site, running marathons as well as a high-powered career, and keeping a family together. When Dove put on its campaign a few years ago featuring women 50 and older it was a huge eye-opener and educational for a lot of people.
So, while I am not advocating that you change your line of clothing, I would suggest including older models as well. You have the eyes and ears of your audience, do make a difference!
I would agree with some of the women’s comments below. I am not older than 50 but I do take issue with your comment that your magazine is filled with real women with real bodies. I don’t ever see any fat on your models. I am fit and 40 and very active but I don’t have washboard abs. I don’t really care if you want to have perfect looking models but please don’t say that they are just like “us” when most of us don’t look that way.
Thanks,
Melinda
While I can’t speak for some of the comments from those 50 and over, I can speak for what seeing your “models” has done for me. I am 27 and first saw your magazine in my early 20’s. Seeing these women, who I could relate with, and wanted to be like as an aspiring young athlete/woman inspired me to be better, get in better shape and dream bigger. I have lost 35-40 pounds over the past 5 years, run marathons, and am currently working on completing my PhD. I have set up what I call “be boards” where I cut out pictures of individuals (usually women) doing things who are in “real” great shape that I would like to emulate in some way and put them together and hang them up. Many of these pictures have come from your catalogs. Thanks for inspiring me and I hope you won’t ever compromise on the quality of your models.
My wife would probably balk at my sending this but, she would make a good Title Nine visual advocate. We have four kids, my wife is a Speech Pathologist and yet she keeps us all running. She does a running club for our 10 year old daughter’s class and she planted the seed that grew into our 15 year old’s daughter desire to do Cross Country. Our boys keep active because of my wife’s intervention and we all look at fitness as a defining feature of beauty and health.
If you need someone real and just overall amazing, my wife Heather is it.
Sincerely,
John Lucas.
Okay – so I just turned 50 and I am in absolute denial. I laugh whenever I share my age. I am recovering from a knee injury that I sustained while playing beach volleyball – wearing Title 9 gear of course! I don’t even play volleyball that much anymore – I was just killing time till I could go back on the high trapeze. I think the models are great – very motivating in beautiful settings.
Dear Title Nine,
I am 68 (yep, really am) years old — gray hair, a few wrinkles. But… I am active and healthy. I jog at least once a week, twice if I have the time. Last year, I began ice skating lessons. Much fun, still taking, was at the rink today. I guess the ‘point’ is that being healthy and active is not necessarily ‘age related’. I hope, from time to time, you’ll include “older women” in your advertisements.
Thank you for all you do. Even your fliers and brochures count as incentives.
Hi,
I am very excited that you use everyday extraordinary women for your models. For those of us who are active it is a reminder that we are all beautiful in any shape or form. It makes it real using active women and in some ways you can see truly someone of your build and how the product would possibly fit. I love your clothes and will continue to purchase them.
Of a side note, I am hoping one day you may offer, at least on-line, ordering of tall pants. I have worn your capris and shorts but the pants have never been long enough. Over 36″ inseam would be great! Just a consideration.
Thank You,
Rox
I have always loved your “models”. I love reading about their lives, hobbies and some of the things they’ve accomplished.
I’ve shopped at Title Nine for years now and one of the reasons I do is because the women are REAL people doing the same things I do. They need REAL clothes that fit well and are made to last. I love your philosophy on your “models”. In the realm of marketing to us “real” women, you’ve definitely got the right message!
In this world of plastic boobs, fake nails and hair extensions…. THIS is refreshing.
Elisa
This is why I LOVE your catalog and your clothes; practical, usable, comfortable, interesting, athletic, real and uniquely beautiful. I am a triathlete, mom of 3, wife, student, mountain-biker, and lover of Title 9 (models and clothes)! Thanks for great clothing options for those of us who love all of our roles.
Marie
…and I am 39 and “model” your clothes as often as possible in my daily life.