GapKids' new ad campaign to feature multi-culti models: my girls

Recently, I blogged about having mixed feelings about child modelling and how, even though I feel that it's exploitative, it would be really hard to turn down a well-paying job if my child was approached on the street. Well, little did I know that I would find myself in exactly this situation not even a month later.

I live in San Francisco, headquarters of the entire Gap empire (which includes Old Navy and Banana Republic). I was visiting the farmer's market with my girls not far from the Gap offices when a woman approached me and pressed an ad agency business card into my hand. She told me that she had been eyeing my girls and thought that their "multicultural look" would be perfect for a new GapKids ad campaign she was pitching. She described it as "Bratz meets Boarding School." 

She starting babbling about how they especially needed "tall, Asian-looking children with an urban edge," but the modeling agency that she works with didn't have "the right type." She explained that normally the Gap and her agency would only hire children represented by a modelling agency, and asked if mine we're mine affiliated with any? ("Uh, no.")  She said "No problem," and asked if I could bring my girls to a meeting she had the following day. To say she was excited would be an understatement. I admit I was intrigued so I pressed her to tell me more.Ad Lady's plan was to dress the girls in the prototype outfits and use them to illustrate the campaign. If all went according to her plan, my girls would be heavily featured in the print ads and in-store signage. I didn't have much time to think it over, but I agreed to meet her the next day. What did I have to lose? If it didn't work out, we'd look back on the experience and laugh. If it did, well, then we'd be able to ad to the girls' college fund.

The next day, I met Ad Lady about an hour before the meeting as planned. She had the girls dress in the clothes (school girl mini-skirts, thigh-high socks, shredded t-shirts, wrap belts, boots) and then they had their hair and make up done (just a little lipgloss and blush). She advised the girls not to talk, but to "stand still and smile" for the people in the room. I tried to stay focused on Bunny since she's older and more together. She didn't complain once, and I was so proud of how grown-up she looked.

Long story short, Ad Lady was right: they were a success. We're still waiting to sign the final contracts, but I admit I'm freaking out! Have I completely lost my mind? I'm just so excited and it's tough to admit because less than a month ago, I never thought I would be in this position. I guess you just never know what you'll do until you are in the situation. I can honestly say that my view of child modelling has changed. It's not so bad, especially when you staring a fat paycheck.

I can't believe that in a few short months, I'll be seeing my girls smiling at me from billboards and magazine pages.  And, you will, too!


(P.S. -- Happy April Fool's Day!)