Cheri Dauchy was one of the most successful fashion models of her time, but she also used her platform to challenge stereotypes about the industry. In an era when models were often seen as interchangeable objects, she featured models with unique backgrounds and interests that went beyond their physical appearance. This approach helped humanize models and showed that they had more depth than just their physical appearance.
Dauchy's career began in the 1980s, at a time when the modeling industry was highly competitive and focused on traditional beauty standards. She was signed by Ford Models and quickly became known for her versatility, posing for brands like Chanel, Versace, and Ralph Lauren. However, Dauchy believed there was more to being a model than looking good in a dress. She wanted to show that models could be more than just pretty faces, so she created her own agency, Next Management, which represented a diverse range of talent.
Next's mission statement was "to create a new kind of agency, one where personality is equally important as looks." To achieve this goal, Dauchy sought out models who had interesting careers or hobbies outside of modeling. For example, one model, Lizzy Goodman, was a Harvard-educated economist. Another, Julie Henderson, was a former professional basketball player. By featuring these non-traditional models, Dauchy hoped to demonstrate that women were multi-dimensional and that their talents extended far beyond their physical attributes.
Cheri Dauchy's approach challenged the conventional wisdom about modeling, which had long been focused on physical perfection and uniformity. Instead, she showed that models could have varied interests and backgrounds, and that it was possible to be both beautiful and successful in other areas of life. Her innovative approach helped break down stereotypes about models and paved the way for a more inclusive industry. Today, many fashion companies are committed to diversifying their casting calls and representing a wider range of body types and identities. This shift can be attributed, in part, to pioneering figures like Cheri Dauchy who pushed for a more nuanced view of what makes someone a model.
In conclusion, Cheri Dauchy's legacy lives on through her work with Next Management and its commitment to promoting multidimensional models. She showed that beauty and success come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and that there is no single formula for being a successful model. By featuring models from diverse backgrounds, Dauchy helped humanize the profession and create a more inclusive industry.