How Not to be a Supermodel

by Ruth Crilly

Imagine being a model in the heady noughties, travelling all over the globe, your face on billboards everywhere. As Miranda Priestley might say, 'a million girls would kill for this job': well, Ruth Crilly is here to tell you why that might ... not ... quite be true.

England. 2001. Ruth Crilly has embarked on a law degree and is destined for a life of normality and stability. That is, of course, until she sticks a polaroid of herself in a box somewhere in Birmingham and is scouted by one of the biggest agencies in the world.

Flung between Redditch and Milan, telesales and Vogue, wizard cloaks and red shearling coats, follow Ruth through a rip-roaring, hilarious decade of not-quite-making-it as a supermodel. Fuelled by little more than cigarettes and a fear of being measured she criss-crosses the world in pursuit of fame and fortune.

Bridget Jones meets the Devil Wears Prada as told by a mix of Marina Hyde and Bryony How Not To Be A Supermodel is a time capsule of a book that dives into one of the world's most fascinating industries. Offering a glimpse into both the high glamour and juddering reality of a by-gone era, this is a comic memoir gracefully relayed by a pessimistic, sardonic disaster-magnet.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir

384 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2024

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I enjoyed every page,literally every paragraph was entertaining and most of it very funny,informative but hilarious whilst being so…..and honest,very honest and forthright and genuine

I loved it

Ruth Crilly dreams of being a supermodel and although she entitles her memoirs how NOT to be one I think after reading it she did it in the best way

I loved the comparisons between what was acceptable in the early noughties and is totally unacceptable now,a lot has changed in our thinking in that time….or has it as she rightly asks

The travel side of the book is amazing with Tokyo standing out for me but everywhere we visited was brilliantly described even when it sounded petrifying and it often did

The characters we meet are varied from vapid and vile to less vapid and vile,I jest as surprisingly she met many good people in her career and often met people that you can,well,only read about in books

Its fast and catchy and vibrant and full of story after story,one of my fav’s has to be the red coat which had me re reading,it was too good not to

There is a dark side to it all and the author does look at the pitfalls and not only the ones we as ‘lookers in’ would imagine

And it ends with probably the best acknowledgements ever,bar none….😊

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

In How Not to be a Supermodel, British fashion model-turned-influencer Ruth Crilly (b. 1981) recounts her noughties modeling experience - highs, lows, and everything in between - in a self-deprecating, jocular manner. Unlike many models who begin their careers as teens, Crilly started modeling full-time in her early 20s after dropping out of law school and seemed fairly mature, independent and well-adjusted from the start; perhaps this is why, unlike other model memoirs I've read, there seems to a lot less inherent trauma in recounting the sexual objectification, bad behavior by surrounding adults, and cutthroat nature of the modeling industry experienced by young models (see Crilly's contemporary Cameron Russell's memoir, How to Make Herself Agreeable to Everyone, as a contrast). While Crilly never reached "supermodel" status (in terms of getting household name recognition -- which in the noughties would have been garnered by headlining big name designer shows at Paris fashion week, being a high profile Victoria's Secret angel, or acting the part hosting or judging a reality television show about modeling, etc.), she was able to support herself financially by modeling from early on, and recounted a lot of interesting experiences along the way; she also pivoted to social media quite early on, starting a Youtube channel and blog called A Model Recommends in 2010.

Interestingly, though Crilly was featured on a Channel 4 documentary about modeling in the '00s, This Model Life, there are no references in Crilly's memoir to the glut of modeling reality shows popular at the time, like the Next Top Model franchise (the British iteration, BNTM, started in 2005, and I think was seen as more serious than the American version which had descended into a mockery by then).

Further reading: modeling and fashion in the '00s
Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez | my review
Strip Tees: A Memoir of Millennial Los Angeles by Kate Flannery | my review
Toxic: Women, Fame, and the Tabloid 2000s by Sarah Ditum | my review
I'm Just Here for the Free Scrutiny: One Model's Tale of Insanity and Inanity in the Wonderful World of Fashion by Abby Rosmarin

My statistics:
Book 95 for 2025
Book 2021 cumulatively

[Chloe]

#Netgalley

I should start by saying I have followed Ruth Crilly on here for a while and enjoyed her mix of self-deprecating humour and industry know-how (she gives great beauty recommendations).

Originally I was aware of her from watching a Channel 4 fly-on-the-wall docu series about her life as an aspiring model back in the day (the 00’s at some point). I distinctly remember her struggling to make it in Japan and was touched by her openness, and also obvious vulnerability in the face of what was quite a weird situation.

This book examines her former career as a quirky looking (not my words, I think she’s stunning), British gal in her early 20’s (already too old by some industry standards! 😯) trying to make it big after dropping out of law school, while simultaneously attempting to get out of debt as a result of several shopping sprees.

All possible lows, and I guess a few highs are detailed; I don’t know how she remembers most of this stuff as my recollections of the 00’s are fuzzy at best, but I’m guessing that nights out in The Icon (RIP) in Limerick are probably less memorable than going to modelling auditions in NYC and Paris 😅.

I really like Ruth, she’s very down to earth, and witty. I think if you’re interested in the world of fashion and modelling you’ll enjoy this.
Parts were definitely of less interest to me, but that’s always the way with a memoir!
What I especially enjoyed was the walk down pop culture memory lane that was the 00’s, as you rarely see memoirs written about that time. Definitely one for the millennials!

Worth noting too that she narrates it herself on audio, which really added to my enjoyment of the book. A nice easy listen, with some cringe moments thrown in. We’ve all been there! 😳

With many thanks to @netgalley for my copy, all opinions are my own, as always. Available to buy now!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really entertaining especially Ruth doing all the accents for the audiobook. And more audio books should have bloopers!

[Pia Rosenkilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

How not to be a supermodel by Ruth Crilly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ 🎧

Wonderfully nostalgic read. Obviously not because I was a supermodel in my past life, but I had my life in London in the noughties when drinking and smoking were more important than food, smart phones weren’t around to make navigating London easy and glossy magazines were what tik tok is today. And I loved it all. The author has great humour and manages to make modelling seem undesirable although I’m sure she’s had a fabulous time too.

#hownottobeasupermodel #ruthcrilly

[Lauren Leightell Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance audiobook copy in exchange for a review.

"How to be a Supermodel" by Ruth Crilly is an entertaining and lighthearted read, perfect for a summer escape. Crilly comes across as the Bridget Jones of the modeling world—relatable, witty, and full of charm. Her anecdotes capture the essence of life as a young woman navigating the early 2000s, offering an authentic glimpse into the highs and lows of the industry. However, I felt the conclusion could have provided more closure, particularly regarding her transition out of modeling and insights into her next steps, whether in motherhood or her career. Perhaps this will be explored in future works.

[Annette Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh just not my style. Easy listen while driving and running.

[Dawn Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of reading Ruth's blogs anyway, so I knew I'd enjoy the way this book is written. I love how she doesn't take herself too seriously. I enjoyed the nostalgic element of the book, a real look back to the noughties

[Michelle Vidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny 👍.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up for stars - 3.5 is a slightly more accurate representation.
My experience of reading this book was not at all what I expected. I have followed Ruth for years online and think she’s brilliant. She is hilarious, irreverent and unapologetically honest - a refreshingly different voice in a sea of samey online content creators. I’ve therefore seen a lot of the hype around her book from her circle - quotes of it being ‘laugh out loud funny’ etc and I expected nothing less. However that wasn’t what I found. Maybe I’d seen too much hype or maybe the audio book, read by Ruth, would give a more authentic sounding version of the stories in the book, but I didn’t laugh out loud once, as I frequently do at Ruth’s other content.

Secondly - and this is maybe related to the above - I found the book unexpectedly sad. For me, the greatest achievement Ruth made with this book is to utterly dispel any myths that a career in the modelling industry is in any way desirable. I frequently found myself willing her to GET OUT!! of such toxic surroundings that sounded horrific and borderline abusive. Perhaps I took it all a little too seriously - or perhaps not. I just didn’t find a lot to laugh about and rather had confirmation that all the horror stories we always suspected about the modelling industry were true. I am the same age as Ruth and clearly remember the cultural impact supermodels had on me and my friends while growing up. Thanking my lucky stars now that none of us were ‘interesting’ enough to have been scouted outside Topshop on Oxford St as we secretly wished to be!

I’m very happy that Ruth emerged from the noughties (relatively) unscathed and will continue to watch and read her content about the experiences she has now, as a successful, intelligent and talented wiser woman.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you survived the 90’s and 00’s highly questionable approach to body image and were raised on a diet of glossy magazines, you are going to absolutely love this book. This is a captivatingly informal, instantaneously intimate look at what it was really like to be a working model at the turn of the century: the book follows Crilly’s ‘discovery’, her early years finding her feet as a model and her rise to international fame over the following ten years. She describes her career as not-quite-making-it and though young Ruth is regularly told she’s too short, too old or too curvy for true global stardom, her career is an undeniable success, enabling her to pay off her debts and travel the world with star-studded friends in tow. This all sounds extremely glamorous, but somehow she never loses her relatability or her informal style of storytelling. As anyone who’s a fan of her brilliant Instagram account will know, Crilly is an extremely able communicator, slipping her arm through yours like a best mate and deftly managing to strike the perfect balance between the highs and undeniably exciting, achingly cool nature of life as a model, and the drudgery of the lows: including potentially unsafe photoshoots where she and her fellow models are at the mercy of the creative whims of single-minded photographers and art directors. Her unique self-effacing humour is evident throughout her anecdotes of bone-achingly-long castings for the most mundane of products, schlepping across the maze of London in a time before Google Maps and sharing complicated accommodation with her fellow models as they zip around the world in a quest for fame and fortune. An un-put-downable, hyper-glamorous and utterly hilarious time capsule of a book.

Reviewed in Cambridge Edition October 2024 – thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC

[Frida von K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first heard about Ruth Crilly when I watched a Channel 4 documentary "This Model Life" online back when I was still a student. I think that documentary left me feeling more sorry for her than anything else, as modelling seemed like such a lonely career with so much up against them.

Fast forward to a couple years ago when I discovered her as a social media influencer, she caught my eye because I remembered her from the documentary but what kept me interested is because she has a fantastic sense of humour and seems to have quite a bit of depth. So when I heard she had published a book about her modelling years, I was really interested.

The book was a lot funnier and better written than I expected. Ruth comes across as an intelligent woman on social media but I was not as aware about her writing style. She recounts hilarious situations she got in as a model with so much humour and wit, I raced through the book often bursting out loud with laughter. I think the book will speak particularly to young women who were teenagers / young adults in the early 00s.

She mentions that she would like to write more books and I look forward to her writing career and will watch with interest :)

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who remembers all too well the height of the supermodel era, I had a feeling I would enjoy How Not To Be A Supermodel. And I wasn’t wrong - it was a nostalgic trip back in many ways and a fascinating and fun insight into the crazy world of modelling.

Ruth is brutally honest about her own journey, highlighting the highs and lows of a career which enabled her to travel the world and have some amazing experiences, but was not without its challenges. Highlighting the absurdities of some of the things she was expected to do, there is plenty of humour, as well as some shocking moments that expose the more brutal aspects of the industry at that time.

This was just a great fun read – Ruth is a wonderful storyteller and the way she recounts her experiences will certainly make you laugh out loud at times. She comes across as down to earth with an admirable ability to laugh at herself in this warts and all look at an endlesslh fascinsting industry.

[Rachel N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Crilly was an international model in the noughties and this memoir tells the story of the somewhat less glamorous reality of the industry. She lifts the lid on the strange practices of the fashion industry, how tedious and unglamorous the work and can be and the effects on the confidence of even the most beautiful models.

It sounds like it could be a downbeat misery memoir but it’s most definitely not that. Crilly’s writing moves at a great pace, is very funny and never arrogant or self pitying – if anything, she underplays how successful she must have been to work as much as she did. This is a really valuable peak behind the curtain for anyone who’s interested in working as a model and a really fun read for everybody else.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riotous insight into frightful-sounding world of international modelling.

Ruth is almost exactly my age. Obviously clearer of skin, longer of leg and with a good turn of phrase about her, definitely a smart cookie. But I'm in no way jealous of her.

I was however fully amused and entertained by her memoir of her years in modelling - how she got there, her outlandish expectations, her small triumphs, the ridiculous things she put herself through and that were asked of her.

Brilliantly funny anecdotes, well told, and that confirmed for me my own humble place as an unrecognised everywoman who wouldn't touch this sort of world with a bargepole if you paid me in books and chocolate (my own preferred currency).

Very well narrated by Ruth herself, this was a great read/listen.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

[Jessica Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth is a wildly intelligent, razor sharp and funny woman. I truly enjoyed this book. Her personality is endearing, I appreciate how honest and self aware she is. Though not touted to be a warts and all revelation on the worst parts of the modelling and beauty industry, it's a true account of her experience. Highs, lows and everything in between. People are often dismissive and oblivious to the reality of modelling, just how resilient you must be to endure unbearable conditions, rejection and criticism. Ruth touches on these situations with wit and candour. Her blogging has given insight to the wonderful and bright person she is, and I'm pleased her brilliance is now reaching a wider audience.

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Crilly had started a law degree, until she sticks a photo of herself in a box in Birmingham and is scouted by one of the top agencies in the world. Ruth takes us on her journey on how modelling work was like in the noughties, to what it is now. She explains the good along with the bad sides of trying to becoming a model. Ruth knew it wasn't going to be easy, but this shows us just what it's like with traveling the world, magazines, clothes and outfits that she was expected to model. Ruth also shares the humour along the way. It is definitely is Bridget Jones meets the Devil Wears Prada

[Vasiliki Talaverou · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a nice pass-your-time kind of read.
Mostly pleasant to go through, but rambling a bit. You need to get used to the humor.
The tone is sincere, but as somebody who follows since 2010, I would have liked some critical insight from the author, because I know she is intelligent enough to offer that. I also know she notoriously holds back on commenting. So, I should have had different expectations.
I understand that the point was to write some stories in a lighthearted way, while not offending or attacking anyone. That is definitely achieved.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth was going to be a Lawyer but she was scouted to be a model first.
This book gives an insight into the real world of modelling.
It reads like a travelogue and takes you to interesting places, it also tells us the readers about the people she meets, both nice and not so nice.
The author made this a fascinating and interesting read and she tells it like it is.
Also some things that happened then would hopefully not now.
I found it an enjoyable book done with humour and honesty.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book this was! Ruth’s narration was just the icing on top of the very hilarious cake.

A wonderful insight into the life of modelling in the early noughties, showing that it definitely was not all glitz and glamour.

Having followed Ruth on social media since the beginning, it wasn’t surprising at how well written this book was. It honestly felt like sitting in a bar with a friend hearing their stories.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Audio for the ARC.

[RM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the chance to listen to this audio version of this book.

I LOVED this book. I laughed out loud so many times while listening to this audiobook. This account of Ruth Crilly's journey from a law student to carving out a career in modelling is hilarious, honest and whilst light hearted, touches on topics of the pressure models were put under only 15-20years ago.

Definitely very well done and one to be read or listened to!

[Jennie Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good fun book!

I did wonder who many of the characters were IRL (Chambray, Danish Dani, Astrid and Loes) and try to do some googling, but I imagine Ruth has too much class for a full kiss and tell memoir and has probably changed their names.

A scintillating read anyhow, having followed Ruth's career since 'This Model Life' and grown up around the billboards with her famous gap-toothed smile. She is great fun to read! I hope she writes more about the afterlife of a supermodel! It was the career of my young dreams, but alas too short and maybe too weird looking! But can see there are definitely quite frightening moments where it wasn't all glamour and perfect photos!

[Fiona Powderly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I’ve followed Ruth for years and have always enjoyed her self-deprecating and sarcastic humour which is certainly present in her book. Her memoir is full of nostalgia of the 90’s and 00’s and brought back a lot of memories of being a teenager at that time. Completely recommend as an audiobook, which Ruth narrates and would say the stories are a little repetitive but a very enjoyable read/listen

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Listened to the audio book and read along with the kindle edition too**

I have followed Ruth Crilly for years on youtube and so I have known about this look for a very long time now. Really excited to finally listen/read!

I love that Crilly narrates the audiobook herself, and she makes a point of highlighting the fact she does all the voices and accents herself! I love that! Right from the off, you know she's not taking herself too seriously.

This book is so insightful. It's incredibly honest and has a real down to earth humour too.
I also found it very nostalgic as Crilly writes about an era that I remember fondly!

[Ginia O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I remember seeing Ruth on This Model Life years ago and have always had that ‘I know her!’ feeling when I saw her in an ad campaign. I binge-listened this audiobook and found it really interesting, insightful and funny. Would recommend for anyone, especially children of the nineties/noughties who were slightly obsessed with model shows.

[Lyndsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, fun read. I've been following Ruth on her blog and then Insta for aeons. She is a funny writer and I guffawed plenty at this, but it was a little repeptitive and I think it could have been a little more in-depth in places. Also, where are all the photos? A memoir usually has more than this, especially for a model!

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never heard of her before this and saw her book on the library site under available now so decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. It was an easy, fun read about her adventures in modeling in the 90's. She was hilarious and he narration was on point. If you're looking for a fun read this is it.

[Amanda Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a funny read.
I follow Ruth on social media and have always found her to be funny and interesting.
As she has gone on and on and on… about the book. I decided to buy it at long last.
I’m glad I did! Loved it.. a funny read about a young girls life as a model.
Sort of glamorous but the best part is that she didn’t take it too seriously.
Read it and enjoy. I did!

[jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

having followed Ruth on social media for a number of years i thought I knew her pretty well… well maybe not!
this is book is a riot of fun that is/was Ruth’s life it has me laughing, cringing and reminiscing about my own younger self.
A great insight into a models and Ruth’s life

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an incredibly evocative and nostalgic scene-setting opening! Oh, the 90s! ‘How Not To Be A Supermodel’ lays the industry bare via funny anecdotes and reminiscences from author Ruth Crilly. The audiobook narrated by the author is a good listen too.