Emily Ratajkowski is an acclaimed model and actress, an engaged political progressive, a formidable entrepreneur, a global social media phenomenon, and, with the release My Body last year, a successful writer. Rocketing to world fame at age twenty-one, Ratajkowski sparked both praise and furore with the provocative display of her body.
My Body is a collection of profoundly personal essays. Ratajkowski chronicles moments from her life, investigating commodification, feminism, and trauma.
The book’s exploration of the dynamics of the fashion and film industries is an interesting catalyst for discussions around your own industry. By considering Ratajkowski’s experiences with personal agency, controversy, and success, you can explore your own relationship with the work you create, as well as with the people who help bring your designs to life.
Ratajkowski grapples with a loss of agency throughout her career, from being under the control of her agent to losing ownership of her image. What does ownership mean for you? What value do you place on it? How might you retain it?
Ratajkowski has caused strong - and often negative - reactions from the public, for example in her Blurred Lines appearance. What value might lie in causing controversy? How willing are you to take risks?
Ratajkowski mentions feeling restricted to her role as a model, with other parts of her person often being ignored or undervalued. Have you experienced this kind of treatment? How might you address it?
Ratajkowski carves success out of what she herself describes as a flawed system, facing a lot of traumatic experiences along the way. Think about the flaws and obstacles present in your own career. Do you agree with Ratajkowski’s approach?