There was really no friendship in modeling, though a certain amount of warmth comes from running into models you know on shoots, because you end up in so many unfamiliar places, from Alaska to Africa.

In this quote, Carol Alt reflects on the nature of friendship in the modeling industry, acknowledging that while there may be moments of warmth when meeting familiar faces on shoots, true friendship is often lacking in this field. She points out that the transient, fast-paced nature of modeling—where models frequently find themselves in unfamiliar places like Alaska or Africa—limits the opportunity to form deep, lasting connections. The hectic schedule and constant travel make it difficult to establish meaningful friendships, as relationships in such an environment tend to be more superficial or fleeting.

Alt’s statement highlights the inherent challenges of building friendships in an industry where models are often working in isolation, moving from one shoot to another and rarely staying in one place long enough to nurture personal connections. While there may be moments of camaraderie and recognition, the nature of the work prevents these encounters from developing into true, long-term friendships.

The origin of this perspective likely comes from Alt’s extensive career as a model, where she would have experienced firsthand the challenges of forming personal relationships in an industry that prioritizes appearance, competition, and constant movement. Her insight speaks to the often impersonal, transient nature of the fashion world, where professional success is often prioritized over emotional connection.

Ultimately, Alt’s quote underscores the difficulty of forming friendships in a career where work is constantly shifting, and personal connections are often secondary to professional ones. The brief moments of warmth that can arise from encountering familiar faces provide temporary comfort, but they don’t have the time or space to develop into the deep friendships that are found in more stable, consistent environments.