Fashion model

Fashion Model

A fashion model is a person who is employed to display, advertise, and promote commercial products (notably clothing in fashion shows), or to serve as a visual aid for people who are creating works of art or to pose for photography. Fashion models are featured in a variety of media formats including magazines, television, and online media.

History

The concept of modeling as a profession was first established in 1853 by Charles Frederick Worth, the "father of haute couture," when he asked his wife, Marie Vernet Worth, to model the clothes he designed. The term "model" was coined to describe this new profession.

Types of Fashion Models

Fashion modeling is a diverse field with several types of models, each serving different purposes in the fashion industry:

Runway Models

Runway models, also known as catwalk models, are hired to showcase a designer's clothing line during a fashion show. They are typically tall and slender, with a height requirement of at least 5'9" for women and 6'0" for men.

Editorial Models

Editorial models appear in fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. These models are often featured in high-fashion photo shoots and are known for their unique and striking looks.

Commercial Models

Commercial models appear in advertisements for a wide range of products, including clothing, beauty products, and household goods. They have a more "girl-next-door" appearance and are not restricted by the same height and size requirements as runway models.

Plus-Size Models

Plus-size models represent the larger end of the modeling spectrum and are typically size 12 and up. They are increasingly in demand as the fashion industry embraces body diversity.

Fitness Models

Fitness models are known for their athletic and toned physiques. They often appear in advertisements for sportswear, fitness magazines, and health-related products.

The Modeling Industry

The modeling industry is a global business with major fashion capitals including New York City, Paris, Milan, and London. Models are often represented by modeling agencies, which help them secure work and manage their careers.

Modeling Agencies

Modeling agencies are companies that represent models and help them find work. Some of the most prestigious agencies include IMG Models, Elite Model Management, and Ford Models.

Challenges in the Industry

The modeling industry is known for its competitive nature and high standards. Models often face pressure to maintain a certain body image, and the industry has been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards.

Impact of Technology

The rise of social media platforms like Instagram has transformed the modeling industry, allowing models to build their own personal brands and reach a global audience. Many models now work as influencers, promoting products directly to their followers.

Notable Fashion Models

Some of the most famous fashion models include:

• Naomi Campbell
• Cindy Crawford
• Gisele Bündchen
• Kate Moss
• Tyra Banks

See Also

• Fashion photography
• Haute couture
• Modeling agency

References

• "The Business of Fashion: Modeling." Business of Fashion.
• "History of Fashion Modeling." Fashion History Timeline.