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When one mentions modeling, it’s often associated with runway shows or models featured in fashion magazines, as the fashion industry has the highest number of models. The concept of modeling as a profession can be traced back to 1853 when Charles Frederick Worth, the father of Haute couture, asked his wife to model for his designs, as dresses were previously displayed on mannequins. With the rise of the fashion industry and fashion photography, modeling opportunities expanded. Lisa Fonssagrives is considered to be the first model who gained popularity after appearing in over 200 Vogue editions, which helped Vogue become a major player in the industry and provided a platform for aspiring models. It wasn’t until the 1960s that modeling truly took off, with the establishment of modeling agencies and agents as intermediaries. As of 2010, the modeling and talent industry in the USA was valued at a staggering $5 billion. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of modeling in the fashion world and highlight the top 5 modeling institutes in India.
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Fashion (Editorial) Model
Editorial models, also known as fashion models, tell visual stories through their photographs. This type of modeling involves showcasing current fashion and beauty trends, including makeup, hair, skincare, and designers, through pictorial storytelling. Editorial modeling is highly sought after because it sets the standard for trends in the fashion industry. Major fashion houses frequently employ fashion models, who are also regularly featured on the covers of international fashion magazines like Elle, Glamour, and Vogue. The standard height requirement for female fashion models is between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet, while male models are typically required to be between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 3 inches. Some of the most famous fashion models, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss, are household names. Other notable models in the industry include Chrissy Teigen, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Miranda Kerr. Due to the nature of their profession, fashion models must adhere to a strict lifestyle regimen that includes maintaining a healthy diet and fitness routine, as well as displaying professionalism and ambition.
Fashion (Catalog) Model
Catalog models are expected to have a more relatable appearance in order to appeal to a diverse audience and promote products or services through engaging visuals and content. Unlike fashion models, they are not subject to strict requirements regarding their physical appearance. However, catalog models still need to possess a captivating personality, a positive attitude, healthy hair and skin, and a radiant smile. The client’s specific catalog requirements may dictate the need for models of different ages, heights, sizes, and ethnicities.
Commercial Model
Commercial models possess a remarkable versatility that enables them to adapt to the specific needs and preferences of their clients. They come in different ages, sizes, shapes, and heights since their work entails advertising and marketing various products and services, or promoting events such as housewares, food, travel, cosmetics, and more. These models have the opportunity to work in various industries, including print, digital, retail, and television. Their main objective is to display retail clothing and effectively endorse products or services. Typically, female commercial models range in height from 5’6″ to 5’11”, while male models range from 5’9″ to 6’2″, as per industry standards. However, specific model requirements and preferences may vary depending on each client’s needs.
Mature Model
It’s never too late to pursue a career as a mature model. While experience is valuable, it’s essential to feel at ease in front of the camera and possess an elegant demeanor, warm personality, and professional mindset. Typically, a mature model is over 35 to 40 years old and maintains good health and fitness. A mature model doesn’t need to worry about grey hair, wrinkles, or age spots.. Several high-end fashion magazines, major fashion houses, and high streetwear brands are opening up to the The concept of featuring models of various ages in campaigns and catalogs has gained popularity. In addition, there are opportunities available in the health, pharmaceutical, and editorial fields. The success of models like Daphne Selfe, Frances Dunscombe, and Charles Schumann has demonstrated that age is not a barrier and it is possible to achieve success in the fashion industry at any point in life.
Promotional Model
Promotional models, also known as promo models or brand ambassadors, are hired by consumer-driven brands for various assignments. Their work involves participating in promotional events, trade shows, digital launches, live shows, and conventions. Their job is to interact with potential customers and create demand for a specific product or service. Therefore, they need to be outgoing and highly interactive to be successful in their role. One popular way to advertise or market a brand is through this method.. In addition to their physical attractiveness, promotional models should possess excellent communication skills, intelligence, a clear understanding of the client’s needs, and comprehensive knowledge about the product they are promoting. The more experience a promotional model gains, the greater their chances of securing jobs and gaining recognition from industry professionals.
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Parts Model
A Parts Model specializes in modeling for specific parts of the body such as hands, legs, feet, and facial features A parts model works on editorial, advertising, and catalog work. This type of modeling is focused on very specific visual requirements. For instance, for a jewelry brand endorsement, the model is required to have flawless, smooth even-toned skin, with well-trimmed and shaped nails.
Fit Model
Fit Models work with fashion designers and manufacturers to make sure that each garment has the ideal sizing, drape, fit, and movement. Since garment and fashion industries cater to a wider audience, their samples are made considering a variety of shapes and sizes in mind. Their products cannot be shipped without checking the size of their garments. That is where the role of a fit model comes into play. Fit models need not have the editorial and runway figures printed in magazines but their job requires them to be well-toned and maintain consistent body weight, whether petite or plus-sized. With ideal size 6 or 8 physiques, fit models play a very important role in how the clothes we buy actually fit.
Fitness Model
Fitness modeling is a highly competitive industry that takes hard work, determination, and dedication. Most fitness models are health enthusiasts. More often than not, fitness models have an athletic background. They maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat clean and radiate positive energy. These models can take on a wide range of roles owing to their versatility. There is a huge demand for fitness models in athletic wear and fitness companies, as well as supplement and commercial manufacturers. Learn how to enter the world of fitness models with our guide.
Glamour Model
The word ‘glamour’ means an attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing. Glamour modeling is a type of modeling that focuses on a model’s appearance or presentation. Glamour modeling is normally intended for commercial use, so images are used in magazines, posters, calendars, and advertisements for beauty and health products. Glamour models need to be a minimum of 18 years of age. Their bodies and appearance need to
strictly meet agency standards. The right location can add visual appeal to your glamour photoshoot. So it is important to learn how to choose the right locations that suit your theme, complement your outfit, and makeup and blend with your photographer’s style..
Swimsuit and Lingerie Model
Swimsuit and lingerie models are often confused with glamour models, but they are not the same. As the name suggests, swimsuits and lingerie models model-specific garments like lingerie, swimsuit, summer, and nightwear. These models can walk fashion runway shows, and appear in fashion editorials and even commercial catalogs for various brands, designers, and stores, depending on their skill, type, and versatility. These types of models are required to constantly monitor their diet and maintain proper shape and size.
Child Model
Think wide-eyed babies, grinning from ear to ear, donning the latest kids’ couture, or endorsing a range of products. Agencies typically look for children who are friendly, happy, interactive, crowd-friendly, and fast learners. They are generally below 13 years of age. From editorial jobs to advertising contracts, a child model can be employed in various projects. The size and height of a child model vary from one project to another. Agencies have a very skill-based approach when they make a selection. They mostly consider a child who is smart with the ability to interact and work with strangers. The child should be intuitive, adaptive, and understanding. Popular celebrities like Brooke Shields, Jodie Foster, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Connelly, Natalie Portman, and Anderson Cooper were all child models.
Petite Models
If you have unique looks, ooze confidence, sport a signature style, and have the right attitude, petite modeling can be a perfect fit for you. A petite model is generally above 5’ 1’’ and not taller than 5’ 7’’. You must know your characteristic strengths and strong features and use them to your advantage. As a petite model, you would find work in the fashion, commercial, glamour, and part sectors of modeling. Modeling assignments are available for select catalogs, ads, and magazines. New retailers are also catering to the petite category with dedicated styles. Lily-Rose Depp, Emily Ratajkowski, and Aaron Frew are some of the hugely popular petite models in the fashion industry.
Plus-Size Models
With increasing demand in the commercial and fashion industry, there are more opportunities for plus-size models. Most industries and agencies have a separate plus-size division, which is opening up new opportunities in the modeling world. More and more fashion agencies are giving a fresh perspective on modeling by redefining set standards of beauty’ in a fashion that is different from traditional mainstream modeling i.e. tall, skinny, and flawless. A plus-size model can walk runways, work on assignments with major fashion brands, and do commercial modeling for multiple magazines and media outlets. For print media, the requirement is size 12-14. The runway requires models in sizes 18-22. The ideal height for runways for a plus-size model is between 5’9’’ to 6’’. As a plus-size model, It is important to be comfortable in your own skin. You must be confident, and promote a healthy lifestyle focused on mental and physical well-being. Plus-size models who have taken the modeling world by storm are Iskra Lawrence, Ashley Graham, Tabria Majors, and Hayley Hasselhoff to name a few.
Runway Models
Runway Models or catwalk models are perhaps the most influential, as they popularize a lot of fashion-driven content and adaptations in personal styling. The height requirements are 5.9 and above for female models and between 5’11” to 6’2″ for male models. The fashion industry is very strict and has high, and sometimes unreasonable standards. Since the requirements are not very flexible, it is a hard industry to get into. Most fashion designers hire models to fit into their collections. Skinny models are mostly preferred.
