A fashion model works with consumer brands, fashion designers, fashion photographers, and artists to advertise a wide array of products. Consumer brands hire models to wear fashionable clothing in magazines, on runways, or to model cosmetic products. Models generally have stylists and makeup artists crafting their clothing, hairstyles, and appearance, but they are ultimately responsible for how they portray their look in front of the camera.
10 Basic Types of Fashion Models
There are ten basic types of models in the fashion world. Each type of modelinghas its own set of requirements:
- Editorial models. These fashion models often appear in fashion magazines, like Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar, wearing the latest designs from a particular fashion designer or clothing brand. Editorial models pose for fashion photographers during photoshoots, taking direction, and following their own artistic instinct to help capture the perfect image. Female models are categorized by their height and measurements, and are typically five feet, nine inches or taller and slim. Male models are categorized by their height and measurements, and are typically around six feet tall and slim.
- Runway models. These fashion models walk the catwalk during fashion shows, displaying carefully curated ensembles for audiences that set the current tone or upcoming trends for the fashion world. All runway models are categorized by their height and measurements, and are typically over five feet, nine inches and slim.
Cara Delevingne - Plus-size models. In the fashion modeling industry, models who are larger than the editorial standard are considered full-figured or curvy. They primarily model plus-size clothing designs.
- Parts models. Parts models only model a specific body part in product photography. For example, they may use their hands to model a new nail polish, or their feet to advertise a new sandal. Parts models must take special care of their coveted feature to ensure it stays in optimal condition.
- Fitness models. Maintaining peak physical fitness is a major requirement for fitness models. These fashion models exercise regularly, creating a toned and muscular physique. Fitness models usually appear in magazines, advertising supplements, workout attire, or gym facilities.
- Glamour models. Glamour models are usually hired based on their appearance and sexual appeal. Brands and fashion photographers hire glamour models to appear in certain magazines, calendars, and music videos.
- Lingerie models. Lingerie models pose in brassieres and underwear for photoshoots, catalogs, and magazines. These fashion models also work the runway to show off the latest undergarment fashion for lingerie brands and designer.
- Swimsuit models. Swimsuit models pose in bathing suits, showing off the latest in summer swimwear. The magazine Sports Illustrated is most known for its athletic swimsuit model features.
- Promotional models. Brands hire this type of fashion model to market their products and services. Brands hire promotional models, commonly known as influencers, to promote their products and services to their target audiences.
- Catalog models. Companies hire these commercial models for their relatable image. This type of modeling has more flexibility in terms of appearance. Catalogs typically feature models who look like everyday people, rather than runway-ready supermodels. This type of commercial modeling includes mainstream retail clothing, and products that are more accessible to general consumers.
Resources: