Fashion models are individuals who showcase clothing, accessories, and other fashion items by wearing them in various settings, such as runways, photoshoots, and advertisements. Their primary role is to visually present designers' creations, helping to translate artistic vision into a tangible form that people can relate to and aspire towards. Models often become style icons, influencing public perceptions of beauty and fashion trends.
Their work extends beyond mere display; they often embody the brand they represent, contributing to its identity and appeal. Through their visibility, fashion models can have a significant impact on societal standards of beauty and style, often shaping cultural trends and public attitudes towards fashion.
Fashion modeling began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the rise of haute couture in Paris. Initially, designers used live mannequins to display clothes to customers in their salons. As the fashion industry grew, so did the prominence of models, with their roles expanding to include photo shoots and runway shows. Post World War II, the modeling industry boomed, leading to the emergence of supermodels in the 1960s. These models became household names, gracing magazine covers and becoming style icons. Throughout the decades, fashion models have reflected and influenced the evolving beauty standards and fashion trends of their times.
The role of fashion models is evolving with technology and shifting societal values. Digital innovations, like virtual and augmented reality, are beginning to complement traditional runway shows and photoshoots, potentially leading to digital or virtual models. There's also a growing emphasis on diversity and body positivity, which is likely to continue shaping the industry.
Models are increasingly becoming voices for social and environmental causes, using their platforms to advocate for change. Influencer-models, who leverage social media to connect directly with audiences, are redefining the relationship between models, brands, and consumers, making the industry more accessible and inclusive. This trend suggests a more varied and socially engaged role for models.
A supermodel is a well-paid high-fashion model that has modeled internationally and typically has an extensive modeling portfolio. Supermodels typically work with the world’s leading fashion designers, have several model agencies throughout the world, and high-paying contracts. Supermodels are often recognizable by name or the brands they represent.
In the United States, the typical fashion model yearly salary is $112,000. The money fashion models make is dependent on their experience level, the brands the fashion model works with, and even their geographical location. Their pay is also dependent on the type of modeling they do like runway modeling.
Fashion models tend not to smile to ensure that the viewers focus is on the clothing and accessories they are modeling instead of on themselves. Showing any sense of expression or emotion distracts the viewer from the clothes or the message that the fashion designer is trying to convey.
