Fashion Model

Fashion models play an important part in promoting new fashions to customers, fashion buyers and the media. They:

• model for designers creating new garments and/or accessories
• model new items of clothing at catwalk fashion shows
• pose for photographers working for newspaper, magazine, calendar or book publishers, mail order catalogues and advertising companies.

Working hours are often irregular, likely to include early starts and late finishes, and may include weekends. Live models work mainly indoors, in showrooms and fashion show venues. Photographic models work indoors in photographic studios or outdoors in all locations and weathers. Work is often physically demanding, involving standing, walking and holding poses for long periods of time.

The pay is very variable. There may be little or no income whilst models establish themselves. Fees may start at £100 to £200 a day. A few well-known top models can earn extremely high fees. Models are self-employed, with fees negotiated for each assignment by a model agency.

A fashion model needs:

• fashion sense
• good grooming and posture
• confidence, patience and self-discipline
• a professional attitude
• genuine interest in current fashion trends.

Model agencies and assignments are mainly concentrated in London. For many the work is irregular. Entry to modelling is highly competitive. It is advisable to obtain work through a recognised agency. An agency is not allowed to ask an applicant for money in advance in return for a promise of help in finding work. Be wary of any agency or management company that asks for money upfront or insists on the production of an expensive portfolio.

There are no set entry requirements. It is necessary to have the right 'look' for the job, a body in good shape and condition, clear, healthy skin and good teeth, hair and hands. Good posture is also essential.

Reputable agencies only require snapshot photos at entry stage. Most female entrants are teenagers, but agencies will consider people in their 20s. Most male entrants are between 16 and 30 years of age. Older and 'plus' models are usually well established within the industry.

Most training is on the job, including guidance on appearance, skin care and hairstyles, basic walks, turns and poses, diet and photographic modelling techniques.

Prospects improve by gaining experience, contacts and exposure and building an impressive portfolio. Once models are established, higher salaries and more interesting assignments are possible. Moving into related areas, such as running certain aspects of a modelling agency, fashion journalism or styling, is possible. Some models branch out into entertainment.

Further details