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 long periods of standing, walking and holding poses.

The pay is very variable and 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 and fees are negotiated for each assignment by a model agency, which takes around 20 per cent of earnings as commission.

A fashion model should:

• have good, natural fashion sense
• be well groomed, poised and graceful
• be confident, patient and self-disciplined
• have strength and resilience for long working hours and coping with criticism and rejection
• be genuinely interested in current fashion trends
• enjoy keeping in good shape and condition.

Model agencies and assignments are mainly concentrated in London. For many the work is irregular, and many models need additional jobs to make a full-time living. Although work opportunities are increasing, modelling is highly competitive with many applicants for each job.

It is advisable to obtain work through a recognised agency. Reputable agencies only require snapshot photos at entry stage. An agency is not allowed to ask an applicant for money in advance in return for a promise of help in finding work. The Association of Model Agents (AMA) provides a list of their member agencies.

There are no set entry requirements. It is necessary to have an excellent appearance and personality, a body in good shape and condition, clear, healthy skin, and good teeth, hair and hands. Good posture is also essential.

Most female entrants are teenagers, but agencies will consider entrants in their 20s. Most male entrants are between 16 and 30 years of age. Older and 'plus' models have usually been in the industry for some time and carry on for some years if their figures are still well proportioned and their general appearance is good.

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

Models employed by fashion houses may have the opportunity to be promoted to senior model or supervisor. The success of a model depends on building a strong reputation to ensure regular, well-paid work.

Further details