MODEL and MODELING

A model (from Middle French modèle//aew), sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products (notably fashion clothing) or to serve as a subject of works of art

In the fashion world, models are divided into two categories: Editorial and Commercial. While most fashion models do editorial work, editorial models are regarded as high fashion models. They participate mostly in fashion shows and are seen in magazines such as Vogue and it’s like. A good example of an editorial model would be Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss. Commercial fashion models, while they may also appear in fashion magazines and advertisements, they most notably advertise products. Some notable commercial fashion models are Irina Shayk, and Josie Maran.

Modeling is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as acting, dancing or mime artist, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is almost never considered modeling.

There are many sub-genres of modeling including fashion editorial, lifestyle editorial, runway, commercials, catalog, glamour, fitness, beauty, fine art, body part and lifestyle. Each sub-genre is associated with a certain type of modeling. Fashion models may work in any sub-genre. However, other models such as glamour models and commercial print are limited based on certain requirements.

History

The modeling profession was first established in 1853 by Charles Frederick Worth, the "father of haute couture, when he asked his wife, Marie Vernet Worth, to model the clothes he designed. The term "house model" was coined to describe the type of work. Eventually, this became a common practice for Parisian fashion houses. There were no model measurement requirements and most designers would use women of varying sizes to demonstrate variety in their designs.

With the development of fashion photography, the modeling profession expanding to photo modeling. Models remained fairly anonymous and relatively poorly paid until the late 1950s, though often marrying well. One of the first well known models was Lisa Fonssagrives who was very popular in the 1930s. Fonssagrives appeared on over 200 Vogue covers and her name recognition led to the importance of Vogue in shaping the careers of fashion models. In 1946, Ford Models was established by Eileen and Gerard Ford in New York; it is one of the oldest model agencies in the world.

By the late 1960s, London was the best market in Europe due to their more organized approach to modeling, which innovated the modeling industry. It was during this time models became house hold names. Models like Jean Shrimpton, Joanna Lumley, Tania Mallet, Celia Hammond, Twiggy, Penelope Tree, and Pauline Stone dominated the London fashion scene and were well paid unlike their predecessors.

In 1967 seven of the top model agents in London formed the Association of London Model Agents (ALMA). The formation of this association helped legitimize modeling and changed the fashion industry. Even with a more professional attitude towards modeling, models were still expected to have their hair and makeup done before they arrived at the shoot. However, agencies took the responsibility of a models promotional materials and branding. That same year, former top fashion model Wilhelmina Cooper opened up her own fashion agency wither her husband called Wilhelmina Models.

By the 1980s, most models were able to make modeling a full-time profession. It was common for models to travel abroad and work throughout Europe. As modeling became global numerous agencies began to think globally. In 1980 Ford Models, the innovator of scouting introduced the Ford Super Model of the World contest. That same year, John Casablancas opened Elite Models in New York. In 1981, cosmetics companies began contracting top models to lucrative endorsement deals.

The early 1990s were dominated by the supermodels of the late 1980s. In 1990, Linda Evangelista said to Vogue that "we don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day". This comment completely changed the landscape of supermodels. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Tatjana Patitz became the most recognizable supermodels, catapulting each of them into superstardom and wealth.

By the mid‑1990s, a new movement emerged called heroin chic. While the supermodels of the 1980s were still in demand, the heroin chic look was popular amongst New York and London editorial clients. The model who inspired the heroin chic movement was Jamie King who actually suffered from heroin addiction. However, it was Kate Moss who became the poster child of the heroin chic movement through her ads with Calvin Klein. It was during the heroin chic era were fashion split into two different categories: editorial and commercial.

The heroin chic era ran its course by the late 1990s and teen-inspired clothing infiltrated mainstream fashion. Pop music was on the rise and artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera popularized pleather and midriffs. As fashion changed to a more youthful demographic, the models that rose to fame had to be sexier for the digital age. The Brazilian Bombshells invaded the modeling industry due to the popularity of healthier looking models such as Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum of the late 1990s. Models like Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Ana Beatriz Barros rose to fame on the runways of Europe in the late 1990s and dominated throughout the 2000s. However, no models have surpassed the influence of the Big 6 models of the early 1990s.

In the 2000s, the Brazilians bombshells were still in demand but quickly fell out of favour on the runways. On the other side of the spectrum, editorial clients were favouring models that had a china-doll or alien look to them, such as Gemma Ward and Lily Cole. During the 2000s,

In the early 21st century, runway walks became less flamboyant compared to the late 20th century, when Naomi Campbell and other supermodels were known for their distinct struts. Instead, most designers preferred a natural stroll. (To be continued)