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Fashion Model

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Fashion Model Career Details

Fashion models promote clothing and accessories to fashion buyers and customers. They appear modelling items in fashion shows or in photographs for catalogues, magazines and posters.

Models may work as:

Show models - who work through an agency. The agency takes bookings from clients who need models to display clothes at fashion shows. They might also work at fashion exhibitions, walking around to show off the clothes, and could demonstrate or display non-fashion items, such as cars or furniture, at product launches and exhibitions.

Photographic models - who are photographed in the studio or on location. Models follow the photographer and stylist’s directions, holding poses or facial expressions. Only a few top models work in the high-fashion women’s magazines; more opportunities exist modelling clothes for mail order catalogues, advertisements, newspapers and posters. With experience, they might work in TV or cinema advertising. Models with exceptional features such as teeth, hair and hands, can sometimes specialise in this particular work.

Fashion house models - who are used as live models while designers drape, cut and pin fabric and clothes on the model. They show finished clothes to buyers from shops and wholesalers, to fashion journalists and to individual customers. Models might show the collections at fashion shows, and might have other duties, such as greeting visitors or answering the phone.

Working Environment

There are no set working hours, but days can be very long.

Working conditions vary - models may work indoors in a wide range of locations or out of doors in all weathers. The work is physically demanding as models spend most of their time on their feet. They usually travel away from home for long or short periods, either auditioning or for shows and photo sessions.

Fashion Model Related Skills

To be a model you should be:

able to look after your complexion and figure, even when rushing from one job to the next
interested in fashion and trends in clothes, hair and make-up
confident and self-reliant, with the discipline to cope with long, tiring days and hectic atmospheres
professional with a pleasant personality for working with other models, photographers, designers and so on
resilient with the initiative to find work, especially in the early stages of your career
able to take criticism and rejection
punctual and well-prepared for each assignment
healthy with good stamina to cope with a demanding lifestyle.

Fashion Model Career Opportunities

Models are mostly self-employed and get work through a modelling agency.

Competition is strong and work can be difficult to find even after being accepted on an agency’s books. There are very few opportunities for permanent positions with wholesale and retail fashion businesses.

There are more opportunities for models based in and around London. However, the number of agencies based outside London is increasing. Prospects improve by gaining experience, contacts and exposure, and building an impressive portfolio. Once established, higher salaries and more interesting assignments are possible.

Most models finish their career before 30, although older models may be needed for specific assignments.

It may be possible to move into related areas, such as running a modelling agency, fashion journalism, or sales and marketing.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Fashion Model related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Fashion Model? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Fashion Model? Take a look at Adult learning Fashion Model courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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