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

There are various types of modelling work:

Live (show) models display clothes at fashion shows. They might also work at fashion exhibitions, walking around to show off the clothes. Some show models do promotional work to demonstrate non-fashion items like cars or furniture at product launches and exhibitions.

Photographic models are photographed in the studio or on location for magazines, newspapers, mail order catalogues, advertising campaigns and TV advertisements. They hold poses and facial expressions following a photographer and stylist’s directions. Some specialise in modelling a particular good feature of theirs, such as hands, feet or legs.

Fashion house models, also known as in-house models, are used as lived models while designers drape, cut and pin fabric and clothes onto them. They show the finished garments to fashion buyers, fashion journalists and individual customers. In-house models may also have reception and administrative duties.

Hours and Environment

Your working hours as a model can be very long and irregular, and may include early starts and late finishes.

As a live model, you will mainly work indoors in showrooms, stores and fashion show venues. Photographic models could work indoors in studios and other venues, or outdoors in all weather conditions, depending on the needs of the shoot.

The job involves a lot of travel (sometimes overseas) to attend castings, fashion shows and photo shoots, which may mean having to stay away from home for anything from a day to a few weeks at a time.

Skills and Interests

To be a model you need:

• good grooming and a willingness to look after yourself
• fashion sense and awareness of trends
• the ability to move well
• confidence, self-reliance and discipline
• a pleasant, professional attitude with good ‘people skills’
• good time-keeping
• patience, stamina and fitness to cope with long, tiring days and travelling
• the ability to cope with criticism and rejection
• some business skills, for self-employment.

Entry

To work as a model you need a good appearance and the right ‘look’. You do not need any formal qualifications.

You should be well-proportioned with even features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. The Association of Model Agents (AMA) recommends the following measurements for models:

• females should have bust-waist-hip measurements of around 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86cms) and be at least five feet eight inches (1.72m) tall
• males should have a 38-40 inch (97-102cm) chest and a 30-32 inch (76-81cm) waist and be at least six feet (1.83m) tall.

The AMA also has guidelines for larger size (‘plus-size) models.

An agency may accept you for photographic or promotional work if you are not the standard fashion model size, as long as you have the right ‘look’.

Most fashion models start in their teens, but some agencies employ models of all ages for photographic work. Anyone modelling before legal school leaving age must be licensed by their local Education and Welfare Authority, under the Children & Young Persons Act.

You will usually start your career by sending photographs to a modelling agency. Many model agencies also employ talent scouts, who go out looking for people with the potential for a modelling career.

You do not need to do a modelling course to get onto the books of an agency, and you should be wary of paying for portfolio pictures – agencies will be able to assess your potential without expensive photos or training.

You should not have to pay an up-front fee to join an agency (although they may deduct an administration fee when you start to earn money). To avoid exploitation, you should make sure that you join a reputable agency – contact AMA or Alba Model Information for details (see Further Information below).

Training

Once you have been accepted by a modelling agency, you will usually be given some training in skills such as:

• basic walks, turns and poses
• photographic modelling techniques
• diet and health
• skin care and grooming
• how to work with agents.

Some courses also provide you with a few professional photographs (known as ‘test shots’) to get your portfolio started to show to agents and employers.

Most agencies will not charge you up-front for training and test shots if they believe you have potential, although they may deduct a fee from your earnings when you first find paid assignments.

Some independent modelling schools provide similar courses, but they can be expensive and offer no guarantee of work.

Opportunities

As a model, you will usually be self-employed and get work through a modelling agency.

Competition is strong, and being accepted on an agency’s books is no guarantee of regular modelling work. Models often take on other types of work between assignments to earn a living. There are a few opportunities for permanent full- or part-time house models with wholesale or retail fashion businesses.

Most modelling work is based in and around London, although the number of agencies outside London is increasing. You will improve your chances of a successful career by gaining experience, contacts and exposure, and building a good portfolio.

It is rare to model full-time after the age of around 30, although commercial photographic work is available for experienced models of other ages.

With experience, you could become a booker for a model agency, set up your own agency, or move into other areas of the fashion industry, such as styling or fashion journalism. Some models branch out into the entertainment industry, such as TV presenting or acting.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Earnings vary depending on the number of jobs a model gets and how established they become. Most models work on a freelance basis through an agent and are paid for each job. Rates can vary from around £50 to £1,000 a booking. Agents usually take 20% of the earnings.

Models working for fashion houses may earn between around £10,000 to over £40,000 a year.

Further information

122 Brompton Road
London
SW3 1JD
Tel: 020 7564 6466
(Please send a stamped addressed envelope for information)