Introduction
The life of a fashion model, often glamorized in magazines, advertisements, and movies, can seem like an endless whirlwind of luxury and high-profile events. However, behind the polished photoshoots and designer outfits lies a complex, challenging, and competitive industry that demands resilience, dedication, and hard work. Fashion models must constantly adapt to new trends, maintain their physical and mental health, and navigate a world that often sees them as commodities rather than individuals. In this exploration of a fashion model’s life, we’ll take an in-depth look at the many facets of the modeling industry, from the realities of their daily lives to the pressures they face in both their personal and professional careers.
- The Path to Becoming a Fashion Model
Becoming a fashion model typically doesn’t happen overnight. The journey often starts in the teen years, with many models discovered through agencies, talent scouts, or even social media. However, the competition is fierce, and the modeling world is often inaccessible to those without the right connections or physical attributes. Here’s how most models break into the industry:
- The Discovery
For many aspiring models, the first step is getting noticed. While some models are discovered at a young age through scout agencies or social media platforms like Instagram, others may take more traditional routes through modeling competitions or local modeling agencies. Regardless of the path, a model’s look and appeal to brands or agencies must be aligned with the current fashion trends.
- Agencies and Contracts
Once a model is discovered, they typically sign with a modeling agency. These agencies act as intermediaries between models and clients, helping models secure work, negotiate contracts, and ensure their well-being during shoots. For many models, working with a reputable agency is a crucial step to ensuring their careers are handled professionally and that they receive fair compensation.
- Development and Training
Although some models may have a natural talent for posing or walking, most models undergo extensive training. This includes learning how to walk on the runway, posing in front of the camera, developing a personal style, and understanding the fashion industry’s ins and outs. New models often spend time building their portfolios and gaining experience in photoshoots before they’re offered major contracts with high-end brands.
- A Day in the Life of a Fashion Model
While the perception of a fashion model’s life often includes luxury and glamour, the reality is that a model’s daily routine is demanding, unpredictable, and, at times, exhausting. The following is an overview of what a typical day might look like for a fashion model.
- Waking Up Early
Models’ days often start early. Early morning calls for shoots or shows are common, especially for runway models who must prepare their look for fashion week events or other high-profile shows. After a few hours of sleep, they may begin their day with skin and body care routines, including facials, hair care, and exercise to maintain their physique.
- Fitness Regimens
Maintaining an ideal body type is a major part of the modeling industry. Models, especially those in high fashion, are expected to maintain lean, toned figures. Many models work with personal trainers or attend yoga classes, pilates, or dance sessions to stay in top physical shape. Fitness is not just about aesthetics—it’s also essential for stamina during long photoshoots or runway walks.
- Photoshoots and Castings
Once at work, a model’s schedule might consist of multiple photoshoots in a day. A fashion model could be on set for a magazine editorial, catalog shoot, or commercial. The process involves getting into wardrobe and makeup, adjusting to the environment, and posing for hours on end, often under intense lighting or in physically uncomfortable conditions. Between shoots, models may attend castings or auditions to secure future work. Castings are competitive, and many models face rejection, making persistence and self-confidence essential qualities.
- Fashion Shows and Runway Events
For runway models, fashion shows are a core part of the job. Whether it’s New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, or another prestigious event, runway models are often required to learn multiple walks for various designers in a short amount of time. Runway shows can be grueling, involving fast-paced, back-to-back rehearsals and shows, sometimes lasting for hours on end. However, the thrill of walking in front of hundreds of spectators and being part of a top-tier runway show can be one of the most rewarding parts of a model’s career.
- Traveling for Work
For successful models, traveling is a major part of the job. Models are often required to go to different cities or even countries to work on various photoshoots, attend casting calls, or participate in fashion shows. While this can be exciting, it can also be taxing, as models must adapt to different time zones, locations, and environments while maintaining their appearance and energy levels.
- Post-Shoot: Rest and Recovery
After a long day, models often have little time for rest, but maintaining their mental and physical health is crucial. Rest is essential for recovery from the physical exertions of a photoshoot or runway show. Some models relax by spending time with family, friends, or doing activities they enjoy, while others may use the downtime to focus on other aspects of their personal lives.
- The Pressure of Perfection
The modeling industry places immense pressure on individuals to meet specific standards of beauty and physical appearance. While there is increasing recognition of diversity and body positivity in the industry, fashion models are still predominantly expected to maintain a very specific, often unattainable, physique.
- Physical Appearance
The modeling industry, particularly high fashion, has historically favored models with tall, thin bodies. Female models are often expected to be between 5’9″ and 6’0″ tall, with measurements close to 34-24-34 inches. While the industry is slowly evolving to embrace more diverse body types, the pressure to maintain this idealized image can be overwhelming for many models, particularly young women.
- Body Image and Mental Health
The pressure to maintain a particular body type can lead to negative body image and mental health challenges. Eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are unfortunately common in the modeling world. Models often face scrutiny about their weight, height, and appearance, and some may resort to extreme measures like dieting, over-exercising, or using harmful substances to meet industry standards.
Additionally, the rise of social media has added another layer of pressure, with models now scrutinized not only by designers and agencies but also by the public. Negative comments and online criticism can have lasting effects on a model’s self-esteem and mental health.
- Rejection and Self-Worth
Rejection is a regular part of the modeling world. Models may attend multiple castings and face being turned away for reasons outside of their control. The pressure to remain confident despite facing regular rejection is immense, and many models struggle with maintaining a positive self-image in an industry that often values appearance over personal qualities.
- The Business Side of Modeling
While the artistic and physical aspects of modeling are most visible to the public, the business side is where much of a model’s success lies. Models must navigate contracts, negotiations, and personal branding to maintain a sustainable career.
- Agents and Management
A model’s career is typically managed by an agent, whose job it is to secure work, negotiate rates, and ensure that the model is treated fairly. A good agent plays an integral role in a model’s career, offering advice on career direction, negotiating deals, and managing day-to-day logistics. Models often sign exclusive contracts with agencies, which may limit their ability to work with other agencies or clients.
- Personal Branding and Social Media
In the modern era, models must also be skilled in personal branding, particularly through social media platforms like Instagram, which has become a vital tool for success. Models are often expected to have a strong online presence, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives, promoting brands, and interacting with fans. A successful social media strategy can help models secure major endorsement deals and build a loyal following.
- Financial Challenges
Although modeling can be lucrative, it also comes with financial challenges. Early in their careers, models may struggle with inconsistent income, as work can be sporadic, especially for freelance models. It’s important for models to manage their finances carefully, as they may not have a steady income stream until they become established.
- The Future of Fashion Modeling
The future of fashion modeling is evolving. While traditional beauty standards still dominate the industry, there’s growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Models of various sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds are being embraced, and this trend is reshaping the way we view beauty in the fashion world.
- Diversity and Inclusion
Brands and agencies are increasingly hiring models that reflect the diversity of the real world. Models of different body types, races, genders, and ages are gaining visibility in campaigns and runway shows, leading to a shift in how beauty is defined in the fashion industry. This change is challenging outdated standards and offering new opportunities for models who might have once been overlooked.
- The Role of Technology
Advances in technology, such as AI and virtual modeling, are changing the way the modeling industry operates. While some fear that these technologies could replace human models, others see it as an opportunity for the industry to expand, making modeling more accessible to a global audience. Virtual models, like Lil Miquela, have already gained a following, and it’s likely that digital modeling will continue to play a role in the future of fashion.