Fashion Model

Open Position:

• Commercial Models
• Glamour Models
• Hand Models

Job Description

A fashion model’s role involves representing brands and designers by wearing their clothing and accessories in photo shoots, commercials, and runway shows. This requires physical attractiveness and the ability to maintain an elegant and graceful appearance through long, exhausting hours. Models receive clothing items from designers or brands and work with stylists and photographers to take a series of snapshots for use in print or online campaigns. They must carefully listen to direction and work well with others, including other models. Additionally, fashion models may film television commercials and other video advertisements, which can add complexity and require longer hours of work or speaking parts in advertisements, which may require memorization of lines or reading of cue cards while still highlighting the items they wear. They also participate in runway shows where designers premiere seasonal or new collections and need to walk with poise and convey a particular emotion under the designer’s direction.

There are no specific educational requirements to become a fashion model, but they must meet the requirements of the client. Skills and talents such as presentation skills are essential, as fashion models must pose for shoots, commercials, and shows, and be aware of how they are presenting themselves.

Responsibilities for a model include building good working relationships with photographers, directors, fashion coordinators, and other models, holding various poses for extended periods, and performing quick outfit changes during fashion shows without damaging outfits and accessories.

Responsibilities

Fashion models are responsible for showcasing clothing and accessories to promote brands and designers. Their duties include posing for photographs, walking in fashion shows, and participating in other promotional events. They must maintain a certain look and style that aligns with the brand or designer they are representing.

Models often work closely with stylists, hair and makeup artists, and photographers to ensure they present the desired image.

They may also be required to change outfits multiple times during shows and maintain a portfolio and composite card to actively seek new modeling opportunities.

Additionally, fashion models need to build good working relationships with photographers, directors, fashion coordinators, and other models.

They must be able to hold various poses for extended periods and perform quick outfit changes during fashion shows without damaging outfits and accessories.

Fashion modeling can involve a lot of travel both domestically and internationally to attend castings, fashion shows, and photo shoots in cities like Paris, Milan, and Madrid.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prioritizing exercise is important for models to stay physically fit and mentally well.

Fashion models can work full-time or part-time, and their hours and schedules may be erratic and unpredictable as they work on different assignments.

Requirements

Fashion models are required to meet specific aesthetic standards and possess certain skills to succeed in the industry. They must be well-proportioned, have regular features, and maintain healthy skin, teeth, and hair.4 While formal education is not required, many models benefit from attending modeling schools or taking classes to improve their skills.15 These skills include posing, altering facial expressions, and walking down the catwalk correctly.1

Key requirements for becoming a fashion model include:

• Physical attractiveness and the ability to be elegant and graceful.
• A well-presented portfolio of work.
• A well-maintained physical appearance.
• Willingness to work irregular hours.
• Corroborative skills.
• Excellent physical stamina.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• English Language ( ILETS Certificate)

Model Body Requirements

Fashion model body requirements vary depending on the type of modeling. For runway or catwalk models, the standard height for female models is typically at least 5’9″ and for male models, it is usually between 6’0″ and 6’3″. Female models should have a bust between 32″-36″, a waist between 22″-26″, and hips between 33″-35″. Male models should have a waist of 29-32 inches and a chest of 39-40 inches.

Commercial models, who work in advertising and catalogues, have slightly more flexible requirements. Female commercial models can be as tall as 5’6″ to 5’11” and have bust sizes between 32″-35″, hips between 33″-35″, and a waist between 22″-26″.

Fit models, who help designers see how different clothes and sizes fit on the human body, should generally fit industry standard sizes. Female fit models are usually between 5’4″ and 5’9″ tall, while male fit models are usually 6’1″ and above.

Plus-size models promote body diversity and inclusivity, often wearing sizes 12 and up. They should exude confidence and maintain a positive body image.

It is important to note that the modeling industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive, with a shift towards more varied body types and sizes. However, the traditional standards for runway models remain strict.

Benefits

In Madrid, the fashion industry has seen a shift in body standards, with a focus on skinnier models in recent years. However, some models and designers advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. For instance, Charles Jeffrey, a designer known for his inclusive approach, believes that body positivity is not just a trend but a moral imperative. His brand, inspired by the queer nightlife scene, casts models of various body shapes and sizes, reflecting the diversity of his community.

On the other hand, some industry insiders argue that brands adopt body positivity only when it serves as a commercial opportunity. When this strategy no longer yields the desired results, brands may revert to using skinnier models. For example, Shaun Beyen, a casting director for the iconic French brand Fursac, stated that the primary motivation for brands is to sell clothes, and they may not be genuinely committed to inclusivity.

Despite these challenges, there are Madrid-based models and influencers who promote body positivity and inclusivity. Celia, a curvy model and content creator based in Madrid, is one such influencer who advocates for diverse body types in the fashion industry.

In summary, while the fashion industry in Madrid has predominantly favored skinnier models, there are still voices and individuals pushing for greater body diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Please write in a application message. What position are you applying for?

• Commercial Models: Commercial models appear in advertisements and commercials for various products. Unlike fashion models, there are no rigid physical requirements, and they need effective communication, flexibility, good looks, and acting abilities.
• Glamour Models: Promoting sensuality and sexual appeal, glamour models target adult audiences with appearances in videos, calendars, websites, and periodicals. They often specialize in swimwear and lingerie and can become very famous and wealthy, but they also face stigma and ridicule from the public.
• Hand Models: Hand models are hired to showcase hands and fingers in advertisements and commercials. They do not need to show their face or body and must have aesthetically pleasing hands and nails.