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Fashion models promote clothing and accessory brands at fashion events and in magazines and digital media.
You could work: freelance / self-employed; attending events or appointments
You’ll often have to go to casting sessions with potential clients or agencies. You’ll also spend a lot of time looking after your appearance.
You could specialise in different types of modelling, like:
In fashion show modelling you'll walk along a catwalk, turning to display clothes in front of an audience. You'll work closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors.
In photographic, advertising and promotional modelling you'll:
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio, in a photographic studio or at a store.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
You can get into this job through:
You could develop your skills as a model by helping out with charity fashion shows.
You'll usually start your career by going to a model agency in person or sending photographs and details of your measurements to them.
You'll need a good appearance and the right 'look' for the area of modelling you want to go into.
You should usually be well-proportioned for fashion modelling, with regular features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. For other types of modelling you would need to fit in with the look that modelling agencies want.
You'll need to:
There's a lot of competition for modelling jobs. You don't need to do a modelling course or have an expensive portfolio of pictures. Also, model agencies are not allowed to charge an up-front fee for you to join them.
Reputable model agencies and Equity have advice on what to expect when starting out.
With experience, you could become a booker for a model agency or set up your own agency. You could also move into other areas of the fashion industry like styling or fashion journalism.
You might also find opportunities in areas like TV presenting or acting.