Modelling in fashion design is one of the most important aspects of the fashion industry. It’s the practice of presenting clothing or accessories in a fashion show and/or photoshoot to create visual representations of their designs. Models are seen as mannequins that bring the designer’s visions to life, literally walking in the clothing designers present for the world to see. It is a fundamental part of the fashion world and the industry would be much less creative without it.
Types of Models
There are many different types of modelling which can be used to cast a designer’s vision, but the most popular are: Runway, Commercial, and Artistic.
Runway Models
Runway models are the ones you see on stage who stride back and forth and present the clothing in all its glory. They tend to be tall and thin and require the necessary experience and fitness to deliver a memorable and eye-catching performance.
Commercial Models
Unlike runway models, commercial models are usually selected to give a feeling of more average everyday look for the clothing. Often, commercial models have curves and expressions that reflect the customer that would typically buy the garment and give fashion designers a more marketable look for their garments.
Artistic Models
Artistic models help to tell a story or evoke an emotion in a more creative way. They may not reflect the same customer intended to buy the clothing, but they help to create a picture in the minds of shoppers and stretch the imagination.
Importance of the Model
The model is incredibly important to the success of a fashion designer or brand. They are the faces and figures of the clothes and it’s up to them to bring the ideas to life. Without them, designers are simply left with sketches, drawings, or swatches of fabric that do not reflect the mood or personality of a piece.
Apart from bringing to life the designs, models also bring a certain amount of prestige and exclusivity to a designer’s line. By featuring professional models, a designer can exude a certain type of sophistication that may not be achievable with regular everyday people.
The Model-Designer Relationship
A strong relationship between the model and designer is essential for the success of a fashion show. Models must be able to understand and portray the characters and emotions evoked by the designer’s clothes. A model must be confident with both their walk and their presentation of the clothing.
The model should always believe in the designer’s work and be an advocate for the collection. The model should put as much energy, enthusiasm and dedication as possible into promoting the clothes for the best possible outcome.
The model should also be able to take direction in order to get the right look to match the designer’s vision. A good designer-model relationship requires trust and communication.
The Types of Models a Designer Should Look For
When selecting a model it’s important to find someone who matches the aesthetic of the clothing. The model should be able to represent both the designer and the clothing in a positive light.
For runway modelling, look for someone with the correct proportions to ensure that the clothing fits correctly, as well as someone who can move like a professional. Also make sure to take into consideration the designer’s target demographic and the tone of the show.
For photographic modelling, look for someone who can give off the right energy in the photographs. It’s important to find someone who can work well with the camera, whether they’re professional or not.
Modelling is an incredibly important part of the fashion industry. It helps to bring clothing designer’s visions to life and projects the designer’s ideas. A strong relationship between model and designer is key, as is looking for the right model that matches the designer’s aesthetic and style. Models of all types can help bring the clothing to life and help make a fashion show or photo shoot truly successful.