MD is bringing a mini guide to all the different types of models we come across in this industry. If you’re unfamiliar with or need to brush up on your modelling knowledge, then you’ve come to the perfect page. We’ll walk you through the popular categories and explain what they are so you know more about them. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Fashion Models (AKA runway/catwalk models)
You may have already guessed but fashion models slay the runway with designer fashion. Think the “Big 4” fashion weeks across top cities and Victoria’s Secret, with models strutting designer wear, shoes and accessories down a long platform for the world to see. Fashion shows make up a big chunk of the industry and inject spirit and life. Fashion models usually need to match the industry’s strict body measurements to break into this modelling niche.
Editorial Models
Think print and digital, and you’ve got editorial models. Fashion mags such as Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, and their online counterparts, with beautiful photoshoots illuminating from page to page, are where you’ll see editorial models working their modelling poses as still life. Again, models usually have to conform and follow a no-nonsense pattern of body measurements.
Commercial Models
When you see ads, product promotions and catalogues, you’ve got commercial models that showcase consumer goods and products such as clothing, beauty and health products. Commercial models advertise and market products in a more relatable way as they don’t conform to the tight restrictions that fashion and editorial models do.
Models with Disabilities
The modelling industry is expanding its representation and one category that has encompassed this is models with disabilities. They can represent concepts for marketing and advertising and build a real human connection with their audience.
Models with Unique Characteristics
Heterochromia, moles, piercings, braces, tattoos – whether the unique characteristic is natural or a creative choice, models can exclusively showcase their features for relatable, memorable and eye-catching campaigns.
Fit Models
Not to be confused with fitness and sportswear models…but we have to admit the uncertainty is understandable. Fit models work behind the scenes but are the fabric of how clothing and footwear are crafted. They step into the design and production phase of manufacturing clothes. Models’ precise body measurements set the seal on clothing that fits well on different body shapes. Each body size will have its dedicated fit model that will help create apparel for its specific size.
Fitness Models
Models with toned and athletic frames showcase sportswear, equipment, and accessories and cover fitness-related items and services. The health and fitness industry is booming and meeting this demand with fitness models is becoming popular.
Plus-Size Models
Since all body shapes differ, the plus-size market has catapulted as representation has become fairer. Models will showcase apparel for fuller figures.
Petite Models
Smaller in height than your average size, petite models showcase fashion wear for smaller frame. Generally, their height will be between 5’2” and 5’6”.
Body Part Models
Hands, feet, hair, ears, legs, shoulders? (Oh, there’s more!) Humans have plenty of body parts that can be photographed and filmed for marketing and advertising purposes, and who they belong to means they become a body part model specialising in their best assets.
Bumps, Baby, Child, Teen & Senior Models
Not only do models come in all shapes and sizes, but they also come in all age groups. From pregnancy models to mature models, modelling can happen at any stage in life and there’s a category to cater for every age group.
…and that’s a wrap, folks. We hope that this mini guide will help you burst with extra knowledge about all the specialist modelling categories there are in the world of modelling. If you’d like to chat with us, send us a message and one of our modelling experts will get back to you very soon.
