If you love fashion, then it’s worth understanding where and whence it came from.

Before the late 1880s, modelling was a term used by the French to describe a person that poses for a portrait. Before the invention of the camera, people used to pose for hours for a painted portrait. Once the camera came along, newspapers started featuring photographs of men and women.

Charles Frederick Worth, considered by many to be the pioneer of haute couture, designed clothes and had his wife model for them in the 1850s. Before this time, mannequins were used to display different designs. Frederick’s wife, Augustine Vernet, is therefore regarded as the first ever live model. Frederick was also considered the first designer to add a label to his clothing line.

Modeling Agencies

Frederick is considered responsible for developing modeling as a profession and after the camera was invented, this industry exploded. Gerard Ford and Eileen created Ford Models which is considered one of the first world class modeling agencies. This agency made way for most model’s careers in the mid 1940s.

Unlike it is the case today, models needed a good name in fashion community as opposed to popularity in the pop-culture industry. Some of the most popular fashion models in the 1950s included names such as Dorothea Parker, Dovima, Wilhelmina Cooper and Carmen Dell’Orefice. Back in the day, model’s used to make up to $30 per hour. This amount was considered a lot at that time.

By the 1960s, prestigious modeling agencies started popping up all over the globe. By the 1960s, models Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, and Joanna Lumley turned London into a fashion center. London remains the top modeling hub in the world.

Nowadays, there are countless modeling agencies all over the world. To make it in the fashion industry, you’ll need to market yourself properly. While modeling doesn’t ask for much in regards to resumes, you’ll need to have a special set of skills to make it in the industry.

In addition to being beautiful and confident, it would be an added advantage to know how to dance, act and stay fit. All this, however, will depend on the kind of modeling you want to venture into. If you are interested in commercial modeling, it is important to know how to act. You will basically be acting as someone you are not and the photos have to come out perfect, relaying the message the publisher wants. Models such as those in Girlfriend Magazine have been trained to portray all kinds of messages for different industries.