Before we get into what being a model entails, it is important to mention that every person perceives the meaning of the word “model” in their own unique way. Many people use the words “model” and “photo model” as having different meanings. However, in the field of fashion they have the same meaning. The reason for this is that the fast paced industry merged the two meanings. The idea is for fotomodels to be perceived as models. 
The word model derives from the French word modelle. Initially models were used in paintings and portraits of painters. In time, thе model occupation became more popular and gained a wider scope of authority. However, it became an official occupation when the first camera was invented in the 1800s.
The wife of Charles Frederick Worth, who is thought of as the father of high fashion (haute couture), hired the first fashion model in history. The model’s name was Marie Augustine Vernet and she had to present her husband’s designs. This was done so the clients could see how the dresses would look on a living person. After this instance, many fashion houses in Paris followed Worth’s example and that is how modelling became a profession.
Initially, such models were hired in order to only showcase certain clothes and there were no requirements as to their features, e.g. size and height. This meant that they were under-paid. Early fashion designers hired models, whose appearance was similar to that of their customers. Their height, weight and other physical features would vary.
In 1900 the modelling business started to flourish and one of the first modelling agencies was established - Ford models. It remains to this day one of the biggest and most successful modelling agencies in the field of fashion. Due to them a new global industry was born. Starting from little and insufficient representation, modelling agencies became a global phenomenon. The modelling industry is in constant growth and development.
In the present days, the role of the model is to promote, present and advertise commercial products and to serve as a visual representation for artists to showcase their work and photography. Men, women, kids and even animals can be hired as models.
Owing to the invention of the Internet and the fast development of technologies, the presence of models on social media has broadened their horizons. Nowadays, models are more than “a walking fashion exhibition”. They are activists, public speakers, business owners and many more. We have witnessed how big fashion shows have been turned into online events as a result of the recent global changes in lifestyle. Even the global crisis has not stopped the huge, fast-growing industry of fashion.
In the 21st century every person who owns a camera or a smartphone can publish on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and be labelled a model. Fortunately, due to this phenomenon, the modelling industry is now looking for models of all sizes that defy the stereotype of the “traditional” model.
We should always keep in mind that perfect people do not exist , however, there are people who are unable to notice the beauty that surrounds them. The secret to modelling is not to strive to be perfect but to realise that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, it is in our power to notice it.
“I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it”
– Alexander McQueen
Author: Neli Zografova
Modles: Arina, Nicklas, Calvino, Mark and Gerel @aliamodelsagency
Photos: Tsanislav Hristov and Olga Konkova
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