Fashion modeling has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century. What started as a simple showcase of clothing for designers has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry that sets trends and shapes popular culture. The history of fashion modeling is a reflection of the changing attitudes towards beauty, gender, and the role of women in society.

In the early 1900s, fashion modeling was a relatively new concept. Models were typically artists’ models who posed in their spare time or amateur models who were willing to wear the latest designs for a small fee. These early models were seen as little more than mannequins, meant to showcase the clothes without drawing attention to themselves. In fact, the first professional fashion model, Audrey Munson, was considered scandalous for her willingness to pose nude for artists.

The 1920s saw the rise of the “flapper” and with it, a new type of fashion model. These models were young, slender, and free-spirited, reflecting the changing attitudes towards femininity and beauty. They were often seen as symbols of independence and modernity, in contrast to the more traditional ideals of the past. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s and 1950s that fashion modeling truly began to take off as a profession.

The post-World War II era saw the emergence of iconic models such as Dovima, Dorian Leigh, and Lisa Fonssagrives. These women were not just clothes horses, but personalities in their own right. They were often photographed by renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon and Irving Penn, who captured not just the clothes, but the attitude and spirit of the model wearing them. These models helped to transform fashion photography into an art form and set the stage for the supermodel era of the 1980s and 1990s.

The 1960s and 1970s brought a new wave of models who challenged traditional notions of beauty. Twiggy, Veruschka, and Janice Dickinson were all unconventional in their looks and personality, yet they achieved great success in the industry. These models paved the way for a more diverse range of faces and body types in fashion modeling, breaking down barriers and expanding the definition of beauty.

Today, fashion modeling is a global industry worth billions of dollars. Supermodels such as Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford command huge salaries and have become household names. The rise of social media and digital technology has also democratized modeling, allowing anyone with a smartphone and a good eye for fashion to become an influencer. In fact, many of today’s top models, such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, got their start on Instagram before being discovered by agencies.

Fashion modeling has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the changing attitudes towards beauty, gender, and the role of women in society. From mannequins to supermodels, fashion models have become icons of style and glamour, shaping popular culture and setting trends for generations to come. As we look towards the future, it will be interesting to see how fashion modeling continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.