Noun

Singular fashion model

Plural fashion models

fashion model (plural fashion models)

1. A person who poses to display clothing, either on stage or in photographs.

Synonyms

• mannequin
• model

Related terms

• runway model
• supermodel

A model (from Middle French modèle), sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed for the purpose of displaying and promoting fashion clothing or other products and for advertising or promotional purposes or who poses for works of art.

Modeling is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as an acting, dancing or mime artist, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is not considered modeling. However, models may be considered to express emotion in their photographs, and many describe themselves as actors. Models are generally not expected to verbally express themselves unless to visually enhance a photograph.

Types of modelling include fashion, glamour, fitness, bikini, fine art, and body-part models.

Social construction

Not all models are considered "beautiful": character models portray ordinary people and humorous types, mostly in print work and in commercials. Photo manipulation and cosmetic surgery also enable people who formerly displayed body imperfections to act as models and change their looks to suit a certain role. Many high fashion models have "quirky" attributes and memorably unusual faces. High end brands often use these unusual faces as people are likely to remember their brand name and associate it with an interesting face.

Various representations of beauty and fashion using models have caused controversy and is known to have some social impact, particularly on young people - both male and female.

Fashion models