Male Fashion Model
From LoveToKnow Men's Fashion
Like his female counterpart, the male fashion model is expected to be beautiful, fit and a little beyond mere mortals in appearance.
While women models typically receive more attention – in magazines and on television shows such as America’s Next Top Model – there are guys out there who earn a great living doing the same thing female models do. The competition is just as intense and there exists the same pressure to maintain a perfect figure, leading some male models to develop the same eating disorders usually associated with women.
Famous Male Models
While many people can easily name at least a handful of famous female “supermodels,” they may have to think before naming some of the guys who’ve earned fame walking the runway or modeling a famous designer’s briefs. Some men who have made a name for themselves modeling include:
- Tyson Beckford: His chiseled good looks and perfectly toned body caught the eye of Ralph Lauren, who used him in Polo campaigns.
- Marcus Schenkenberg: He was the "body" for Calvin Klein underwear in the 1990s and probably the only true male supermodel.
- Travis Fimmel: Also connected to Calvin Klein ad campaigns, this Australian signed a six-figure deal with the designer to represent the brand exclusively.
Male Fashion Model Requirements
Men who pursue modeling have to go through the same processes as their female colleagues. They need to find a reputable modeling agency to represent them, they need a portfolio, and they have to go on “go sees,” where they’re evaluated to see if they’re the right model for the job.
They also need to stay in tip-top shape. Although women models are the ones who seem to bear the brunt of unhealthy eating habits (especially when the trend veers toward the ultra-skinny instead of a more athletic build), men who model also feel the pressure to remain slim and trim. No one is going to hire a guy to model underwear if he has love handles! Depending on whether a man does more catalog, runway or revealing undergarment work, he may have more leeway in the weight department, but not much. Every model is expected to be a superior physical specimen.
While male models in the past featured in advertisements for cigarette companies had a more rugged appeal, the male model of today has a larger role in fashion and style. With the rise in men receiving beauty treatments like hair dyeing, waxing and manicures, models place more emphasis on looks and clothing.
Height is a big factor, of course, but most male models aren’t too tall. Guys between 5’11 and 6’4 are usually preferred over men shorter or taller than that. It’s a matter of the model being able to fit the clothes as well as having great overall proportions. A trim, athletic build is generally preferable to a lanky appearance.
Where to Find
What can you expect the male fashion model to help promote or advertise? You’ll find men modeling for many of the same types of companies that female models are used for, including:
- Clothing (runway and catalog)
- Cologne
- Underwear
- Athletic gear
- Spirits
Runway models will be very similar in height and build because their main purpose is to show off a designer’s clothes to its best ability. Cologne and spirits models tend to look more mature and sophisticated, while sporty and underwear models need to have those rock hard abs that will be prominently displayed.
Beauty and Fame
Ashton Kutcher and Chris O’Donnell are two actors who first received a bit of fame through modeling. Many models seek to parlay a modeling career into acting – since the physical requirements are usually already in place, it’s not hard to make that move for men and for women. If a guy can make it into the incredibly competitive world of male modeling and make a name for himself, he’ll enjoy a career that he can use as a stepping stone to other opportunities or as a way to showcase his handsome features into a lucrative job.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 4,948 times. This page was last modified 04:06, 17 August 2008.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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