CHAPTER 2

CATEGORIES OF MODELS

Types of models in the industry

When we think of models, we immediately think of high fashion models (tall, thin, and fit), who are most visible in magazines and fashion shows. However, many other different shapes/sizes of models also work successfully and earn an incredible amount. The key is to know yourself and your body well, and then to approach modeling based on that knowledge.

In the early years of my career, because of my height and runway walking skills I was getting fashion shows. In 2014, when I moved to Bombay to pursue a career in acting, I focused on getting roles in TV serials, playing to that strength. At the same time, I continued to work on my poses, my facial expressions, and my confidence, to aim higher for the international markets, which I eventually did enter too. So, you can get better and better and explore new avenues, but focus on where you fit best, first.

As a model, you have the chance to be creative and explore different aspects of modeling. Some models focus on a specialized category, while others experiment with different types of modeling to track down the one that best fits them. When I started modeling, I just wanted to be a high fashion model, but later I switched to the commercial category because I realized I’m getting more work from there. Now, I do more commercial category work and less high fashion category work. Each individual has a different approach.

So, what are the categories of models, and how can you see which one you fit in?

1.

HIGH FASHION MODELS

MAIN CATEGORIES OF MODELS

High Fashion Models: High fashion models are the quintessential models you see – on the Kingfisher Calendar, at fashion shows, on the covers of fashion magazines, and promoting high-end luxe brands. Being at that stage can give you exclusivity, and allow you to work with high-standards. You can travel internationally, model at global shows too. But getting there is not easy, and takes time, effort, requires a globally appealing face, and of course, a strictly fit body.

The size requirements for high fashion models are rigid, and there are hardly any exceptions made. Though there are no universal rules, typically, high fashion models are expected to have the following body measurements:

SONALI SHARMA
Instagram ID @sonalesharma29

Sonali Sharma is a high-fashion model. With her unique look, stunning features, great height, and confident strut, she has caught the eye of top global modeling agencies and is currently represented by an international one. She has worked with some of the most renowned brands and designers in the industry and walked in prestigious fashion shows around the world.

Photo by Kevin Hatt

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGH FASHION MODELS

FEMALE MODELS

Primary asset: Tall and slender, sharp features like pointed nose and sharp jawline

Height: 5’8” to 6’ feet

Body type: Skinny

Body condition: Great skin and healthy hair

Body fat percentage: 15 to 22 percent

Dress size: 0-6

Bust: 32- 35 inches

Waist: 22-27 inches

Hips: 33-36 inches

Age: 16 to 29 (Remember, you don’t have to be 29 to look 29).

Note: These body specifications of high fashion models are most commonly seen in the fashion industry. But there are no such rules that are universally agreed upon.

PRABH UPPAL
Instagram ID @prabhuppal

Prabh Uppal is a male high fashion model. He is a top Indian model; his dapper looks, chiseled features, and superb body gives him an edge over the competition. He has done fashion shows for almost all top designers nationally and internationally, and has been the face of many top brands.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS FOR HIGH FASHION MODELS

MALE MODELS

Primary asset: Tall and slender, prominent jawline

Height: 6’ to 6’3”

Body type: Skinny

Body condition: Great skin and healthy hair

Body fat percentage: 6 to 10 percent

Chest: 36 to 40 inches

Waist: 30 to 33 inches

Hips: 36 to 39 inches

Age: 17 to 29 (Again, you don’t have to be 29 to look it).

Note: These body specifications of high fashion models are most commonly seen in the fashion industry. But there are no such rules that are universally agreed upon.

2.

COMMERCIAL MODELS

MAIN CATEGORIES OF MODELS

Commercial Models: To be a commercial model, you have to be photogenic, have an expressive and charming face, and a great smile. The best commercial models tend to have a good body as well. Commercial models work many different jobs, including print advertisements, catalogue shoots, campaigns, television commercials, digital ads, music videos (if you can act well), magazines, trade shows, and much more.

They can also do fashion shows if the models meet the height criteria of high fashion models. This category of models accommodates many types of looks: from girl/boy next door to middle-aged men/women. They are often placed in real-life situations to model a product or service. While there isn’t a strict range of measurements for commercial models, I can provide you with a general idea of what you might find in the industry.

BHAVYATA SHARMA
Instagram ID @bhavyatasharma

Bhavyata Sharma is a commercial model, also known as the ‘queen of shoots,’ who shoots almost every day. She was crowned Miss India Elite 2014 and represent India on an international platform, where she placed India in the Top 10 among 53 countries. She also won the title of Miss Talented. She is a perfect example of a female commercial model.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL MODELS

FEMALE MODELS

Primary asset: Photogenic and expressive face, and a beautiful smile

Body type: Moderate

Body condition: Good skin and healthy hair

Body fat percentage: 15 to 30 percent

Height: 5’3” to 6’

Bust: 32 to 36 inches

Waist: 24 to 28 inches

Hips: 34 to 38 inches

Dress size: 0-10

Age: 18 and above

Kindly note that these body specifications of commercial models are most commonly seen in the fashion industry. Though there are no written rules that are universally agreed upon.

VIVEK DHIMAN
Instagram ID @vivekdhiman007

Vivek Dhiman is a favourite of both brands and designers because of his commercial appeal and dreamy photography. He is top Indian model and has done campaign shoots for big brands. He also walks the runway for top designers. Recently, he was on the cover of GQ magazine.

Photo by Francois Matthys

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL MODELS

MALE MODELS

Primary asset: A great smile, a photogenic and expressive face

Body type: Not too skinny/moderate

Body condition: Good skin and healthy hair

Body fat percentage: 6 to 12%

Height: 5’9” to 6’3”

Chest: 36 to 40 inches

Waist: 30 to 34 inches

Hips: 36 to 40 inches

Age: 18 and above

Note: that these body specifications of commercial models are most commonly seen in the fashion industry. Though there are no written rules that are universally agreed upon.

3.

PLUS-SIZE MODELS

MAIN CATEGORIES OF MODELS

Plus-size Models: They weigh more (but have a proportionate body), are tall, and have beautiful faces. In recent years, the plus-size group of models are soaring and breaking the fashion industry rules. Over the years, plus-size modeling has gained popularity. Their job is to promote plus-size clothing during fashion shows and photoshoots. There are also editorial shoots that may require plus-size models for certain concepts.

Plus-size models can work for the products and services in catalogue shoots, advertisements, campaigns, fashion shows, editorials and much more. Here’s a general idea of the body measurements for curvy or plus-size commercial models:

SAKSHI SINDWANI
Instagram ID @stylemeupwithsakshi

Sakshi Sindwani has broken barriers in the world of modeling. She has championed the movement for inclusivity as she shoots for big brands and walks the runway for top designers. Whether it’s slaying the runway, being on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, or becoming the cover girl of Idiva Slut, she has slayed on all platforms.

Photo by Dheeraj Gulati

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS FOR PLUS-SIZE MODELS

FEMALE MODELS

Primary asset: Weigh more, be confident, and be beautiful

Body type: Heavy

Body condition: Good skin and healthy...