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Fashion Modeling is reported to have initiated in Paris, the mid nineteenth century. Fashion designers such as Charles Worth were looking for women to wear and sport their designs, his wife Marie Vernet Worth is said to be the first fashion model; showing his creations in 1892.

Unlike today, Modeling in the beginning was frowned upon. Models were not respected as individuals and their profession was certainly not suitable or accepted. Many models were attacked and boycotted because of their occupation.  

Around thirty years later in 1924, the common ideology in reference to fashion Modeling began to change; many believe this is result to Jean Patou using only white American women to represent his designs. His selective use of women worked in his favour, allowing his clients to recognize the garments. His clients identified with his creations and gladly models slowly became more accepted among the difficult times.

Soon after this success, agencies looking after the models were opening in the US and London. This showed that society as a whole had evolved, as a career Modeling was much more accepted.

The models themselves were no longer expected in one specific shape; in fact, designers such as Cristobel Balenciaga used models that were short and stocky, rather than tall and slender women.

During the Second World War, more average looking women were being used to help lighten the atmosphere at the time. The ‘real’ models had cheerful smiles and helped to calm society during the hectic moment.

Then in the 1930’s, models grew into what is now known as Super Models. The models received drastic amounts of money for appearing in high fashion magazines. It is a common belief that the first ever Super Model was in fact, Lisa Fossagrives. Lisa was an iconic figure throughout the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

The term was more put to use in the 60’s, Janice Dickinson is famously known as one of the first Super Model’s, earning a massive £2000 a day.  She was a regular appearance on the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan, top selling high fashion magazine for decades.

Super Model as a term was thrown around often in the 80’s and 90’s; with Cindy Crawford, Elle MacPherson, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss all known as elite models and fashion icons.

The 21st Century saw a decline in high fashion models as there was a rapid increase in Celebrities; whom also came involved with fashion magazines and advertising campaigns.

However, Modeling as a whole increased as there are now greater opportunities; no longer is the main category fashion but glamour, editorial and catalogue are also popular amongst models. Male models are also a lot more in demand than in the past, Marcus Schenkenberg is thought to be the first male Super Model and the highest paid.

As the future of Modeling is much anticipated, we are expecting a radical change within the industry. Currently there are masses of debates regarding weight and sizes issues which are hopeful to improve.

As the industry grows and progresses, we look forward to a brighter and healthier future with many history making events yet to come.

Written by Lisa Overton

Born in 1837, Virginia Oldoini also famously known as La Castiglione; was the mistress of Napoleon III a played an important part in the history of modeling as she was the first recorded photography model.

She was known for her jaw dropping beauty and unique dresses; the Countess was always one for a dramatic entrance to the imperial court. Her most remembered outfit was when she wore the Queen of Hearts costume, amazing all around her.

Virginia has been painted by George Frederic Watts, photographed by Mayer and Pierson; her favourite photographers from the imperial court. She later worked with Pierre Louis Pierson closely; he helped her to create around 700 photographs of considerable moments in her life.

Many of the photographers chose to represent her within her theatrical costumes, including the Queen of Hearts dress. The photographers also photographed her in ways which were very indelicacy, such as exposing her bare legs and feet; her face were cropped out of the images.

In her later years, it is reported that the beautiful countess had her apartment painted in funeral black, the windows covered and mirrors were in exile. It is believed that she had not come to terms with ageing and loss of beauty.

Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione passed away on the 28th November 1899.

Written by Lisa Overton

Art Models pose for the likes of Artists, Sculptors, Photographers and Painters for their art work. It is common that the models are used for art students, but it has been known for established artists to employ the models to pose so that they can create: figure drawing, figure painting, sculpture and photography.

The Western history of art shows that using models leads to expertise in draftsmanship; they believe it is important use models with all different shapes, complexions and ages. It is common for models to pose nude for the artists.

Whilst a model is posing, they are expected to hold their position without speaking, fidgeting or readjusting; the models can often be asked to pose in dynamic positions for hours on end.

Art modeling can date back to the time of the Ancient Greeks, many women were used to pose for artists and the painting would often be sold. This was around the time that the art schools were established and models were much in demand.

Although in recent years the demand for figarative art models has reduced, schools and education facilities often use art models for courses.  With the invention of the camera, new high-tech drawing programs; art models are likely to become less common place. However, it is a real skill that makes for great experience for anyone looking at entering into photographic modeling.

Written by Lisa Overton

Pornography is the exaggeration of explicit sexual subjects to excite and arouse for satisfaction; it can be found in a variety of different media including: magazines, paintings and film.

Symbolization of sexual nature has been around since the dawn of civilization; these can be found in rock crafts with overstressed sexual features. Much of the depictions of sexuality can be dated to the Roman Era; the erotic art later shocked the Victorians whom locked them away in the Secret Museum in Naples.

The now common understanding of Pornography arisen in the time of the Victorians; around this era was when law regarding pornography was enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1857 in the Obscene Publications Act.  Models involved in erotic photo shoots were often disowned by their families and friends, were even murdered for bringing ‘shame’ onto the family and in one case the parish.

Pornography, Pornographic Models and Pornographic film is no longer as frowned upon in general society, in some countries it is still illegal. As 100 years ago, many still treat the models involved in this type of work with an element of judgement and disapproval and although less frequent; attacks against models are still reported.  

Pornography has now been split into many sub-categories: Fetish, Reality and Orientation based are examples. It is one of the largest industries in the world; netting a massive £32,000,000,000 (£32 billion), worldwide; with fifty percent of 21-40 year olds in United States admitting to watching different levels.


Written by Lisa Overton

A shop girl quickly became the first fashion model, result of acting like a mannequin to help her fashion designer husband (Charles Frederick Worth) .  Customers who came to view the couture house were amazed by the beautiful lady and the trend quickly caught on.

This was one of the most important moves of producing the fashion industry, before this time most mannequins were servant girls.

Born as Lisa Bernstone in Sweden, Lisa was a fashion model commonly known as the very first Super Model. She also shown a passion for dance, photography and singing; emerging these talents with her modelling career.

She appeared on the covers of Vanity Fair, Life and Country Life; during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Lisa described herself as ‘a good clothes hanger’. Fonssagrives worked with many established photographers such as,   Man Ray, Horst, Erwin Blumenfeld, George Platt Lynes, Richard Avedon, Edgar de Evia and the two men that became her husbands: Irving Penn and Fernand Fonssagrives.

Lisa’s love for dance lead her to move from Sweden to Paris so that she could study Ballet; this lead her to her amazing modelling career. Lisa met fellow dancer and first husband, Fernand Fonssagrives. The photos he toke of her ended on the covers of renowned magazine, Vogue.

She believed that modelling was simple ‘still dancing’. Modelling of course was her optimum as she was the highest paid and praised model of time, remaining an influence on all the women known as Super Model’s today.

It was no surprise that she was a favourite of the photographers; she was gorgeous with a tiny seventeen inch waistline. Many asked her how she maintained such a slim figure, unlike many women of today; Lisa was keen on eating: Infact, many say she was eating all the time. Her trick was, little and often.

Alexander Liberman from Vogue magazine had said; “She was the inspiration and subject of some of Penn's greatest photographs, she epitomized a very noble period of fashion and couture. She gave a classical dignity to anything she wore.”

It is reported that she later went on to become a sculptor, showing her love for art. Her work was represented by the Marlborough Gallery in Manhattan.

Lisa sadly passed away at 80 years old (4th Feb 1992), but her two children; Mia Fonssagrives-Solow, and her son Tom Penn, both go on with her mothers flair for fashion and design.

Elton John auctioned a photograph of Lisa Fonssagrives which was taken by her husband, Irving Penn in the 1950’s; the beautiful image sold for over $50,000.


Written by Lisa Overton

Internationally known as the Father of Haute Couture, Charles Fredrick Worth was an English fashion designer whom put his stamp on fashion in Paris.

Beginning with a small boutique, Charles had his wife modelling his designs. He quickly became the dresser of French Empress Eugénie, Cora Pearl, Pauline von Metternich and Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione.

By Word Of Mouth, Worth’s gorgeous designs traveled all across the globe; with the wealthy traveling from New York to see his rich fabrics and gorgeous designs it is no surprise that the Charles Worth Gallery was opened in his birthplace.

Jean Patou the French fashion designer, reportedly introduced sportswear for women creating knitted swimwear and the tennis skirt. It is also said he designed the sleeveless and thigh cut tennis wear for Suzanne Lenglen; despite previously lengthening skirts.

Jean is also responsible for bringing fashion into the more natural and comfortable look, the popularity of the cardigan is also due to Patou.

Patou targeted his collections to rich American women, with luxury hand in hand with his lines. He went on to design heavy perfumes with gorgeous scents; he also created the first sun lotion known as, “Huile de Caldee”.

Written by Lisa Overton

The English model and actress become globally known in her teenage years for her beautiful big eyes, long eyelashes and petite figure. This was how young Lesley Hornby gained the name, Twiggy. In the sixties she was voted as “The Face of 1966” by the Daily Express: later, she was voted women of the year in 1967.

“Back then I was layering three pairs of false eyelashes over my own and would paint extra ‘twigs’ on my skin underneath.” Twiggy commented about her eyelashes.

Twiggy traveled around the world, modeling in France and Japan; her face and figure are known all around the world. She appeared on the cover of Vogue and The Tattler; Twiggy was the icon of the sixties and seventies.

Twiggy was certainly modest; “I hated what I looked like,” she said once, “so I thought everyone had gone stark raving mad.” Twiggy had said, hating her small figure. However, everyone loved her gorgeous look, paying her a substantial amount.

Twiggy later went on to create her own clothing line known as, ‘Twiggy Dresses’. The A line dresses combined a sweet feminine look with details from military uniforms.

Diane Vreeland from Vogue once commented about Twiggy, “She's no flash in the pan. She is the mini-girl in the min-era. She's delicious looking.”

Twiggy was one of a handfull of models in the sixties that helped to push the boundaries and helped designers get fashion to the people - moving Paris fashions to the streets of England.

Twiggy went on a tried her luck within the film and television industry, she is also known to sing. Currently Twiggy is a well established face of Marks and Spencer’s, alongside others such as Myleene Klass.

Written by Lisa Overton

The Spanish Couture designer was born in a small fishing town; he spent a lot of his childhood time with his mother whom was a seamstress. It is no surprise how successful he has become, as he began working as an apprentice tailor at a mere age of twelve.

Soon after he amazed Marquise of Casa Torres with his statement about her elegance; she challenged him to create a copy of the Haute Couture outfit she was wearing. Nonetheless, he succeeded and Marquise became his customer.

Cristobal was soon sent to Madrid, he received training in the tailoring area: not so long after he traveled to Paris, devouring the collections of Worth, Doucet and Drecoll. When he came back to Spain, he opened a Couture warehouse, later opening his own fashion house.

During the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga moved to Paris and became a well established designer; in 1937 he opened his showrooms and the luxury designs continued. Cristobal is renowned for changing the appearance of women’s silhouettes; with tight waistlines and wide shoulders: the Balenciaga label had a revolution.

He soon after diverted his attention to a sense of scent; Cristobal believed that true elegance is shown with a subtle hint of scent. His perfume, Le Dix was created in 1947.

In 1958, he decided to retire: closing his international fashion houses one by one. His last appearance was at the funeral for Coco Chanel, whom had said that Cristobal was the only couturier with the ability to design, cut, assemble and sew a dress all alone.

Balenciaga inspired the likes of Givenchy, Courreges  and Scherrer. He dressed the likes of the Queen of Spain, the Queen of Belgium, the Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace of Monaco: all have been known as the best dressed women in the world.

Sadly, Cristobal Balenciaga passed away on the 24th March 1972.

Peter was born ready to enter the world of fashion; his mother was the sister to Edward Molyneux. The chic British designer had established his first salon by 1920 within ten years the second was opened; Lumley’s mother acted as manager for twenty years. It is reported that a dress designer by Peter’s uncle; worn by Gertrude Lawrence was the inspiration behind Noel Coward’s, Private Lives.

Lumley had a twin sister and an elder brother; he was born and raised in Chelsea before studying at Surrey and going on to University in Germany. Later returning to London to work in a design company, it is believed that this is wear he began to strive towards the ability of publicity.

Peter broke away to the war, impressing his fellow recruits with his silk pyjamas. His friend Paul Scott greatly relied on him throughout the war and went on to be the author of, The Raj Quartet and the booker prizewinner.

After the war, Peter worked with his uncle the designer; however it did not work out well and Lumley set up his own PR Company. He of course became a specialist in a fashion background.

He was soon representing Hardy Amies, whom had recently opened his own salon; soon after he picked up Sekers and Rayne. He was nonetheless on the rise and representing some of the most prestigous men in fashion.

“When I get isolated from life Peter can bring me back with a jolt,” Amies had written in his autobiography, Still Here.

Lumley had provided all three men with excellent publicity advice and allowed them to gain vast popularity. He represented them all for over twenty years and had a drastic impact in the history of fashion.

Later Lumley opened his own model agency; with “the most beautiful girls in the kingdom”. He became known as a trend setter within in the industry and had significant impact on the high fashion culture.

Written by Lisa Overton

The beginning of 2000 continued the minimalist look from the 90’s, with Dark Denim being extremely popular in the first half of the decade; with the denim fitted around the seat and thighs flaring towards the bottom.

Jeans began to have lower waistlines and denim with no pockets became extremely fashionable; they later featured built in denim belts and nylon belts which were in demand during the mid two thousands.

The 2000’s welcomed a very urban look with open arms; as baggy jeans, hoodies and tracksuit bottoms emerged on to the scene, so did the ‘chav’. Trucker hats and throwback jumpers were certainly popular amongst this new hip hop craze.

The beginning of the urban hip hop look, also brought us the challenge of a much more punk rock vibe; with spiky hair, wristbands and aviator sunglasses coming on to the scene. The look was defiantly inspired by popular bands at the time including Blink 182 and Green Day.

Activist clothing was also at its peak in the 2000’s during the Iraq war, phrases such as ‘Drop Beats not Bombs’ and ‘Make Love Not War’ were found on many TShirts throughout the high street.

The Boho style also became very influential during the 2000’s; with uneven hemlines, A line dresses and flowy tops taking over. It was no surprise that this style trend stuck.

Our jeans began to look extremely distressed, with acid wash jeans our denim was appearing in an array of colours and styles. As the years went on, fashion smarted itself up; less baggy trousers were being seen as more fitted and tailored trousers and shirts were on the rise.

Leggings were a major craze during the 2000’s; they were available in a rainbow of colours and styles; being seen with long flowy tops and babydoll dresses. As leggings arouse so did the footless tights, also in vibrant colours.

A reappearance of the flat shoes emerged during the mid – late 2000’s; shoes were often rounded towards the front, sailing away from the prior trend of ridiculously pointed stilettos.

Uggs became the must have look; teamed with leggings and jeans. The Uggs were a continuation of the Boho style and seem to have taken over.

As the 90’s shown us an extreme grunge look, it appears to rise again in the last few years; appearing amongst those known as ‘emo’. The 90’s grunge look and New Rave style have appeared popular in recent years.

The latter years have travelled from the 40’s up to the early noughties taking many different aspects of their fashion. We have seen 1960’s styled shoes alongside a top with aspects from the 80’s.

Written by Lisa Overton