Fashion Vs. Commercial Modeling
By Ariel D.

Fashion Modeling

When you think of the world of modeling, images of runway beauties or faces on the cover of high fashion magazines may be the first thing that comes to mind. This type of modeling is known as fashion modeling. There is, however, another type of modeling that encompasses people from all walks of life, age, and body size. This form is known as commercial modeling. As eye-catching and glamorous as fashion modeling may seem, both fashion and commercial modeling exist for the purpose of marketing a product or service with business plans behind both. So, what are the differences between fashion modeling vs. commercial modeling?

Commercial Modeling

Fashion modeling

Fashion, or “High Fashion” modeling is done in front of a camera for top fashion magazines, models who serve as spokesmodels, and on a designer runway. The world of fashion models comes with high and specific standards that may at first appear to be selective and discriminatory but has a purpose. Typically fashion models need to be tall and thin. The reason for this is not to discriminate or cast shame on shorter models. As discriminating as it may sound, the idea is mainly a practical one. When the model is tall and thin, the designer’s clothing line will show off more fabric and appear sleeker. The ultimate goal is to present the product in the most appealing way.

Commercial modeling

Commercial modeling is done both nationally and locally. Both national and local commercial modeling uses a broader spectrum of body types and ages of models and tend to look for a real looking model that viewers can relate to.

Commercial modeling is done on both the national and the local level. These models are featured in advertisements for products or services such as those we use every day, major department stores, restaurants, or to sell food or beverage items. Mostly, commercial models are seen on television or in popular magazines like Redbook, Good Housekeeping, People Magazine, or some are featured in marketing brochures, department store catalogs, or online marketing. Some are used for stock photographs that are sold.

Local commercial models may do work for local businesses or may even do local runway shows at conventions and events like car shows, bridal shows, or state fairs. Some work for local photographers, newspaper ads, modeling clothes for local department stores or restaurants, or even for local art or photography schools.

While you can do a lot of research and prepping for a model selection interview, both fashion and commercial modeling require the use of an agent to get your foot in the door.