Until the late 1800s, “modeling” (from the Middle French word modelle) primarily referred to people posing for portraits. With the invention of the camera, modeling opportunities expanded: people were no longer only painted in portraits but also photographed for advertisements, which soon appeared in newspapers. Charles Frederick Worth, considered the “father of haute couture,” was the first designer in the early 1850s to use live models. His wife, Marie Augustine Vernet, was his “live mannequin” and is regarded as the first model ever. Worth was also the first designer to sew his label directly onto clothing—a key step for the modeling industry.
The First Modeling Agencies
After Worth employed live models, modeling became a recognized profession. With the growing popularity of fashion photography, the first modeling agencies emerged. In 1946, Eileen and Gerard Ford founded Ford Models, one of the most prestigious modeling agencies worldwide. It opened doors for many aspiring models who wanted to turn their hobby into a career. In the 1950s, a successful model was primarily known in the fashion world, not in general pop culture. Famous models such as Dovima, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Wilhelmina Cooper, and Dorothea Parker defined this era.
International Modeling and Agencies in the 1960s
In the 1960s, modeling agencies grew worldwide, and models often traveled only short distances to work in their region. London became a fashion and modeling hub thanks to iconic models like Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, and Joanna Lumley. The 1960s marked the beginning of global modeling, in which modeling agencies played a central role.
Modeling as a Legitimate Profession
The 1970s and 1980s brought better wages, working conditions, and new opportunities for models, including cosmetics and hair endorsements. Modeling competitions such as the Ford Supermodel World Competition in 1980 helped agencies discover new talent worldwide. Milestones like Beverly Johnson, the first African-American model on the cover of American Vogue, and Margaux Hemingway’s million-dollar contract solidified modeling as a serious profession.
The Supermodel Era
The 1990s were the decade of the supermodels. Famous faces such as Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Stephanie Seymour dominated the runways. Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated increased the demand for curvier models such as Heidi Klum, Claudia Schiffer, and Tyra Banks, while modeling agencies supported the career paths of these top models worldwide.
The Digital Age and Social Media
From the 2000s onward, social media revolutionized modeling. Models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Cara Delevingne used platforms to interact directly with fans, influencing brand decisions. At the same time, new opportunities arose for models who deviated from classical beauty standards. Today, the world of modeling is even more diverse: there are models of all ages, sizes, and shapes. Modeling agencies and scouts continue to play a crucial role in discovering talent and helping them break into the modeling world.
