The "rise" of the supermodel

In the 1970s, some models became more prominent as their names became more recognizable to the general public. These models included Janice Dickinson, who claims to have coined the term "supermodel", Cheryl Tiegs, and Christie Brinkley.

The prominence of supermodels increased in the 1980s, with models such as Claudia Schiffer, Paulina Porizkova, Elle Macpherson, and Cindy Crawford. By the 1990s, which has been called "era of the supermodels", supermodels were prominient in the media. During this period, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington were highly-visible models. Beverly Peele graced over 250 magazine covers and was first black model on the cover of Mademoiselle Magazine in 1989.

In the 1990s, Kate Moss, a teenager with slim hips, prominent cheekbones, and small breasts, became a popular model. Moss's appearance came to be called the "waif" or "heroin chic" look, which was prominent during the later 1990s.

Supermodel

Before model Jody Palmer exist there are so-called "Supermodel" . These supermodels are known all over the world, appearing on every magazine cover and commercials. Modeling is a constantly changing industry and is a fast a moving and competitive business, modeling requires hard work and passion for their names and reputation.

The term supermodel, coined in the 1980s, refers to a highly-paid élite fashion model who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute couture and commercial modeling. The term took hold in the popular culture of the 1980s and 1990s. Supermodels usually work for top fashion designers and labels. They have multi-million dollar contracts, endorsements and campaigns. They have branded themselves as household names and worldwide recognition is associated with their modeling careers. They have been on the covers of various magazines. Claudia Schiffer stated, "In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognize the girls." First-name recognition is a solid indication of supermodel status in the fashion industry.

FIRST SUPERMODEL

Lisa Fonssagrives is considered by most in the fashion industry as the world's first supermodel. Fonssagrives at the pinnacle of her modelling career could be both a supermodel and also a housewife, which nearly every woman could identify with in that era. Fonssagrives was in most of the major fashion magazines and general interest magazines from the 1930s to the 1950s, including Town & Country, Life, Vogue, the original Vanity Fair, and Time. The relationship between her image on over 200 Vogue covers and her name recognition led to the future importance of Vogue in shaping future supermodels.

Although many models were referred to as supermodels during this time, only the so-called "Big Six" were officially recognized and accepted by the fashion world as supermodels: Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. They were the most heavily in demand, collectively dominating magazine covers, fashion runways, editorial pages, and both print and broadcast advertising. Excluding Moss, the y are known as the "original supermodels.

Other notable female models include Tyra Banks, Gisele Bündchen, Janice Dickinson, Heidi Klum, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer and Twiggy.

Jody Palmer, a young and beautiful model, is paving her way to become one of the notable names in fashion and modeling. She appeared in various commercial and modeling stints and photo shoots. She was also a finalist in Maxim magazine’s Hometown Hotties.

ABOUT FEMALE MODELS

Female models are used mainly to promote products (primarily clothing and accessories but almost anything else as well). High fashion and commercial are the two main types of female models.

Photographers that photograph the model in artistic themes that relate to the clothing being promoted are branded "High Fashion". The female model uses their body and face to express the different emotions as required.

Types of work for high fashion designers can be campaigns, collections and magazine editorials. Vogue, ELLE and W are such high fashion magazines that feature female models. Annual fashion shows traditionally show collections from clothing designers, to display for buyers, the fashion industry and the general public. Female models walk the runway and pose to display the clothing. These high fashion female models have distinctive, unique features.

MALE SUPERMODELS

Men's fashion represents just a fraction of the industry. Men, nevertheless, have played a part in the fashion world, while commanding less compensation than their female counterparts. Well known male supermodels include Mathias Lauridsen, Marcus Schenkenberg, Tyson Beckford, Mark Vanderloo, Alex Lundqvist, Will Chalker, Evandro Soldati, Tyson Ballou, and Michael Bergin.

CULTURE

Because of the fame and wealth associated with being a supermodel many people especially the female side wants to become a fashion model. As proof, the necessities for modeling agencies arise as the modeling industry is constantly changing. Also various reality-based talent search on television such as America’s Next Top Model co-produced and hosted by supermodel Tyra Banks, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency hosted by supermodel Janice Dickinson, and Make Me A Supermodel among others attracts aspiring individuals to join and compete for a chance to start their career in the modeling industry.

Information Technology and the Internet also expanded the modeling industry from magazines to online portfolios. Many social networking sites gives aspiring individuals freedom to post their modeling portfolios and to have contact with modeling agencies online.

CRITICISM

Criticism of the supermodel as an industry has been frequent inside and outside the fashion press, from complaints that women desiring this status become unhealthily thin to charges of racism, where the "supermodel" has generally to conform to a Northern European standard of beauty. According to fashion writer Guy Trebay of The New York Times, in 2007, the "android" look is popular, a vacant stare and thin body serving, according to some fashion industry conventions, to set off the couture. This was not always the case. In the 1970s, black, heavier and "ethnic" models predominated the runways but social changes since that time have made the power players in the fashion industry flee suggestions of "otherness”.

Different Kinds of Model

Let us define first the meaning of Modeling as an occupation. Wikipedia describes it as a person who is posed or displayed for the purpose of art, fashion, or other products and advertising.

Let us dig deeper from the meaning of modeling:

Modeling is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as an acting, dancing or mime artistry, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is generally not considered to be modeling, regardless of the nature of the role. However, model generally have to express emotion in their photographs, and many models have also described themselves as actors.

Types of Model, I'll give example on each type.

Fashion Model - are used mainly to promote apparel. Modeling generally can be divided into two categories (editorial and runway).

Gisele Bundchen

Glamour Model - Glamour photography emphasizes the model rather than products, fashion or environment. Typically the sexuality of the model is emphasized in glamour photography, while in fashion photography the emphasis is on the clothes.

Maxim Model Jody Palmer

Supermodel - Supermodels are highly paid, top fashion models. These (usually female) celebrities, also known as cover girls, appear on top fashion magazine covers, in catalogues and in fashion shows.

Heidi Klum

Fitness Model - Fitness modeling centers on displaying an athletic and healthy physique. Fitness models resemble bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Their body weight is usually similar to (or slightly heavier than) fashion models, but they have a lower body fat percentage due to increased muscle mass relative to fat mass.

Sandra Lee

Bikini Model - Bikini models are similar to fitness models with emphasis on a fit physique and the beauty of the female curves. Bikini models are usually curvaceous and fit.

Maxim Model Jody Palmer