Jerkin

A jerkin is a man's short close-fitting jacket, made usually of light-colored leather, and often without sleeves, worn over the doublet in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The term is also applied to a similar sleeveless garment worn by the British Army in the 20th century.

The stock phrase buff jerkin refers to an oiled oxhide jerkin, as worn by soldiers.

The origin of the word is unknown. The Dutch word jurk, a child's frock, often taken as the source, is modern, and represents neither the sound nor the sense of the English word.

 

History

Leather jerkins of the 16th century were often slashed and punched, both for decoration and to improve the fit.

Jerkins were worn closed at the neck and hanging open over the peascod-bellied fashion of doublet. At the turn of the 17th century, the fashion was to wear the jerkin buttoned at the waist and open above to reflect the fashionable narrow-waisted silhouette.

By the mid-17th century, jerkins were high-waisted and long-skirted like doublets of the period.

During the First World War, the British army issued brown leather jerkins to the troops as a measure to protect against the cold but to allow freedom of movement. These garments generally had four buttons and were lined with khaki wool. They were practical, hardwearing and extremely appreciated by officers and other ranks alike. By the time of the Second World War, the leather jerkins were still on issue to all the Commonwealth forces and were universally popular. Jerkins made in Canada were dark brown with black wool linings and differed in general appearance from the British jerkins.

Jerkin work by a British soldier at the Battle of the Somme	Martin Frobisher -closed at the neck and open below, 1570s	Sir Walter Raleigh wears his jerkin closed at the waist, 1602
Dutch musician - 1632	Guardsman's buff jerkin - 1639,

The jerkins from the Second World War had bakelite buttons instead of the brass or brown leather of the originals, and were each unique in that they were finished around the bottom edges with offcuts in a bid to eliminate waste. (It has been suggested that many of the WWII jerkins were made up from leather left over from the Irvin flying jackets also in production in the UK - however, the flying jackets were made of sheepskin so this may not be the case). Jerkins remained warm and comfortable garments to wear whilst fighting, working or driving, and came to characterise the British forces as a preferred alternative to the heavy greatcoats that other armies persisted with.

A practical garment known as the Battle Jerkin was developed in 1942 by Colonel Rivers-MacPherson of the British Army; a modification of the English hunting vest, it was developed into a garment made of leather (canvas versions were also created) with multiple pockets, intended to replace the conventional web gear then in use. It was issued to assault troops for the Normandy landings and was used widely by commando personnel in 1944–45.

During the post war period, a much less distinctive PVC version was introduced to the forces. WD surplus leather jerkins flooded the UK during the 1950s and 1960s and were a common sight on manual workmen across the country. Wartime vintage leather jerkins are now collector's items, and at least one UK firm has produced a facsimile. The Belgian Army also produced vinyl jerkins in the postwar era.

Harrington jacket

A Harrington jacket is a lightweight, waist-length jacket made of cotton, polyester, wool or suede. Designs often incorporate traditional Fraser tartan or checkerboard-patterned lining.

The first Harrington-style jackets were made in the 1930s by the British clothing companies Grenfell of Burnley, Lancashire and Baracuta of Stockport, Greater Manchester. Baracuta's original design, the G9, is still in production. Elvis Presley popularized the Baracuta G9 in his 1958 movie King Creole. The jacket got the nickname "Harrington" from a character in the 1960s prime time soap opera, Peyton Place. The character in question, Rodney Harrington, (played by Ryan O'Neal) is often depicted in a Harrington jacket. Steve McQueen and Frank Sinatra were photographed wearing Harrington-style jackets in films and their personal lives.

The jacket became fashionable in the United Kingdom in the 1960s among mods and skinheads. They enjoyed a resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with skinhead and mod revivalists, as well as with scooterboys. Within those subcultures, Harringtons are often worn with Fred Perry or Ben Sherman shirts.

In France, HARRINGTON has been a registered trademark since 1985.

In addition to Baracuta, brands who have released Harrington jackets include: Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Lambretta Clothing, Pretty Green, Brooks Brothers, Merc London, Fred Perry, Tesco, Izod, Ben Sherman, Lacoste, Lyle & Scott, Lonsdale, Warrior Clothing, howies, Relco, and The Spirit of 69.

In 2007, Baracuta released three special edition G9 jackets with quotes by Presley, McQueen, and Sinatra printed on the lining to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the brand.

Characteristics of the Harrington Jacket

Before we delve into this garment’s history, let’s first define the characteristics of a Harrington jacket as we know it today.

• A waist length jacket.
  
• Made of either cotton , wool or leather ( also available in synthetics )
• Usually a single color on the outside.
• Fits snugly around the waist with an expandable elastics along the bottom hem and cuffs.
• Has a full front zip that runs all the way up to the neck.
• Has two buttoned flap pockets on either side in the lower fronts which are cut at an angle of 45 degrees.
• Straight collar much like a mandarin collar that fastens with two buttons.
• A back yoke that is designed to allow the rain to run away from the jacket and the wearer. This unique design feature was inspired by the umbrella.
• A tartan interior lining.

 Style & Fit

1. As always the fit is the first thing to look out for. A classic Harrington’s body will always be cut short in relation to the chest size and arms.
2. The elastic hem of the jacket should always cover the belt or waistband of your pants, and the sleeves must be long enough so the elastics cover your wrists. If that’s not the case, try another one.
3. The classic G9 outer shell is made of a poly-cotton blend that is water repellent though I also enjoy pure cotton. You can also find corduroy, leather and all kind of other materials nowadays.
4. Although Baracuta sells a style called “G9 Original” it is in fact not the original Harrington jacket because the modern version is slimmer and utilizes better quality fabrics than the old jackets. Of course, if you want the real deal, you have to go for a vintage jacket but even then, it will be hard to find.

this jacket is well suited to all kinds activities in typical spring/fall climates. Of course, you can wear it for golf as its intended purpose but also for driving your motorcycle or convertible to get groceries or for a picnic… the possibilities are endless.

Gilet

A gilet is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. Currently, a gilet is a sleeveless jacket or vest. They may be waist- to knee-length, and are typically straight-sided rather than fitted. However, historically, they were fitted and embroidered. In a further derivation, in 19th-century dressmaking a gilet was a dress bodice shaped like a man's waistcoat.

Today, gilets are often worn as an outer layer, for extra warmth outdoors. Fashion gilets may be made of cloth or fake fur, or knitted. Sports gilets are often windproof and/or made of fleece. High-end hiking jackets often have an integral gilet inside them, that can be zipped on and off. Racing cyclists use thin light gilets with a windproof front and mesh back. Shooting gilets are rugged and made of leather. Short, overwear gilets are called "bodywarmers" in the UK.

 

The History of the Gilet

Though today we wear gilets to keep warm, this famous fashion item has origins as a purely decorative

garment. Read on to find out how this jacket was worn aimlessly before it became an essential winter warmer.

The origins of the gilet :- Gilet is the French name for a sleeveless jacket which somewhat resembles a blouse or waistcoat. These outerwear designs can vary in length, from hip to knee, but are typically straight-sided in contrast to fitted. First worn during the 19th century, the garment was a men’s dress coat made from silk, velvet or heavy brocade. It was originally a trend that gilets would feature detailed embroidery on the jacket front. The gilet was traditionally worn over a long sleeved chemise or shirt and usually under a longer length jacket – much like a waistcoat is worn today. The gilet was first made famous by the Duke of Hungary, Lucien Schneller.

The development of the gilet :- Though early Gilets were worn for fashion purposes, the garment evolved to feature insulation that made it an excellent outer layer in cold conditions. Maintaining its basic shape, the gilet became padded and produced from various new materials (manmade and natural, including faux and real fur). During the 1980s, rabbit fur became a popular option for the gilet, though this type of gilet was meant to be more fashionable than practical and took on a long cardigan form. Hook and eye fastenings were the closures of choice for gilets at this point, though soon zips would become a gilet essential – as seen on almost every gilet jacket today!

G-1 military flight jacket

The "G-1" military flight jacket is the commonly accepted name for the fur-lined-collar World War II-era flight jacket of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. A similar jacket used by the United States Army Air Corps/United States Army Air Forces was usually called the A-2 jacket).
The jacket may be considered the U.S. Military flight jacket developed in 1947 and used in the Korean War, since the term "G-1" was not used as a label for this fur-collared military-issued jacket until after World War II. However, the term "G-1" has come to be used for this style of naval leather flight jacket. Prior to the end of World War II, and starting in 1940 when it was officially named by the U.S. Navy, the jacket had the military spec number of M-422

The G-1 remains a current uniform-issue item in naval aviation for officer and enlisted aviation personnel on flying status in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard (i.e., Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, Naval Flight Surgeon, Naval Aircrewman, etc.) and is arguably best known as the leather flight jacket worn by Tom Cruise in the film Top Gun.

This jacket was brought to use by the U.S. Navy in the 1930s, and standardized by the Navy in 1940 as the M-422A. In 1943 this jacket, named by the Army Air Forces and the Navy as the ANJ-3 (Army Navy Jacket 3), replaced the iconic Army Air Forces A-2 jacket, the most famous of U.S. Military jackets, hence the name of ANJ-3 (vs. A-2). The M-422A replacement of the loved and famous A-2 was, however, in the form of a non-fur-collared version of the "G-1", currently referred to for obvious reasons as the G-2. In 1988, the U.S. Air Force reinstated the A-2 jacket for all USAF flight crew personnel.

Commercial versions of the jacket have been available on the consumer market. Official military suppliers which also sold similar spec jackets to the public include Cockpit USA, Cooper Sportswear, Orchard M/C, Brill Bros, Schott, and Excelled. After the success of the 1986 film Top Gun, shopping-mall leather stores carried a variety of G-1 variants, with such features as removable fur collars and sewn-on patches, including the ever-popular Gulf of Sidra Yacht Club patch.[citation needed] These are new production and come in goatskin and cowhide varieties stamped USN, USCG, or USMC. Jackets are offered by many companies for the civilian market, including US Authentic MFG. Co. aka Flightjacket.com Lost Worlds, Gibson and Barnes,Eastman and US Wings.

Specifications

The military specifications under which the naval flight jackets were made, in the order of latest to earliest, are

    MIL-J-7823E(AS) 1971,
    MIL-J-7823D(WP) 1966,
    MIL-J-7823C (WEP) 1962,
    MIL-J-7823B(WEP)1960,
    MIL-J-7823A(AER) 1961,
    MIL-J-7823(AER) 1951,
    55J14 (AER) 1947,
    AN-J3A 1943,
    AN 6552 1943,
    M-422A 1940,
    M-422 1940

The first Navy designation of "G-1" came under the 55J14 specification.

The earlier jackets were constructed of goatskin and had a real mouton collar. Current model issue jackets (although there are exceptions) are constructed of cowhide and have a synthetic collar.

Flight jacket (24)

The flight jacket, bomber jacket, or bombardier jacket refers to a garment jacket type originally created for military pilots. They eventually became part of popular culture and apparel.

Leslie Irvin first designed and manufactured the classic sheepskin flying jacket. In 1926 he set up a manufacturing company in the United Kingdom, and became the main supplier of flying jackets to the Royal Air Force during most of World War II. However, the demand during the early years of the war was so great that the Irvin company engaged subcontractors, which explains the slight variations of design and colour that can be seen in early production Irvin flying jackets.

As aerospace technology improved, the altitudes at which aircraft operated increased. Most heavy bombing raids in Europe during World War II took place from altitudes of at least 25,000 ft, where ambient temperatures could reach as cold as negative 50 degrees Celsius (negative 58 Fahrenheit). The cabins of these aircraft were uninsulated, so a warm, thick flight jacket was an essential piece of equipment for every member of the crew.

 

Flight jackets have been popular with skinheads and scooterboys from the 1970s onwards. In 1993, it was worn as the "national costume" of the United States for the APEC meeting held in Seattle, Washington. In the early 2000s, the jacket was popular casual wear in hip-hop fashion. The jacket has also caught on with several police departments across the United States for its sturdy design and heavy insulation.

 

 

A-2 jacket , G-1 Jackets, shearling jackets, B-3"bomber jacket, L-2B flight jacket, Blouson jacket, Eisenhower jacket, G-suit, Leather jacket, MA-1 bomber jacket, MA-2 bomber jacket etc. are some examples.

What Are the Advantages of Fashion Designing?

Fashion designing is an exciting career choice that allows designers to create clothing and accessories. They study fashion trends, sketch designs, select colors, fabrics and styles, and create prototypes. There are many advantages to choosing a career in fashion design, including the salary range and the freedom to create cutting-edge designs. Fashion designing also provides opportunities for travel and exposure to fashion trends and ideas.

Fashion designers earned a mean annual wage of $82,520 as of May 2015. This is much higher than the average $45,790 annual mean wage of all U.S. occupations. However, the median annual wage for fashion designers was $62,860, which means that 50 percent of these professionals earn more and 50 percent earn less than this amount. The difference between the median and mean shows that fashion designers at the high end of the pay spectrum inflate the overall average. The top 10 percent of earners made $126,290 a year or more, while the bottom 10 percent of workers made $34,110 or less.

 

Minimum Formal Education :- Those who don’t like school will be glad to know that there are no extensive educational requirements to pursue a career in fashion designing. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, although some designers earn a 2-year or a 4-year degree in fashion merchandising or a related field. Fashion designers who display the creativity to produce imaginative and practical designs, and also have the artistic ability to sketch initial design ideas, are most appealing to employers.

 

Exciting Work Environment :- More than half of U.S. fashion designers are concentrated in the New York and Los Angeles metro areas, both of which are leading centers of culture, entertainment and commerce. Most fashion designers travel to trade and fashion shows several times a year, and sometimes they travel to other countries to meet with manufacturers and suppliers. In addition, fashion designers get to express their vision and creativity in ways that professionals in many other jobs can't. Although the BLS expects stagnant job growth in fashion design from 2010 to 2020, there will be opportunities in specialized design firms and for fashion designers who are self-employed. The need for comfortable, functional, budget-friendly styles, as well as designs that utilize new fabrics such as moisture-wicking material, will help drive demand for new jobs.

 

Trendsetting and Entrepreneurship :- Fashion designing offers the opportunity to be a trendsetter and an entrepreneur. As an example, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s website features a monthly spotlight highlighting designers. The October 2013 spotlight was Eugenia Kim, who went from designing hats for “bad hair days” to winning the CFDA Award for Accessories Design for avant-garde headwear that graces the cover of Vogue, ELLE and other fashion magazines. In addition, Entrepreneur magazine published a list of the new faces of fashion entrepreneurship. These individuals were successful in creating niche markets, some of which resulted in annual revenue ranging from $20 million to $100 million.

 

article reference :- http://oureverydaylife.com/advantages-fashion-designing-32323.html

Fleece jacket (23)

A fleece jacket or fleece is a lightweight casual jacket made of polyester synthetic wool such as Polar Fleece. A fleece jacket will typically have a zipper up the middle, rather than buttons or other fasteners. A fleece will provide thermal insulation but is not normally weatherproof and so won't keep out wind and rain.

Fleece jackets entered the outerwear market in 1979 after the key component, polar fleece, was created by a company called Malden Mills. Polar fleece was developed from a combination of synthetic fibers and sheep wool and is simply called "fleece" in today's market. The wool component makes fleece jackets especially warm and provides insulation for the wearer's body heat, while the synthetic fibers assist with heat retention. Because of its unique combination of materials, fleece jackets are usually lighter than a heavy wool jacket would be.

 

Types are, Women, Uniqlo, Men, with or without Hood, with or without sleeves are produced as different styles.

 

Material	Benefits	Drawbacks
Synthetic Fiber	Usually water-resistant Inexpensive Flexible	Not very durable Heavier than down
Down	Lightweight Warm Durable	Not always water resistant Loses heat retaining capacity when wet Dries slowly High price tag
Fleece	Comfortable Fairly lightweight Warm Inexpensive	Not usually water resistant May be bulky or inflexible due to waterproof or windproof layer

 

Features to Look For in a Fleece Jacket

While buyers will need to tailor their search to their specific needs, there are seven features that most women will want to look for in a fleece jacket. These seven key features are material and weight, breathability, water resistance, windproof layers, a snug collar and wristbands, zippers with wind flaps, and a sufficient number of pockets.

Material and Weight.

1. Breathability.
2. Water Resistance.
3. Windproof Layers.
4. Collars and Wrists.
5. Zippers and Wind Flaps.
6. Pockets.

1. Material and Weight

Many fleece jackets are made of wool and polyester. While early fleeces were fairly flammable, modern fleece jackets typically incorporate fire retardant or flame resistant technology. The primary purpose of a fleece jacket is warmth for the wearer. However, the situations in which the jacket will be used may vary widely among buyers and can affect the style of fleece that is ultimately chosen.

Fleece jackets are generally lighter than wool coats. Within their own category, they range from lightweight to mid-weight to heavy. On the label, the jacket's weight range is indicated by either a 100, 200, or 300 designation, with 300 being the heaviest material. To determine how heavy their fleece jacket should be, buyers will need to consider the amount of flexibility they will need while wearing the jacket.

For mild to medium levels of activity or for cool times of the year such as spring or fall, a mid-weight fleece jacket will likely suffice. A lighter one will probably provide better flexibility for very active sports, while the heaviest types of fleece jackets should be reserved for winter work or for pastimes that are slow moving or stationary and will not offer much opportunity for aerobic activity. In these situations, wearers' hearts are not pumping as fast and their extremities and limbs can become chilled more quickly. The heavier the fleece jacket, the more body heat that will be trapped close to the wearer's skin.

Some buyers may purchase a lightweight fleece jacket or vest as one of several layers, which they can add or remove depending on their needs during a particular activity. The fleece jacket may be worn over a short - sleeved T - shirt or a flannel shirt and under a windbreaker, for instance. The fleece provides a snug layer of warmth that can be discarded if wearers become too hot or added if the activity level drops and they become cold.

2. Breathability

Airflow and breathability is also important. Trapping all of the heat inside will cause wearers discomfort, particularly if they are involved in an activity that requires significant exertion. Buyers who plan to wear the jacket for high-energy activities will need to ensure that it adequately blocks the cold while still allowing enough ventilation to alleviate sweating or overheating.

3. Water Resistance

Fleece jackets are generally not waterproof. Not all are water resistant, either, since water resistance typically hinders breathability. Those fleeces that have limited water resistance incorporate an impermeable layer within the material. While they will likely provide some protection against snowfall or light drizzle, they may not suffice in a freezing winter rain.

4. Windproof Layers

Windproofing is also a valuable feature in a fleece jacket, since the snow and rain of winter typically comes paired with biting winds. Unfortunately, windproof layers may cause the jacket to lose some of its suppleness and flexibility. Windproofing also cuts down on breathability in the same way that water resistant layers do. For walking or mild outdoor activities, a windproof fleece jacket is an excellent choice. For activities requiring strenuous physical effort, buyers may want to skip the windproof layer in favor of better airflow.

5. Collars and Wrists

Cold air can seep in at the collar and at the wrists of a fleece jacket. A collar or additional lining at the neck of the jacket warms the wearer's neck. Buyers should consider a jacket with elastic bands at the wrists and possibly at the bottom of the jacket. Though this may detract a little from the style of the jacket, it will preserve body heat while keeping out the icy winter air.

Another option for wrist closures is Velcro. Velcro strips allow users to tighten the cuffs of the jacket without having to deal with the cinched look of elastic. In warmer weather, sleeves with Velcro at the wrists can be rolled up with no damage, whereas rolling up elastic cuffs will stretch out and possibly snap the elastic bands.

Buyers may also be interested in a fleece jacket with a hood. Although these are rare for the style, they offer additional protection for the wearer's neck and head.

6. Zippers and Wind Flaps

Aside from serving as a convenient closure, a zipper provides a way to vent a fleece jacket if the wearer is becoming overheated. The zippers in fleece jackets should have wind flaps to further reduce the potential influx of cold air. A wind flap is a long, narrow piece of fabric sewn in just beneath the zipper, providing an extra layer of protection so that the wearer's body heat does not escape and icy air does not get in.

7. Pockets

Many stylish fleece jackets either have no pockets or have very shallow ones. However, if the jacket is being used for a camping trip or for a hike, some additional pockets would likely be useful. Buyers should look for pockets that are situated at the waistline and have enough depth to hold keys, a cell phone, snacks, chewing gum, and other small items. Zippers or flaps with buttons hold pockets closed to prevent their contents from slipping out. Some fleece jackets designed for hiking and winter sports have pockets on the chest and the arms. Buyers who plan to wear their fleece jackets for sports or for similarly vigorous activity may want to consider a fleece jacket with mesh pockets for additional ventilation options.

Do you have what it takes to be a model? Drona's Tips

 Drona, gives his tips for aspiring models.

  Many pretty-in-person girls make terrible models and sometimes the plain Janes just take your breath away on film. It takes much more than just a pretty face and a slim figure to make it as a mainstream model. You need to have the total package, a mix of genetics and personality, in order to thrive in the modeling industry. So what traits does a successful model need to have?

Some of the qualities of a mainstream model are obvious but the others may surprise you.

What is a mainstream model?

When we talk about making it as a mainstream model we are talking about the models you see in magazines and advertisements. There are specialty models, models with a specific look or talent, but that is not the type of model we are talking about here.

 Plus sized models, niche models, body part models and models with unique skills are some examples of specialty models but we want to tell you what agents look for in the average model. The base line parameters are very small, models need to have a specific body type, be within a certain height range and have good bone structure. Have these core ingredients and you have a good shot at making it as a model. Have the right skills and personality and you just may be the next supermodel.

What do modeling agents look for when signing a new model?

When agents look for new models to sign they look for a very specific set of physical criteria. How you look is definitely the first thing agents see. First and foremost models need to be tall and slim; for the most part they need to be slimmer than the average girl.

This is the reason that the modeling industry gets such a bad rap, because the call for slim models could be seen as promoting an unrealistic body image. While this is a valid criticism there are some equally valid reasons that models need to be slender. Clothes hang better on a smaller body and the fashion industry is essentially about selling clothes and other trappings of style like cosmetics, skin care, accessories, and perfumes.

The fashion industry’s love-affair with skinny girls is not part of a conspiracy against average sized bodies. Slimmer figures are important on the runway but they also photograph better. Why? Pictures are two dimensional and for this reason the body loses some of its angles in photographs. Without the proper angles even slender girls can appear heavy in pictures. Lighting plays an important role in counteracting the flattening effects of photography but it can’t correct for all the effects of transferring a three dimensional object on to a two dimensional piece of paper. Using a slim model also helps eliminate the problems associated with losing the all important angles.

What is meant by “having good angles” or “knowing your angles?”

Often you’ll hear agents and photographers talking about “knowing your angles” and this is something that contributes to the next important trait that models must have; models must be photogenic. They must take a good picture. Even the prettiest girls can take terrible pictures and the reasons are simple. Some elements of being photogenic can be learned but many of them are at the mercy of genetics.

Knowing your angles, knowing how to pose and knowing how to hold a pose convincingly without looking strained are important and can all be learned. What can’t be learned is bone structure. Models almost always have very angular faces with strong yet balanced features. Symmetry is also important; most models have very symmetrical faces meaning one eye is not bigger or lower on the face than the other, the nose is centered on the face, the cheekbones are high and level and the jaw line is even. Ironically, angular faces are often considered odd looking in real life. In a three dimensional world angles create shadowing which can look strange at times.

Other than the physical attributes what else makes for a good model?

The final thing agents look for is posture. Good posture is a modeling must as 70% of a models career is runway modeling. Unless you make it as a super-model, or build a less glamorous catalogue career, making it as a model will mean walking a runway. Good posture and a solid walk are essential modeling skills but they can be learned. If a girl fits the mold in every way but lacks good posture an agent may still sign her with the hope that she can learn to stand straight and walk tall. However, if a slouchy model doesn’t ever develop good posture she may find her career is cut short. For this reason having good posture from the get go is a definite bonus.

As with any job personality is important as well. An ideal model will have a strong sense of self with well developed self esteem and a resilient psychological make up. Modeling is stressful work and models are exposed to all sorts of potentially self destructive influences. Modeling is a glamorous life and with the glamour comes an element of risk. Models are at a very great risk for falling prey to the trappings of glamour; alcohol, drugs, late night partying and unhealthy dieting regimes are always around. It takes a girl of strong character to face these things without succumbing to the temptations. Do agents really look for strong and grounded personalities? Yes and no. While they won’t turn down a promising girl because she seems insecure or uncertain of herself they may take a not-quite-as-shining prospect because she does have the right personality.

What are the basic must have traits for any mainstream model?

It all sounds pretty shallow because it is. In the end models are clothes hangers and their role in the fashion industry is to make clothes look good so that they will sell. It is an industry heavily influenced by physical appearances. To recap, making it as a model requires the following traits and skills:

1.     A slim build
2.     A height somewhere between 5'8" and 5'11" (there are exceptions)
3.     Good bone structure with a symmetrical and angular face
4.     Being naturally photogenic and/or a good knowledge of ones “angles”
5.     Good posture and a strong runway walk (learned or natural)

Amanda Geores

Modeling is not without a social conscience. There are people in the industry who are very concerned about the eating disordered, drug and alcohol abusing, party-on image models seem to cultivate. However in the end modeling is a money-making venture and whether or not a girl will be able to sell herself, the clothes she wears and the products she endorses are what is most important to industry leaders.

Models have a mold and unless we are talking about specialty modeling to succeed in the industry you must fit the mold. Beauty aside, because as already noted not all models would be called pretty in real life, models must be able to project a desirable image. They must seem ideal so that the average woman will want to spend the money to be like them, wear what they wear, and use the cosmetics that they use.

If you have what it takes to sell yourself and you fit the mold you just may make it as a model.

The Model Mold

To recap, here's the basic blueprint for your average model. If you fit this description the next step is looking for an agency that will sign you.

    A slim build
    A height somewhere between 5'8" and 5'11" (there are exceptions)
    Good bone structure with a symmetrical and angular face
    Being naturally photogenic and/or a good knowledge of ones “angles”
    Good posture and a strong runway walk (learned or natural)

Adriana Lima

Do you fit the model mold? Modeling is not without a social conscience. There are people in the industry who are very concerned about the eating disordered, drug and alcohol abusing, party-on image models seem to cultivate. However in the end modeling is a money-making venture and whether or not a girl will be able to sell herself, the clothes she wears and the products she endorses are what is most important to industry leaders. Models have a mold and unless we are talking about specialty modeling to succeed in the industry you must fit the mold.

Beauty aside, because as already noted not all models would be called pretty in real life, models must be able to project a desirable image. They must seem ideal so that the average woman will want to spend the money to be like them, wear what they wear, and use the cosmetics that they use. If you have what it takes to sell yourself and you fit the mold you just may make it as a model.

How to do Modeling Poses

There are Some Modeling Shots taken by various personals,