HowD by Tracie Stern, Model Dev~
There are many facets to modeling. What you need to figure out now is where you'll fit in. Runway, Print, Petite, Fit, Body .. .. All of these are aspects that make up this industry as a whole . Each one offers its own trials and tribulations as well as its own level of successes. This is the part where you figure out where your measurements fit best. Standard plus size models range in height from 5 '8" to 6 ', and wear a size 10 and up. Many I know don't see a size 10 as a plus but we are talking about the fashion industry where a size 0 or 00 is normal. Agents particularly look for models aged 16-30 who wear a size 12-18 (depend ing on the agents market). Plus size models are larger versions of the straight sized world. Attractive, proportioned and toned. Plus size or fu ll figure does not mean flabby. Plus Petite mode ls are between 5'1" and 5'5" in height and a size 10-14. Again , attractive, good proportions are a necessity. This is a very smal l industry and the competition is fierce due to not a lot of agencies who work with petite and an over load of talent looking for work. Runway Plus , this again is a market al l on its own. In the past you would find the same models that were in the print
on the ru nway. Today, ma ny clients a r e looking for larger models to walk the ru nway in their fashions, whic h now opens the door to those who may not get the oppo r tunity to do t he print side. However, standard heig ht requ irements ar e in effect. Fitting Models (a.k.a fit models), t his is the side of t he industry that isn't broadcasted. You won't become famous bein g a f it model however the pay is good. Desig ners use f it models as living ma n nequins. These models aid in confirm ing t hat the s ize, design and cut of the garment to be manufactu r ed meets the desig ner's desires a nd goals. A f it model may become an integra l part of the desig n process by sharin g t hei r comf or t in the clothing, how t he fabric feels etc . Designers may use many different s ized models in t he f it process in orde r to get the sizing of the garment co rr ect. Since this is a case by case s ituation, the mar ket is wide open as