How Beauty Standards in Modelling Have Changed | Models Direct

  • Postedby Abby

When you look back over the decades Models Direct has been in operation, it is fascinating to see just how much standards of beauty have changed.

We have been leading players in the industry for over 35 years now – and even in that time we have seen an evolution in the way models are expected to look.

Back in the early 90s, female models were mostly all white, tall, skinny and waif-like in appearance.

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Male modelling was not anywhere near as prevalent as it is now and, again, striking looks were more important than healthy ones.

Go back even further, and beauty standards were also very different.

In the Renaissance era, for example, pale skin was highly prized, but plus-size, curvy female bodies were also sought-after, as they suggested both wealth and health.

But in the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, beauty standards began to change much more rapidly.

This was because photography, newspapers, magazines, film and television meant we were all much more visible.

The general public became more obsessed with how celebrities looked and wanted to emulate them.

In the second half of the 20th century, increasing freedom of expression and the explosion of popular music saw people become keener to break norms and present themselves as individuals.

From 60s’ pixie-chic to the colour and volume of the 70s and the shock value of punk, it started to feel as if people could have much more fun with fashion.

But, while this was happening in the real world, by the end of the 20th century, models were still very much expected to conform to a specific body type and size.

Plus-size modelling was rare and there was little diversity.

Today, however, we are pleased to be operating in a very different world – one where our clients actively seek men, women and children of all backgrounds, ages, body sizes and skin colours.

There has been a shift towards much more natural and healthy body shapes – and, again, this is something we applaud and celebrate.

So when it comes to the question of how to adapt to the changing standards of beauty in fashion…we would say please don’t!

Please do try to stay healthy and fit but please don’t ever imagine there is an ideal body shape and size or a perfect way to look.

There really isn’t and anyone who tells you anything else is not worth listening to.

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Each of us is an individual and each of us is beautiful in our own way.

And that is what the fashion, advertising and media industries are now moving much closer to accepting.

And that is why we and our clients would love to be able to consider you for modelling assignments, regardless of your size, shape or look.

So, to find out more about working with us, please fill in our form.