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Fitting Modelling
Seems some people around here don't know what it is. I know there are several dozen of us in London on MM. I imagine anyone in a city with a garment manufacturing or fashion area is going to be doing this work already in the US etc too. But; for the benefit of those who haven't got their sights set on the giddy and often unattainable heights of editorial fashion here is a good piece about it: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/90/Model.html QUOTE: Fashion models generally work for clothing manufacturers, fashion magazines, retail stores, or dress designers. They display the latest in clothing designs at fashion shows and are sometimes referred to as runway models. Other fashion models work in showrooms, small designer shops, and department stores. "Fashion models must be able to wear clothing and accessories well. They must walk and move to bring out the best in the clothes they wear. Except for an elite few, fashion models are not as highly paid as photographic models, but they can have longer careers. Some can model more mature styles of clothing as they grow older. Fitting, or fit, models are called in by garment manufacturers when an outfit is almost complete. Only then can designers see how their fashions will look on a real person. Although fit models do not command the high salaries of fashion models, they tend to have more work, and their careers can last as long as their figures meet the needs of the clothing manufacturer. Large-sized models can also find work in this field. ...Fashion models usually work indoors in pleasant surroundings such as high-fashion stores and showrooms. In the busy season they must stand and walk a great deal and change outfits often. Showroom models often have office duties, such as typing, filing, or answering phones, during slower seasons. Fit models work in a garment manufacturer's place of business. They must stand while the designer makes adjustments in the outfit being modeled...Steadily employed fashion models usually earn from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Fitting models are paid by the hour. Rates in Manhattan's garment district range from $50 to $100 per hour. A top fitting model might make as much as $250 to $450 per hour in a major designer's house." This was borne oput by the findings of Ashley Mears: http://www.slate.com/id/2303242/ To do fitting modelling you have to learn a little about fashion and drape; and listen when you are being informed. It can be very high pressure. If demonstrating to clients one has to be very self aware and have good posture and elegance. It isn't a question of regimented catwalk; though catwalk can, if you are as lucky as I was, be a part of it. There are Agencies who specialise it fitting placements; many go into it from fashion college, and one sometimes sees the castings advertised. It is hard work. Because of the 'total elegance' factor it has a very old fashioned kind of 50s style modelling to it; rather than high edge; and it is beginning to enjoy a resurgence in some department stores. From a point of view of advantage to photographers; it means a fitting model can offer a good posture and pose repertoire;though admittedly not necessarily edgy. I enjoyed it and recommend it throughly to models looking for paid work. But of course it may involve applying for the castings and moving to a city. Outside Paris and NY; it doesn't pay as much as it says above. But it is okay money and reliable and age and size and height is not as important as posture and poise; and of course being a perfect (UK) 8 10 12 or 14 etc or the sizes between them. You have to sign an 'offical secrets' form promising never to divulge information about upcoming designs. Much of the job reward is getting to work with amazing people making amazing things on you. You are frequently exposed nude or partially nude to visitors so it isn't for girls who are squeamish about being naked. Usually you work with a body double who is part time or both of you are and can cover each other of you have shoot work. If you are both knackered you can both lose your jobs to another. You can get called up at any time and be available; sometimes even at night during things like London fashion week. Oh and if you are a model who has 'fit model' on her assignment type list it doesn't mean fitness but fitting. Sep 28 11 07:42 pm Link your link (in reference) has been slammed all over the 'net due to a very limited view of the modeling world. what you speak of is actually "couture modeling" as in haute couture working in the house rooms of highly (and some not so highly) noted designers. some, but not all will graduate to the prestige of the runway. the models are measured daily, work long hours being draped in fabrics, the pay is low and as a former girlfriend of mine described it after two years in paris who took on work with a noted designer and left after two months, "i got tired of living on grapes." Sep 28 11 07:56 pm Link 291 wrote: Funny how that view was borne out by Ashley Mears. I am not a sociologist but I am a PhD student and it is strange that my experience modelling has been exactly the same as an aspect she highlighted. Sep 28 11 08:01 pm Link Eliza C wrote: perhaps i should have noted it wasn't grape wages, it was a diet that wouldn't allow any deviation in measurement, even in the slightest. Sep 28 11 08:09 pm Link Aren't ya like, always getting pins stuck in ya? :-))))) Sep 28 11 08:13 pm Link 291 wrote: Yes that is true; sorry I misunderstood. Swimming every evening helps but I ate what I wanted so didn't find it a problem. Now my boobs have shrunk a little so I would have to go back on the pill to resume where I was; my size has not altered. Sep 28 11 08:15 pm Link George Ruge wrote: The worst was getting my skin caught in a zip. It looked like a vampire bite. ) Sep 28 11 08:16 pm Link Wish I could do fit modeling. $250/hour for a steady part time job is not bad (that is the going rate at the fit agency I'm with) - too bad my measurements suck so that no clients want me. Sep 28 11 08:40 pm Link I was at Agent Provocateur btw. Enjoyed it throughly. Then there is again in a different class to me the very amazing Katy Higgins who is the showroom model at Vivienne Westwood: https://www.modelmayhem.com/740054 For all those who think MM is full of amateurs. She is testing atm so those of you who fancy your chances shooting her why not get in touch? Oh and errr...please acknowledge that this site does have some absolutely incredible models. You lucky boys. Sep 28 11 08:40 pm Link Malin_ wrote: Wow another amazing MM model. Sep 28 11 08:44 pm Link I'd love to do it, but too short and not "curvy" enough Sep 28 11 08:48 pm Link Alabaster True wrote: It depends. Sometimes the castings ask for specific measurements that don't make much sense to normal sizings. Also petite ranges could be absolutely ideal. Check out every petite garment manufacturer and write to them with your measurements and port images. Be prepared to move if you get one xx Sep 28 11 08:52 pm Link Eliza C wrote: Thanks babe! The problem is I have a very small rib cage... closer to 32 than 34. For any other kind of modeling it doesn't matter; I just slap 34 on my comp cards and no one ever has an issue. But for fit it's different. I tried the pill and nothing happened... and clients always want to measure you in an unpadded bra, so no fit modeling for me unless it's just tops or just pants (which I have done, but the demand for that is pretty limited). Sep 28 11 08:52 pm Link Malin_ wrote: I think you will get plenty of fashion work anyway!! xx Sep 28 11 08:53 pm Link Eliza C wrote: +1 Sep 28 11 08:54 pm Link I'm too disproportionate for fit (13" difference between waist and hip), which is a shame as I think it would be very interesting to be an intimate part of the production process. Sep 28 11 08:56 pm Link Malin_ wrote: Yes and Alabaster has a very cool retro look so if she gets an oppotunity like that she could end up with catalogue work etc Sep 28 11 08:56 pm Link Eliza C wrote: Aww, thanks. It is very hard to book high profile fashion jobs here in NY with all the competition from amazing models who are taller, skinnier and younger than me. But I try my best with catalogs, showrooms and stuff like that! Sep 28 11 08:56 pm Link I wanted to apply for fit modeling with an agency in NYC but they asked models to have experience with sewing. Sep 28 11 08:59 pm Link Paige Morgan wrote: Yes; yes it is wonderful experience if you have an interest in fashion. And it is also kind of very weird that all this focus of the amazing designers are on you. And they actually value one's input. Made me feel very special. Sep 28 11 09:03 pm Link QuietAsKept wrote: Sometimes that is a misinterpretation by the agency casting. What they ask for is a knowledge of couture. Which means 'sewing' literally. Seen it done here as well but you don't have to sew. Although; sometimes ex fashion students do it. I think they do it to spy Sep 28 11 09:09 pm Link QuietAsKept wrote: There is just no way they would ask you that! Are you sure you didn't misunderstand them? They might have asked if you can sew since that is sometimes a selling point when a client is choosing between two otherwise equal models, but sewing is not a requirement! Trust me! I know all of them and the only thing they care about is your measurements and your appearance/professionalism. But even if you have good measurements and suck in every other aspect, they will still take you and train you until they can safely send you off to a client. Sep 28 11 09:11 pm Link Eliza C wrote: You and I have never discussed this...but I love clothes. Everything from high street to couture to vintage. I'd be fascinated by the process. I'll keep a look out for corsetry or some similar that might need a curvier girl. Sep 28 11 09:17 pm Link Okay I must get to bed. I put a bit of effort into this thread because I think it may be of help to some models. I hope it keeps going for a bit. I would like to see more threads in this vein in MC. If someone couold do an Art one (life drawing etc) that would be cool; or if not I can do it. Likewise there may be suggestions as to how to go about putting an agency submission together; or promotional modelling, or alt modelling opportunities, or glamour whatever. Helpful advice from models who have been successful in a particular area which may be vague to some and could be of great help to those who want to do it. This could also help photographers who are interested so it doesn't just descend into a bun fight and remains positive. I mean I don't know; is this kind of thread of interest or not? Thank you all for contributing anyway xx Sep 28 11 09:21 pm Link Malin_ wrote: I forgot the name of the agency but it was listed on the website so I actually didn't apply. Sep 28 11 09:22 pm Link Paige Morgan wrote: I hope we can get a little more sisterliness around this particular bit of the site . And I genuinley mean it if I give a compliment. We need a vintage clothes thread too I think!! xx Sep 28 11 09:24 pm Link London girl, 40" hip...? Link please! (I know my page says 39", but I measured myself yesterday and it came up 40". Yet all my other stats are the same. Strange.) Please do a life modelling thread - life modelling's great! Especially if you're a mass of curves like me. I'd do the thread myself if I had more experience; my client list is fairly limited, the same places tend to rebook me over and over again, so I've only got experience in a half dozen places. Please do mention the pain (and how to predict/avoid it), private clients who try to pay you for only the actual posing time and won't cover even a 5 minute break, and the culture difference - no getting (un)dressed in front of the client, wear your robe on breaks, etc. Sep 29 11 06:45 am Link Tansy Blue wrote: Hi Jade. Yes; the pain - I am still suffering. Sep 29 11 06:50 am Link (Jade? Who on this thread is called Jade? XD) I'll keep an eye out for fitting model jobs. Do they show up on Gumtree a lot? Yes, if you write one I'll add a bit. Sep 29 11 07:05 am Link Tansy Blue wrote: Ha ha that will teach me to try to do my research work, reply to someone on facebook, have two threads here open and respond to a pm here all at the same time! Sorry Tansy!! Sep 29 11 07:45 am Link BUMP I can't believe this hasn't had more response. Yes I know everyone thinks it is not 'proper' modelling because you don't spend all day doing shoots. BUT it is modelling you get paid for; it is modelling you get appreciated in, and it is modelling in which there is no question of not being paid. It is also if you are lucky a route into runway modelling etc. Have a look at the Agency models ports here who do fashion. Most of the good ones also do fitting. It can be very well paid and offer a great insight into fashion and help you to understand drape and how clothes move etc. They need fitting models in all shapes and sizes. I got one model some fitting work at Agent Provocateur after I left; and a couple of others into fitting work in London; and many of the models I know in London who do editorial etc also do it; plus sizes who would never ever get into fashion modelling otherwise. That in turn can get you into Catalogue and merchandise catalogue shoots etc. I have listed a couple of fitting agencies in London. Please if you are on a fitting model agency books or know of them add to the thread; and also your experiences and breaks through it. xx Oct 01 11 03:43 am Link I use fit models extensively at every level of apparel making. In fact, no designer/manufacturer would ever dream of going into production of any apparel without fit models. I use fit models at two stages of apparel making: First, after I've designed a piece, made the initial pattern and rough-stitched a dummie together with a selected fabric. The fit model is then brought in to see how this initial design is working and make any alterations to the pattern. Second, I'll use a fit model when the manufacturer has the first piece ready for sign-off (there's no going back at this point.) I sometimes bring a fit model to the manufacturer's factory and we "fit check" the final version before I agree to production. As has been mentioned, fit models are crucial for determining proper intended drape of the choosen fabric. I have a very developed expertise in fabrics. I can review and inspect hundreds of fabrics over the course of a production season (about 6 weeks for us). I even deal directly with textile manufacturers to place very technical orders for fabric. But even with this expertise, you can't really be sure of the fabric's drape on any apparel piece without a fit model. And improper drape will lead to poor sales and reputation. Sometimes we use our photo models for fit models; but often we don't. My favorite fit model works at shipping our internet orders. She's kind of short and big-boned. I want a range of women who have body types that resemble our customer base as fit models. (Very few of our customers are 5' 11" with a 24" waist!) I'm so happy you brought up the topic of fit models. This is just a few thoughts about the topic from a teeny-tiny designer/manufacturer from the very outskirts of the fashion universe. Oct 01 11 08:35 am Link House of Thailand wrote: Thank you so much for your input ; great to hear from a designer and thankyou for valuing we fit models!! x Oct 01 11 01:27 pm Link Eliza C wrote: Thanks Oct 01 11 04:18 pm Link Here you go anyone in the UK a size 37/4 shoe? This will be a nice gig. You will have to be communicative and know how to show the shoes off with elegance. £200 for the day: https://www.modelmayhem.com/casting/125 … rch_type=0 Oct 03 11 07:15 am Link 291 wrote: true Oct 03 11 07:33 am Link Maria Michaela wrote: Yes it is very, very hard work but well paid and lots of exciting spin offs. My time at Agent Provocateur was brilliant. I would never have had the opportunity to work on the catwalk with the likes of Silvia Dimitrova if I hadn't been their fitting model. That is about as exciting as I can imagine modelling being. All the stylists at the event were top couture stylists; some of whom had just come from Vivienne Westwood's London fashion week show etc. and it was amazing! Oct 03 11 07:45 am Link Eliza C wrote: ehm, yeah... I did commercial plus size fitting :p. in holland. not very exciting :p. Oct 03 11 08:07 am Link Moderator Warning!
FYI Eliza, for future reference I've posted a link to this thread into the Model Matters Resource sticky at the top of this forum, here's the link - https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st16128190 If anyone wishes to post any similar threads on other aspects of modeling work, shoot me a PM and I will add those to the sticky, as and when they are posted. Oct 03 11 08:57 am Link Thank you Phil I think it can be a great help for models to share their experiences to help other models into areas of the industry of which they may be unware; which then helps photographers because we get experience in other areas. I have done one on Life Drawing/Fine Art modelling too; and would encourage other models to do similar eg promotional modelling, fitness modelling, tv/movie extra work; etc or add to these. xx Oct 03 11 09:03 am Link |