Editorial Modeling

Editorial Modeling Description

Editorial Fashion models appear in publications such as newspapers, magazines and catalogs often to illustrate a topic theme made by the author, but may also stand alone as full page or cover pictures showcasing the latest high end beauty products, designer and fashion trends.

Tear Sheets & Exposure

Doing editorial work is widely sought after by fashion models because of the exposure it provides. Fitting high quality tear sheets in the portfolio will be beneficial in booking more clients and jobs afterwards. Because of these huge benefits however, doing editorial work usually isn’t paid as much as other modeling jobs, specially in the commercial categories.

Fashion models and editorial models in particular are usually associated with having a specific beautiful but edgy look, accompanied by an original personality. Unlike many other modeling categories where models in large remain anonymous, editorial models on the other hand, work to build up their reputation to establish themselves as a household name and brand.

Campaigns

This is where the previous exposure comes in handy, because thanks to the high end style and fashion magazines, prominent designers and brands may find a model from any such publications to offer lucrative campaign contracts to. This is one of the highest priorities for models in the fashion industry, as it not only grants further exposure but also yields very high earning potentials.

Editorial Fashion Model Requirements

Each magazine has a specific style and audience and so the requirements vary a lot from almost no restrictions for lesser known online publications, to very strict based on what magazine the editorial is for and their level of recognition, reach and reputation.

Height

Editorial model requirements for mainstream fashion magazines are among the fiercest and are as such very strict demanding female models to be no less than 5’8” (173 cm) tall, and 5’10” (178 cm) and yet above for high fashion, while male models be 5’11” (180 cm), preferred at 6’ (183 cm) and even yet above for high fashion.

Age & Distinguishing Features

Equally important traits in addition to being tall are; being young. In many fashion categories, models may start from as early as 13, but it’s more common to be just about or around 18 years for editorial specific modeling. Additional requirements demand good looks, being thin with long legs, long neck, high defined cheekbones, great skin with no or at least a bare minimum of tattoos and piercings, a strong commitment and a willingness to travel, often alone.

Boys will have their primary focus on having a lean and toned body with slightly broader shoulders.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are many instances where a model didn’t quite make the required measurements, yet are accepted because of a very interesting and unique personality among other peripheral traits.

Therefore, it is important to note that these are guidelines as there are examples of successful fashion models being 5’5” (165 cm) aged 20+ or 30+ while some may even have completely diverse measurements from the industry standard.