A Fashion Editorial: Male Models

The male modeling world is still a world that’s a lot smaller than the women’s models world. However, male models are not in one of the most discussed jobs in the world, and today we want to break the ice and have a conversation about male models. Modelling, as what it is today was established in1853 by Charles Frederick Worth, who is considered the “father of haute couture”, as he asked his wife, Marie Vernet Worth, to model the clothes he designed. Because photography was not so broadly expanded, models were little known and it was only after the 1950s when the business took off and became what it is today. One of the first agencies in the world was established in 1946, and it was Ford models, which continues to exist today.

One of the main differences between the female models industry and the male models industry is that male models can actually work more than the average woman, they get to work until their 30s, even though young men are preferred in the business as well. There are all types of models: from runway models to just hands or hair models. Usually, male models are required to be between 5’11” and 6’2″ tall and within the range of 140 to 165 pounds when it comes to weight, but the important part of it all is to be muscular and attractive.

Models are usually being payed quite well. Of course, we mean famous people who model for big brands. Some of them actually earn $10,000 a day or more. This being said, we need to mention that there are not many people in the world who actually make such livings out of modeling.

It’s interesting to analyze the term “model”. Model can mean either a prototype, which they are, since they wear the clothes as they were created, or it can also be related to “role model”: they are the ones we should aspire to be like. We recommend that you read our articles on Male Body Image Considerations for more info on visual requirements in society.

Of course, models, men even more than women are not seen as serious in society and are considered not be having a “real job”. Of course, what they are doing is not molecular science, but it’s still a job. This image of the shallow models has been popularized in the media, by films such as Zoolander, which we loved and thought was a really funny satire. However, some people actually have strong opinions regarding models, such as blogger Melissa Stetten, who claimed “a relationship with a male model makes me want to vomit all over their absurd collection of hair products and expensive facial lotions. Modelling requires an IQ similar to that of a five-year-old, and the guys I’ve come across at castings and jobs have all been Donnie Dumbbells”.

Male models usually receive more criticism than female models. Female models are said to be stupid and vain and male models even more so. This is because of the gender roles that the culture of the past planted in our minds. To find out more, you can read our article on masculinity and femininity. It is not seen as a very masculine thing to be preoccupied by your look, and male models are considered to be extremely narcissistic, even though there is no basis to this thought.

So, what do you think? Are male models shallow and dumb or do you like and respect them? Take our poll, but have a look at our gallery first. We wanted to share these pictures with you because we wanted to showcase photos from ads and magazines from around the world and to show you a side of fashion we don’t usually focus on, as we usually show images from runway shows.