Fashion models promote clothing and accessories to fashion buyers and customers. They appear modelling in fashion shows or in photos for magazines, catalogues and posters.
The commercial model is the silent salesperson promoting everything else (she has to act without words).

What does it take to be a fashion model?

Female fashion models should be somewhere between 15 and 22 years old, although probably closer to fifteen. Models don't have careers that last as long as for instance, doctors, so agencies tend to invest their time in someone young.

You should be tall, long-legged, and lean. The minimum height is usually about 5'8", and average weight for a model is 108-125 lbs. These characteristics are partly aesthetic and partly practical: this type of frame looks good on the runway and in front of the camera; and a somewhat scrawny build drapes clothing nicely and ensures a good fit in the standard wardrobe. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course - Kate Moss is 5'7" and Gabrielle Reece is a giant 6'3" - but, in general, the closer you are to the industry norm, the better your chances.

Fashion models still tend to be very skinny. Commercial modeling doesn't require that you be "skinny". The key is to take care of yourself. Don't overeat, but do eat well balanced meals and avoid the snacks. Exercise and keep yourself in good shape.

Male fashion models are normally 6' to 6' 2" tall and wear a size 40 regular jacket. Commercial models do not have any height, weight or size restrictions.

What are the different types of modeling?

Fashion: These models walk the runway in fashion shows and appear in the fashion magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan or Elle. In the U.S., most of this takes place in New York. Certainly most markets have some fashion happening - but New York City is the fashion capital of the United States. Fashion models account for an extremely small percentage of the total model population in the industry.

Commercial: This is the biggest modeling category and the one most often overlooked and misunderstood by young models. Commercial models appear in ads, packaging, billboards, and magazine articles for everything from medicine to insurance, from work out equipment to office equipment.

This is a category where personality and the ability to show different expressions are equally important as looks. While some are beautiful or handsome - most successful commercial models look like everyday people.

Promotional: Promotions are how many models actually make a living. Promotional modeling ranges from being hired to hand out free samples of products to staffing trade show booths in large convention halls. This is a category that rarely involves being photographed and is very much about your personality and ability to interact with people.

Glamour: Certainly not for everyone - but if you are comfortable with your body and certainly - of legal age - glamour modeling can range anywhere from calendar girl to swimwear catalog model.