The Evolution of Fashion Modeling: A Look Back

Fashion modeling as we know it today didn’t always exist. Before models became the face of brands and the stars of glossy campaigns, clothing was displayed on static forms miniature dolls or stiff mannequins. Designers relied on lifeless shapes to showcase their work, often in their salons or shop windows. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that this started to change thanks to one designer’s bold idea in the heart of Paris. Read also: Introduction to the Modeling Industry: Types, Key Players, and Evolution The First “House Model”: Charles Frederick Worth Changes the Game The turning point came in 1853, when English designer Charles Frederick Worth , often called the “father of haute couture,” decided that mannequins weren’t enough. Instead, he asked his wife, Marie Vernet Worth , to wear his creations and model them for clients. This wasn’t just a charming gesture it was a business strategy that brought his designs to life. Marie became the first known house model , showing...