Post-Modelling Careers In The Fashion Industry
By Sarah Stefanson August 25, 2009
Cameron Diaz, Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A model’s career is guaranteed to be short-lived in an industry that prizes youth and beauty. At the first sign of aging, a model will find that his or her job offers are fewer and farther between. Because of this limited lifespan in the industry, it would be wise for a young model to have a back-up plan for his or her post-modelling career. It’s essential that a model properly handles his or her finances at the height of her career and then makes plans for what he or she will do once modelling is no longer an option. Many models want to stay in the fashion industry to some extent since it has been their home often since a very young age. Some very successful models have gone on to flourish as designers, television hosts, creative directors, makeup artists, model agents and actors. Here are a few examples of models moving on to other successful fashion careers.
Designer
For a model with a creative flair, becoming a fashion designer is a natural transition. Having worn the creations of some of the world’s greatest designers, former fashion models have no lack of inspiration when it comes to creating their own lines. Former supermodel Elle MacPherson applies her creative mind to her line, Elle MacPherson Intimates. Rag & Bone recently announced a collaboration with Marc Jacobs favourite, Jessica Stam. Model Erin Wasson has teamed up with California based surf brand RVCA to create a line called Erin x RVCA. Jacqie Perry uses her swimwear line to promote awareness of sexual abuse. Angela Chittenden draws on her past experience as a swimsuit model as inspiration for her swimwear designs, which she presented at LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2009. Famous supermodel Kate Moss lent her name to a line at TopShop. Model May Anderson is part owner of the Chicks With Guns line. Whether it is in name only or a full creative commitment, many former fashion models find that designing clothes is a great option for them after modelling.
Actress
Some former models have moved on to successful careers as Hollywood actresses. The most well known of these include Brooke Shields, Rebecca Romijn and Cameron Diaz. These days, with television commercials and online campaigns, it’s more important than ever that a fashion model has some acting skills. Since Hollywood values beauty almost as much as the modelling world does, it’s natural that they would give former models a shot at acting. Of course, not all models can act and some shouldn’t even try. For those model/actresses without the requisite talent, there’s always the option of reality TV where former models such as Adrianne Curry and Janice Dickinson have thrived.
Television Host
Models are experts at promotion since it is often their job to sell clothes, makeup and other products through their work. A natural promotional ability combined with a confident and winning personality could set a former model up for a career in television. Being a television host doesn’t require the same kind of skills that a movie actress needs, so even someone who is not a skilled thespian can turn to this career once his or her modelling career wanes. Perhaps the most famous example of a model-turned-television host is Tyra Banks. As creator, producer and host of America’s Next Top Model and host of her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, Banks set the standard for the television careers of models. Other supermodels have followed her lead including Heidi Klum (Project Runway) and Iman (Project Runway Canada).
Model Agent
Janice Dickinson has tried out many careers since the peak of her modelling days including author, reality TV star, actress and photographer, but she is perhaps best known these days as a modelling agency owner on the reality series, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency. Since 2005, Dickinson has been using the expertise gained from a 30 year modelling career to guide the careers of the young models signed to her agency. The show has completed four seasons and the agency has represented several successful models. A former model may be in a good position to become a model agent, since he or she will understand the ins and outs of the industry having gone through it. Having the perspective of a model, an agent may be able to better identify with his or her models, while also knowing how to work the system to get them the right jobs.
Staying In The Industry
If a former model wishes to stay in the industry, there are many options for careers that he or she can enjoy once they begin to age or want to move on from modelling. Other models go on to become entrepreneurs, politicians or hold other positions outside of the fashion industry, but for those with a true love of fashion, these careers may make more sense.
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Submitted on August 25, 2009 in Model Intelligence.
Sarah is our Western Canadian correspondent. She recently left a long-standing position as editor and writer for TheSoko.com, DriverSense.com & LiveDress.com to focus on book and novel writing. Sarah continues contribute weekly articles to AskMen.ca and Models & Moguls. Sarah thinks she might have been a model if it weren’t for the blessing of Slavic hips and thighs.
Sarah Stefanson has contributed 64 articles to Models & Moguls.
