5 Magazines Every Fashion Model Should Study

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring models make is not being prepared. Some models who are just starting out will head to a booking after a late night of partying, unaware of how physically and mentally demanding a photo shoot can be. Others forget to bring their portfolio, they leave their model kit at home, or don’t bother to research the agency or client they’re shooting for. Worst of all, they have no idea what to do when they’re put in front of a camera. This careless attitude can make you seem unprofessional, unmotivated, and consequently, un-bookable.

A major part of being prepared is simply making the effort to get a good night’s sleep and checking, then double-checking, that you have everything you need. But it’s also important to do your homework, and that doesn’t mean studying textbooks and taking online quizzes. It means immersing yourself in the modeling world and learning from those at the top.

Let Magazines be Your Guide

Hands down, the easiest, and most enjoyable, way to learn the business is to spend quality time with your favorite fashion magazines. As you flip through the pages of these fashion bible publications, study the models and observe how they have moved their position, how they are posed, and how they express different emotions. Learn about the designers, photographers, and note the models’ names. As an exercise, tear out pages with the shots you like best and practice what you see. Don’t stop practicing until you’ve perfected the mood, the pose, the expression. Soon you’ll have the confidence you need to appear effortless in front of a camera.

Remember that many so called “fashion” magazines are filled with nothing but celebrities. They’re an interesting read, but if you really want to make your research worthwhile, stick with legitimate high fashion magazines that use real models. The best ones include:

1. Vogue

If you have to pick one magazine to mimic, pick Vogue. Arguably the most influential fashion magazine in the world, Vogue has been setting fashion standards for over a century and is the top selling fashion magazine in the world with editions globally, like Italian Vogue and British Vogue.

2. Elle

With 44 editions around the world, Elle is a must-read fashion publication. It has a strong, energetic, and exciting vibe and covers all the latest trends right off the runways of New York City, London, Milan, and Paris.

3. Harper’s Bazaar

America’s first fashion magazine has style and panache. Sophisticated, elegant, and provocative, Harper’s Bazaar features the latest trends, designers, runway shows, and fashion events, from casual to couture. Be sure to check out the digital version for exclusive model interviews, backstage videos, and behind-the-scenes peeks at editorials, cover shoots, and more.

4. W

This popular (and sometimes controversial!) magazine captures the who, what, where, when, and why in the world of style and fashion. What really sets W apart is its oversized, glossy pages that give you a front row seat to the hottest models, designers, and fashion events from all over the world. It’s an industry standard

5. L’Officiel

This international high-end fashion and luxury lifestyle magazine has been around for more than 90 years. It offers the ultimate in French elegance, couture talent, and fascinating editorials. Based in Paris, L’Officiel is published in over 20 countries, including Italy, Russia, China, Singapore, Brazil, and Azerbaijan.

culled from the balance

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