The Lifestyle of Lingerie Models
Lingerie models are not runway models. Runway models place a large amount of emphasis on slender, sometimes sickly figures, and outstanding height. Traditionally, runway models average a height of five-foot-ten (the minimum height requirement is five-foot-nine). Because designers create their runway fashions in sample sizes of zero, twos, and fours, these models must maintain extraordinarily lean bodies in order to appropriately fit the couture.
But the lingerie industry is not accentuated by sleek and shapeless figures. Instead, seductive curves and feminine appeal are necessary to flaunt lingerie fashions. Many lingerie models barely clear a height of five-foot-six, making this field of modeling more accessible for aspiring women.
Victoria's Secret Models
Perhaps the most popular lingerie models are those featured in the Victoria's Secret catalog. But be forewarned, these girls operate within a fiercer, more competitive modeling criteria than smaller lingerie companies. The Victoria's Secret models hold fast to the requirements of many editorial and runway models, making them eligible for both the catwalk and the catalogs.
Victoria's Secret models have heights that range from five-foot-nine to five-foot-eleven. Their measurements typically feature a 34-36 bust, a 23-25 inch waist, and 34-35.5 inch hips. These statistics are often the result of impossibly auspicious genetics and should not be attempted by crash dieting and excessive exercise.
Some of the most famous faces in modeling have appeared in the Victoria's Secret catalogs. The careers of many lingerie models have been forged through Victoria's Secret and these names include:
- Heidi Klum
- Tyra Banks
- Gisele Bündchen
- Adriana Lima
- Alessandra Ambrosio
- Molly Sims
- Rebecca Romijn
- Helena Christensen
- Laetitia Casta
- Karolina Kurkova
How They Were Spotted
Many teenage girls wake up with the notion that they will become a top lingerie model. But how did so many of these big names come to be?
Latetia Casta was spotted by a photographer while sunning herself on the beach. She was fifteen years old. Molly Sims, a renowned supermodel, started out her career running Old Navy clothing television advertisements before she ended up on the covers of Vogue and the French Cosmopolitan. Karolina Kurkova skyrocketed to fame by appearing on the February 2001 cover of Vogue, while Heidi Klum was discovered in 1992 after winning the title of "Model '92'" in Munich.
However, even Tyra Banks' success involved a struggle. She was reportedly turned down by four modeling agencies before she was signed by the fifth.
Gisele Bündchen's story is hard to come by. This lanky model was discovered while eating at MacDonald's.
The Angels
Some of the aforementioned models currently comprise the Victoria's Secret Angels, a group of gorgeous glamorous women who model the latest VS fashions and are featured in the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show. Additionally, these girls tour the United States, for the "Angels Across America" tour, prior to their participation in the show. Tyra Banks, Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Alessandra Ambrosio are presently heading up the team.
Reality of Lingerie Modeling
Not all lingerie models share the same fame and prestige as the Victoria's Secret Angels. In fact, the majority of models employed in this area of fashion endure experiences of far less glamour.
The majority of models find their days limited to mundane catalogs that offer them limited public exposure. Girls interested in this field of modeling can occasionally end up in compromising circumstances.
In order to sustain their shapely figures, most models maintain demanding fitness routines and calorie-restricted diets to eliminate the appearance of cellulite. Some resort to breast enhancement surgeries as well as other cosmetic procedures, proving that being beautiful can require a lot of work and time.
