The Grit in the Glamour: A Qualitative Study of the Well-Being of Fashion Models

Fashion models are often assumed to have a glamorous job with limited consideration for their well-being. This study aims to assess the wellbeing of models through semi structured interviews with six professional fashion models and six industry professionals. Thematic analysis revealed that although models experienced improved self-confidence, they also reported heightened anxiety levels, body image issues and negative influence of modelling on their self-esteem. By contrast, industry professionals reported no or minimum concerns about anxious behaviours or the general well-being of fashion models. Being resilient as a model was perceived as an essential attribute to have by both models and industry professionals as they face recurrent rejection in this industry. These results demonstrate a significant gap in the current understanding of the well-being of fashion models between industry professionals and the models themselves. Findings imply that there is an inherent need for change in the modelling industry to promote and enhance their well-being.

Following the success of its 2023 online conference on psychology applied to fashion, London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London) will be hosting its second conference in this field.

This online conference aims to showcase original quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research which applies psychology in order to understand fashion and the fashion industry.

Dress, the self, and psychological well-being
Dress and culture
Consumer behaviour in a fashion context
Psychology and sustainable fashion
Luxury fashion consumption
Fashion and technology
Impact of fashion industry practices on consumers and the fashion industry workforce