Modelling

/ˈmɑdəlɪŋ/ verb

Definition

creating representations or working as a fashion model

Etymology

from French 'modèle' from Latin 'modulus'

Kelly Says

Modelling is like being a human sculpture that can walk!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Fashion modeling heavily gendered and feminized in modern usage, despite male modeling's simultaneous existence. Women's modeling became tied to appearance evaluation in ways male modeling (often specialized: runway, commercial) avoided, creating unequal professional standards.

Inclusive Usage

Specify type: 'runway modeling', 'commercial modeling', 'data modeling'. When discussing fashion careers, emphasize professional criteria equally across genders rather than appearance-centric language.

Inclusive Alternatives

["runway work","commercial representation","fashion work","data modeling"]

Empowerment Note

Women modelers have built professional standards, agencies, and advocacy around labor rights and safety in an industry that historically exploited them.

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