How Modeling Overseas Differs from Australia: Types & Trends and Cultural Differences & Work Environment:

Modeling Types and Trends:

Australia:

• Commercial and Lifestyle Modeling: The Australian modeling scene is heavily driven by commercial work, which includes advertising for retail brands (e.g., Myer, David Jones), beauty products, lifestyle campaigns, and fitness brands. Models are also frequently used for catalog work and editorial shoots for local fashion magazines like Vogue Australia and Harper's Bazaar Australia.

• Focus on Natural Beauty: Australia has a more relaxed, laid-back modeling aesthetic, where natural beauty and a healthy, athletic look are often preferred. This aligns with the Australian lifestyle, which is focused on fitness, outdoor living, and a casual yet polished style.

Overseas:

• High-Fashion Runways: In major fashion cities like Paris, Milan, and New York, the modeling scene tends to focus more on editorial work, runway shows, and working with high-end designers. Models may walk for prestigious shows during Fashion Week, where the aesthetic is often avant-garde and experimental, embracing extreme trends, unique looks, and cutting-edge designs.

• Varied Aesthetics: While some international markets lean heavily into high-fashion looks with sharp, angular features or avant-garde style, others (like Los Angeles) may prioritize commercial modeling for beauty and wellness products, which is closer to the Australian aesthetic. However, markets like Paris tend to favor more "editorial" faces with unique, striking features and high-fashion sensibilities.

Cultural Differences and Work Environment:

Australia:

• Relaxed Professional Environment: The Australian fashion industry tends to have a more laid-back, approachable atmosphere. Models often enjoy a more casual approach to their work, with less pressure and longer runway shows, and the work culture tends to be more relaxed and friendly. Australian models are often expected to maintain a "natural" look, and there’s less emphasis on extreme weight or physical appearance compared to other global fashion centers.

• Cultural Considerations: Australian fashion emphasizes an easygoing lifestyle, with lots of emphasis on sustainability and fitness. Australian models may also get more exposure in local media and ads, offering a significant amount of work in the lifestyle and commercial spaces.

Overseas:

• Intense Work Environment: In global fashion capitals, the atmosphere can be more intense, with high expectations for runway models and more cutthroat competition for magazine editorials. In cities like Paris or New York, models are often expected to be constantly on-call and in peak physical condition, with sometimes grueling schedules, especially during Fashion Week.

• Language and Cultural Barriers: For models working in non-English-speaking countries like France or Italy, language barriers can present challenges, as some clients and agencies may prefer models who can communicate fluently in the local language. Additionally, cultural norms around beauty standards, body type, and professionalism may differ from those in Australia, which can be difficult to navigate.