Back when I first graduated as a dancer I stumbled across Fittings Division with no idea of what a fittings model was and no idea of what my future fittings life was set to become. Without anything to lose I thought I would apply to their agency and was very quickly emailed back with an invitation to come into the office to be measured. Back then it was just brother and sister team, Alex and Gemma running the office in Great Titchfield Street, I even think their mum was in the office. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming and after being measured they were certain I would get work very easily. A couple of days later I was booked in for a mornings fitting at Firetrap and an afternoon at Puma. I was shocked at how quickly I got work. I was even more shocked at the great pay for doing a relatively easy job (although once you work a full day at a high fashion brand standing in stacked high heels for nine hours you will realise that it can be incredibly tiring). Fittings work has led me to do in-house fashion shows for some hugely famous high fashion designers, photo shoots, e-commerce and even showroom work in Paris for numerous fashion companies. Eight years later I am still working with Fittings Division and they haven’t changed even a little bit, they are still as friendly as when they first started their agency over ten years ago.
Two office changes later and Fittings Division are now based in Brick Lane in an uber trendy office with huge light up FD initials propped up on their windowsill…you haven’t made it until you own these light up letters (where are mine??). With a few more staff to help run their popular agency they are definitely heading up the now very busy fittings market. After my viral blog post on The Secret Life Of A Fittings Model was published in the Daily Mail I knew people were very interested in the fittings world so I thought I had better interview them and ask some of your most asked questions.
BACKGROUND
What made you start a fittings model agency?
After working in the fashion and modelling industry for years I realised there was a big gap in the market for a specialist fittings agency.
Who works in the office?
There are 5 of us in the office . Me, Gemma (owner), Alex (owner), Donna (head booker), Brenda (Accounts) and now Ellen who looks after all our social media platforms.
What is an average day of a fittings model agent?
It can start really early. If a model falls ill during the night they may inform us at 5am that they cannot make their fit session that day, it is then our responsibility to find the client a cover model usually before 9am. Once in the office we firstly ensure that all last minute bookings have been covered, from then on it is a continuous stream of bookings via email and phone that come in from our clients, so managing a large and very busy diary system is a big part of the job. Two days a week we hold all day castings for all new sizes/faces we then make cards for the new potentials. Promoting our agency and new models to all new clients is also a daily job.
Do your fittings models ever get booked for campaigns or to walk in shows because of their fittings work?
Absolutely. We have countless e-commerce, showroom, photographic and catwalk clients all of whom have decided to use the same model they fit on to help with continuity.
WHAT IS A FITTINGS MODELS?
What is a fittings model?
Fit models are the human equivalent to a mannequin. They provide useful and constructive advice to designers during the garment production process.
What kinds of jobs are there for fittings models?
It is really diverse, we have some models who fit daily and some who fit just once a week. You could be fitting for a high street brand for two hours one day, then flown to Paris for a weeks fitting with a famous designer the next. We also have models who fit for shoes, underwear, swimwear & maternity clients.
What is your most popular model size booked by clients?
We often say that we can never have enough size 12’s and that is probably still the case. We have a lot of girls come through the door that are size 8 or 10 but we would really like to build on our plus sizes. Being in proportion is very important for a fittings model.
Is there equal pay in the industry for men and women?
Yes definitely.
Is there an age cap on fittings modelling or even a starting age?
We see models from around 20 years old up to 50.
Does fittings work pay well?
It depends on the amount of hours you do but yes it can pay extremely well. We have many models who are full time fitting models.
TOP TIPS
How should someone get into fittings modelling?
They should definitely read up on what it is first to make sure that it is something they really think they can do. Take a look at the You Tube video at the bottom of this interview to give you an idea of what fittings work entails. After that it’s a simple case of applying and being seen by an agency.
Do potential fittings models need a model portfolio?
No, but do bear in mind that quality photos make a massive difference. If you haven’t got a portfolio then get a friend to take some decent pictures with a plain white background. A picture of you in a park on a swing or with mates at a party just isn’t going to work.
What items must every fittings model own?
Nude underwear, a padded bra, a thong, a head band, some high heels, a dressing gown and a plain black pair of leggings and a vest top and for the boys – boxers, tight fitting pants, smart shoes or trainers (if you are working for a fitness brand). These are just some of the things you may be asked to bring to a fit session.
What qualities makes for a successful fittings model?
Great measurements, good proportion, personality, good hygiene and perfect timekeeping.
SOCIAL MEDIA
If you are inspired to become a fittings model or have more questions for them head on over to their website or follow Fittings Division on their social media channels.
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{L-R – Donna, Gemma, Ellen, Alex, Leon (dog)}
{Google Images}