I was typing the history of the coat & cloak industry from 1894. The following were the requirements for a model in 1894 from the book, Cole's Dictionary of Dry Goods. I thought it was funny when comparing model requirements for today. So could you be a model in 1894?
"One of the most important if not the most responsible positions in a cloak factory is that of the model, or "figure," and upon securing good ones depends the prosperity of the establishment. The fact that women for the position of models are paid from $12 to $18 per week for comparatively easy work is an indication that they cannot be had in great numbers. It requires no experience to be a model, but it does require natural grace and fine physical proportions-in fact, "the female form divine." Good looks do not count, though a show-room figure must have attractions and dress much better than the fitting-model in the workshop. Manufacturers as a rule require a woman of about 5 feet, 6 ½ inches in height. She seldom goes under that, but sometimes half an inch more is desirable. The professional figure has a natural grace about her that cannot be acquired by artificial means. Any young woman who has the height mentioned above, a bust measurement of 36 inches, waist 24 inches, length of back from 16 ½ to 17 inches, arms 24 inches, neck 12 ½ inches, hips 42 inches, and 13 ½ inches across the shoulders, is a perfect figure and can find steady employment in any cloak house at any time she chooses. The show-room models generally have a contract for all the year round and are paid in full for the same, but they seldom have anything to do except in January and February when the buyers flock to market for the purchase of spring goods, and in July and August when they lay in a supply of fall and winter wraps. The workroom models are always kept busy. They are the hardest worked of any in the establishment, for upon her is tried twice at least every garment turned out. The sample, or trying-on model must be the most perfect. She, too, is compelled to toil the year round. Large houses employ from 12 to 15 models." Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeslideshows.com _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
