Modeling EXPLAINED 

The modeling industry has a long and fascinating history, from its humble beginnings to its emergence as a cornerstone of modern fashion and culture. Its incredible development has inspired people of all ages and backgrounds. With the advent of media and modern communication, this meaningful industry has become a symbol of progress and beauty, impacting how we think and dress in profound ways. 

Since the invention of the camera in the early 1800s, modeling has advanced tremendously. What once began as people posing for paintings and portraits has now evolved into photoshoots for newspapers and advertisements. Before this, the only models you could see were mannequin statues in stores. The earliest models have been labeled as 'live mannequins.' Initially, these models earned minor to no money since their sole purpose was showcasing clothing.

However, it is widely reported that Marie Augustine Vernet, the wife of Charles Frederick Worth, was the very first fashion model. Therefore, it is clear that since the dawn of the camera, models have made significant advancements and gained worldwide recognition - proving that modeling is no longer used just for practical purposes.

The mid-1900s saw an extraordinary boom in the modeling industry, resulting in the inception of one of the first agencies, Ford Models, founded by Eileen and Gerard Ford in 1946. Their success quickly spread worldwide, leading to the emergence of modeling agencies across the globe in the 1960s.

London, in particular, became world-renowned for its bustling hub of fashion, fronted by iconic models such as Twiggy and Joanna Lumley, inspiring countless aspiring fashionistas to take the industry by storm. It's no wonder this period saw a meteoric rise in modeling popularity.

The following two decades brought models a much brighter future; they saw better pay, working conditions, and a more diverse industry. A perfect example of this was in 1974 when Beverly Johnson became the very first black model to be featured on the cover of American Vogue. This caused models to need more skills than just the ability to showcase clothes; they had to dance, act and even entertain those watching them.

This opened more doors and gave more respectability to the profession. Moreover, it evolved from a part-time job to a full-time career that allowed models to travel and work worldwide.

The 1990s were undoubtedly a defining era for the modeling industry, introducing us to some of the world's most legendary figures, such as Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, who were all over the media, acting as true celebrity idols. Teen pop stars, including Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, pushed the boundaries of fashion, influencing an entire generation and shifting the appeal of fashion and models to a younger age. This momentous period undeniably and forever changed the idea of fashion and modeling, ushering in a new era of modern creativity and power.

As the modeling industry gained more and more fame over the early 2000s, it also earned itself a great deal of controversy. Eating disorders and drugs became the health issues that the industry was forced to grapple with, shining a harsh light on the scary effects of fame and unrealistic standards of what it means to look 'perfect.'

Now, though, modeling associations are working hard to tackle such problems. Health and well-being must come first if these standards remain sustainable - which is why we must continue to advocate for models worldwide.

The modeling industry has conquered impressive feats, rising from a small, backward job to a global phenomenon. Leveraging the capabilities of the internet, top models such as Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner have taken advantage of social media. They have used the platform to propel their careers and establish a rapport with their fans.

In addition to their presence in print, prominent models amplified their endeavors through digital media, thus allowing for broader recognition and untapped opportunities. From just walking fashion displays, today's models have become immensely versatile - taking on roles of activists, speakers, media personalities, business owners, and whatnot. This cements that the modeling industry is vastly different now, and we should embrace this change wholeheartedly.

The modeling industry is expanding, making opportunities available to everyone due to the influx of beauty, fitness, and fashion sponsorship deals. It's no longer necessary to be traditionally beautiful to succeed as a model; with a camera and a solid presence on social media, anyone can call themselves a model and score deals with companies. This inclusive approach to modeling is to be celebrated, as it opens the field to people with a broader range of body types and facial features which may not have been represented in the past.