Alternative model

Alternative modelling is a branch of the modelling industry that features models who do not conform to mainstream ideals of beauty. Alternative models are often niche-specific, with a personal style that represents subcultures like goth, burlesque, latex and fetishism. An alternative model may for example be tattooed, pierced, or have distinctively subcultural hair (shaved, dyed a distinctively unnatural colour, or in dreadlocks).

Alternative modelling can be clothed or unclothed.

Alternative modelling was given substantial mainstream media coverage in the last decade, partly through the creation and popularisation of community-based alternative modelling sites, like God Girls and Suicide Girls (created by Sean Suhl and Selina Mooney in 2001). Alternative modelling community sites promoted their models for their personality as well as for their looks and portfolio.

Nocturnal Models Agency is a European based agency promoting 80 alternative models as well as 22 photographers working worldwide in both alternative media as well as mainstream fashion.Rogue Maidens are a uk based alternative modeling agency.

Markets

There are specialized publications that feature and promote alternative models, including .Alt Fashion and Gothic Beauty. Other magazines like Bizarre Magazine feature alternative models for visual emphasis for their features.

Personal adult pay websites exist for alternative models specialising in alternative porn, like Suicide Girls and God Girls. Not all alternative models are associated with the porn industry.

Alternative models are often employed to promote niche products, either in shops or online, particular subcultural clothing shops and websites.

References