Model and Fashion Slang: The Ultimate Glossary.

Stepping into the model and fashion industry can feel like learning a new language. I’ve compiled the most essential terms you’ll encounter from your first agency meeting to your first runway show.

• Scouting: The process of finding new talent, often in public places or via social media.
• Comp Card: A model’s business card featuring a selection of photos and vital stats.
• Digitals: Raw, unedited photos used to show a model’s natural look to clients.
• Book: A physical or digital portfolio of a model’s best work.
• Tearsheet: A page from a magazine (or a digital equivalent) showing your published work.
• New Face: A model who is recently signed and still in the “building” phase of their career.

• Booker: The agent responsible for booking jobs and communicating with clients on your behalf.
• Casting: An interview where you meet clients to be considered for a specific job.
• Go-See: A meeting with a potential client or agency to introduce yourself.
• Shortlist: When a client narrows down their choices to a few top candidates.
• Option: A request to keep a specific date open for a potential job.
• Buy-out: The fee paid for the right to use your image for a specific time and medium.

• Moodboard: A visual reference used by the creative team to define the theme and style of a shoot.
• Shot List: A checklist of all the specific images the photographer needs to capture.
• MUA: Short for Make-up Artist.
• Stylist: The professionals in charge of hair, makeup and clothing.
• Hair Stylist: The person responsible for the hair.
• Wardrobe Stylist: The person responsible for the outfits, shoes, and accessories.
• TFP (Time for Print): A collaboration where the model and photographer exchange time for photos, with no money changing hands.
• BTS (Behind the Scenes): Photos or videos taken during the production process.
• Wrap: The best word you’ll hear all day! It means the shoot is officially finished: “It’s a wrap!”
• Retouching: The post-production process where the photographer or an editor cleans up skin, adjusts colors, and perfects the image.

• Runway / Catwalk: The platform where models display clothing.
• Fitting: A session before a show or shoot to ensure the clothes fit perfectly.
• Line-up: The specific order in which models walk during a fashion show.
• Opening Model: The first model to walk out, setting the tone for the entire show.
• Closing Model: The final model of the show, often wearing the most important piece.

• Commercial: Modeling for everyday brands, catalogs, and advertisements.
• Editorial: Artistic photographic spreads in magazines.
• High Fashion: High-end, avant-garde modeling for luxury brands and top-tier magazines.
• Haute Couture: High-end, custom-fitted fashion made by hand (the pinnacle of fashion).
• Ready-to-wear (RTW): Also known as Prêt-à-porter; high-quality fashion produced in standard sizes.
• Measurements: Your height and bust-waist-hip dimensions.
• Curvy / Plus Size: Models with fuller figures.
• Petite: Models who are shorter than the traditional industry standard.