Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to investigate the factors affecting the training of professional fashion models
with a view to improve the performance of professional fashion models on the runway in Zimbabwe. Fashion
modelling and fashion shows have become powerful forces in marketing fashion brands in the contemporary
world. The study was carried out in Harare, Zimbabwe, following a qualitative descriptive case study design. In
depth interviews and observations were used to solicit data from fashion models, designers and fashion
modelling agencies. The findings indicated that the major factor affecting the training of fashion models was
that the Zimbabwean society is not very supportive to fashion modeling and fashion show activities. It was
obtained that fashion models lack knowledge and skills of what they are expected to do on the runway as the
training covered very little curriculum content. The findings also revealed that fashion designers and modeling
agencies had different expectations in terms of entry physical requirements of a fashion model. The conclusion
put forward was that the young people in Zimbabwe neglect fashion modelling as a profession for it is viewed
by the society as an indecent profession. It was recommended that there is need for all training institutions that
offer fashion design and modelling courses to conscientise the Zimbabwean society on fashion modelling as a
profession and its importance to the fashion industry. Modelling agencies and fashion designers should consider
reviewing and broadening the curriculum and duration of the modeling training programme so that fashion
models end up mastering the required skills necessary for befitting performance at fashion shows.
