A Fashion History Lesson

In case you didn't know, Fashion Week is fast approaching. Anyone in the industry is probably running around like a crazy person right now trying to secure passes to shows, invites to parties, and making sure anyone who will be backstage—whether they be VIP or a video crew—has all the necessary clearance needed. Our office has been a madhouse as we're scrambling to figure out which of our favorite models will be at which shows.

We are a little model-obsessed, after all.

With all the preparations and excitement for the Spring shows, it got us thinking: Just how did it all begin? Today the shows are more popular than ever, with magazines, newspapers, and blogs reporting on the hottest trends of each upcoming season. And the front row has become a mise-en-scène of who's who in the fashion industry. But it wasn't always like this.

Since this will be the last showing at the famed Tents in Bryant Park, we decided to give you a little treat. We've traced the history of modeling all the way back to its humble beginnings. Take a look at our first installment of the History of Models here.