Lookbook

The meaning of the term lookbook has recently expanded. It used to refer to a fashion designer's pattern book. A lookbook contains designs, cuts, fabrics and colors of future collections. Today, however, a lookbook is also a folder in which a model collects representative photos from their career to date. A personal business card, so to speak.

In the past, the lookbook was usually a printed catalog or a presentation in magazine format, distributed by the designer or an individual brand itself. Today, however, the vast majority of lookbooks are available in digital form. This makes it possible to reach many more potential customers while using significantly less material and resources.

The lookbook helps a fashion designer to find the right models for his upcoming collection.

The designer focuses on the following three points when making the selection:

• Style: The contents of the lookbook represent the style of the upcoming collection. Whether classic or modern, elegant or bold, young or dignified - the designer knows immediately which models are capable of conveying this style.
• Selection: Not everything in the lookbook will end up on the catwalk. Only the best pieces make the cut and become part of the collection. This selection helps the designer to find the right models.
• Go and See: The personal meeting between designer, agency and models comes at the end of the selection process, which began with the creation of the lookbook. This is an important step to ensure that the models and collection actually harmonize as well in reality as the fashion designer had imagined.

If a model is selected to work with a designer, this often means a massive boost for their career and an increase in their level of recognition.

For a model, the lookbook is something like a personal business card. A collection of the best photos from their career to date.

The following things are important when putting it together:

• Range: At its best, the lookbook shows your diversity and helps you to convince potential clients of your qualities. In addition to photos from glossy magazines, pictures from low-budget productions also have a right to exist if they show one of your facets. Also present different poses and facial expressions.
• Topicality: A lookbook should always be up to date if possible. The body changes over the years, many models play with hairstyles and hair colors. All the different looks have to find their way into the lookbook.

At Jobwork, we have decades of experience and know exactly what is important when creating a good lookbook.

Are there special shoots for the lookbook?

A model's lookbook contains photos from various assignments. This creates a small but meaningful showcase. However, it is also possible to book a shoot with agencies specifically for lookbook photos.

How to create a lookbook?

A lookbook does not contain a fixed collection of photos or other work samples, but changes over time. The aim is to cover as wide a range as possible during the creation process so that the model can present all facets of their skills to potential employers. If potential new lookbook photos are created during an assignment, they should ideally be included in the personal portfolio immediately. If necessary, model agencies can help with the selection.

How often is a lookbook published?

The publishing frequency varies depending on the industry and season. Fashion houses often publish seasonal lookbooks, while smaller brands or influencers create and share their lookbooks as needed.

How is a lookbook for models created?

Creating a model lookbook requires collaboration between photographers, models, stylists and often make-up artists. It involves photo shoots where the model presents different outfits to show a wide range of looks.

What elements are included in the model lookbook?

A model lookbook contains professional photographs of the model in various outfits and poses. Additional information can also be included, such as size, previous experience and contact information.