6 Great Books About Models and Modeling

With the introduction of social media, models have become major celebrities who offer their fans tips and tricks to mimic their looks and style. Thanks to this fascination into the lives of models, books about models and the modeling industry are more popular than ever before. Modeling books range from instructional to visual, ensuring there truly is something for everyone.

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Nigel Barker’s 'Models of Influence'

Nigel Barker holding up his book "Models of Influence." — Johnny Nunez/Getty Images

You may know Nigel Barker from his days on the hit TV show America’s Next Top Model or his work as an acclaimed fashion photographer.

His book Models of Influence is an essential resource for learning about the history of fashion modeling, dating back to the 1940s. He organized the book into eight different eras and had to narrow down the models for the book to just 50 of the most influential.

His choices include Cara Delevingne, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Iman, and Christie Brinkley. The book is a perfect gift for a model and fashion lovers alike, and when it isn’t being read, it looks great on your coffee table.

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Harold Koda's 'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion'

2016 Pratt Institute Fashion Show + Cocktail Benefit — Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images

A book from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is sure to be visually pleasing, and The Model as Muse published in 2009, does not disappoint.

The book offers a historical perspective on the changing nature of feminine beauty, and it features stunning mementos from the early twentieth century onward. Not only does it cover modeling history, but it also shares glimpses of haute couture from top fashion houses throughout history.

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Coco Rocha’s 'Study of Pose: 1,000 Poses'

Model Coco Rocha outside Boucheron, during a Paris Fashion Week — Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Known as the “Queen of Posing,” a name she got from none other than Tyra Banks, Coco Rocha is your go-to resource for pose inspiration! In collaboration with photographer Steven Sebring, the book, Study of Pose: 1,000 Poses, is true to name, features Rocha flawlessly showing off 1,000 modeling poses.

If you opt for the digital version, you can see each pose in 3D!. If you’re currently a model or aspire to be one, this book is a total must-have! With 1,000 poses to choose from, you’re sure to find something you haven’t tried before that will take your photo shoots to the next level.

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Aaron Marcus’s 'How to Become a Successful Commercial Model'

Aaron Marcus wearing a VIP name tag is sitting and talking to an aspiring author at an event. — jeanbaptisteparis / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Aaron Marcus is America’s premiere acting and modeling coach. With an impressive acting and modeling resume himself, he knows his stuff and generously shares it with other actors and models.

His book How to Become a Successful Commercial Model is regarded as the “ultimate cookbook" for a successful commercial modeling career. It covers everything from getting the right photos of yourself and submitting them to the right people to marketing yourself as a commercial model. It is a must-have for any aspiring model.

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Cindy Crawford’s 'Becoming'

Cindy Crawford having a conversation at a red carpet event. — Mike Marsland/BFC/Getty Images

The term supermodel is synonymous with the name Cindy Crawford, and that’s for a good reason! To celebrate turning 50 in 2016, Crawford released her book Becoming.

The book covers her rise to supermodel stardom, as well as giving aspiring models advice and delving into her past. Because of Crawford’s undeniable fame, the book is a good read even for those who don’t have much knowledge of the fashion and modeling world.

Cindy fans will also enjoy her 1996 book Cindy Crawford’s Basic Face in which she teams up with renowned makeup artist Sonia Kashuk to demonstrate just what to do to make up your face like a model.

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'Kate: The Kate Moss Book'

Kate Moss in the audience of a Dior fashion show. — Victor Boyko/Getty Images

Created by Kate Moss, in collaboration with creative director Fabien Baron, Jess Hallett, and Jefferson Hack, Kate Moss' book is a highly personal retrospective of her career, tracing her evolution from “new girl with potential” to one of the most iconic supermodel's models of all time.

Often held responsible for starting the "waif" movement in the modeling industry, At just 5' 7" Kate Moss broke stereotypes and became a giant among other Amazonian supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer.

Kate: The Kate Moss Book is a gorgeous collection of iconic photos and photos that have never been seen before that Kate shares with her fans from her own personal collection.