Fashion Week Modeling Guide: How to Model at NYFW, London, Milan, Paris & Miami

Last Updated: April 6, 2025
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Understanding Fashion Week Modeling Requirements

Breaking into Fashion Week modeling requires understanding the unique requirements and casting processes across global fashion capitals. The industry continues to evolve toward greater inclusivity while maintaining professional standards.

Essential Portfolio Requirements for Fashion Week Models

A professional modeling portfolio for Fashion Week consideration requires specific elements that demonstrate your versatility and professionalism to casting directors and agencies:

• Professional digitals: Simple, well-lit photos showing your natural appearance in minimal makeup and fitted clothing
• Runway walk video: A 30-60 second clip demonstrating your runway technique
• Editorial tearsheets: Published work from fashion magazines (for established models)
• Measurement card: Accurate, current measurements including height, bust/chest, waist, hips, and shoe size
• Comp card: A professional composite card featuring your best images and essential statistics

Social media presence, particularly Instagram, has become increasingly important, with many designers and casting directors reviewing a model’s following and content before making final decisions.

The Fashion Week Casting Process Explained

Understanding how fashion week castings work is crucial for aspiring models. Most casting calls appear on producers’ Instagram accounts only a couple of weeks before events begin, making it essential to follow the right accounts for timely information. The process typically follows these stages:

1. Agency Submission

For major shows, designers and casting directors first receive model packages from established agencies. Most top runway models are represented by agencies that have established relationships with designers and casting directors. This is why securing representation with a reputable agency is often the first critical step.

2. Pre-Selection

Casting directors review submissions and create a shortlist of models to invite for in-person castings. This pre-selection process may involve reviewing a model’s previous runway experience, recent editorial work, and social media presence.

3. In-Person Castings

Selected models attend castings where they typically:

• Present their portfolio and comp card
• Demonstrate their runway walk
• Try on sample clothing to assess fit
• Have digital photos taken in simple clothing

4. Callbacks and Fittings

Models who impress at initial castings may be called back for a second look or directly to fittings, where final decisions are made based on how the collection pieces fit and the overall cohesion of the runway lineup.

5. Bookings and Confirmations

Final bookings are typically confirmed 24-72 hours before the show, though this timeline varies by designer and city. Fashion weeks are notorious for last-minute changes, so flexibility and availability throughout the entire fashion week period are essential.

City-by-City Guide to Fashion Week Modeling

How to Model at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week has historically been the most commercially diverse of the major fashion weeks, embracing a wider range of model types and sizes compared to European markets.

Top New York modeling agencies that regularly place models in NYFW shows include:

• IMG Models
• Elite Model Management
• Ford Models
• DNA Models
• Next Management

NYFW castings typically begin 2-3 weeks before shows start, with high intensity during the week immediately preceding the events. New York has been leading the industry in diversity, with increasing opportunities for models of all ethnicities, sizes, ages, and gender expressions.

For emerging models without agency representation, independent showcases during NYFW can provide valuable opportunities. Check our NYFW schedule for information on these shows.

How to Model at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is known for championing avant-garde and experimental fashion, often seeking models with distinctive and unique looks that complement innovative designs.

Major London modeling agencies include:

• Storm Management
• Elite London
• Select Model Management
• Models 1
• Premier Model Management

The London fashion scene particularly values models with strong personal style and character that aligns with the city’s reputation for creative expression and fashion innovation.

The British Fashion Council occasionally hosts model opportunities through their official platform, which emerging models should monitor for legitimate opportunities.

How to Model at Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week maintains some of the industry’s most traditional modeling standards, focusing on classic beauty and elegance that complements the city’s luxury heritage brands.

Leading Milan modeling agencies include:

• Women Management Milan
• Why Not Models
• IMG Models Milan
• Elite Milan
• Fashion Model Management

Milan castings move quickly once they begin, typically 1-2 weeks before the shows. The market is particularly competitive and often favors models who have already established themselves in other fashion capitals.

The Italian fashion industry is regulated by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, which sets industry standards for the market.

How to Model at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week represents the most prestigious and competitive of the global fashion weeks, with the highest standards for runway models.

Top Paris modeling agencies include:

• Elite Paris
• Women Management Paris
• Viva Models
• IMG Models Paris
• Oui Management

Paris castings are often the most selective, with designers and houses looking for models who embody their specific aesthetic vision. The Paris market particularly values runway technique and presence.

The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode oversees Paris Fashion Week and sets standards for the industry in France.

How to Model at Miami Swim Week

The swimwear shows in Miami during late May represent a specialized market with distinct requirements from traditional fashion weeks, focusing on models who can showcase swimwear effectively.

Leading Miami modeling agencies include:

• Next Miami
• CGM Models
• Wilhelmina Miami
• MC2 Model Management
• Front Management

Castings for swimwear shows require confidence and body positivity, with portfolios typically showcasing swimwear and lifestyle imagery. While traditional measurements still apply, the Miami market often embraces a more athletic, toned physique compared to traditional runway modeling.

Since 2017, Fashion Week Online® has provided exclusive ticket discounts to Miami swimwear shows at our Miami tickets page and MiamiSwimTickets.com.

Legitimate Pathways to Fashion Week Modeling Opportunities

For aspiring models seeking to walk in Fashion Week shows, these are the most legitimate pathways:

Agency Representation

Securing representation with a reputable modeling agency remains the most direct and credible path to Fashion Week castings. Agencies manage relationships with designers, casting directors, and producers, giving their models priority access to opportunities.

Open Castings

Some designers and producers hold open castings, particularly for emerging designer showcases. Casting calls often appear only a couple of weeks before events begin, making it crucial to stay alert to opportunities. Information about these castings can be found by:

• Following Fashion Week Online® on Instagram for announcements
• Monitoring social media accounts of fashion week producers, where many casting calls are exclusively announced
• Checking our VIP members’ casting page where we curate legitimate casting calls from independent producers in advance

Model Development Programs

Some major agencies offer development programs or scouting initiatives for new talent. These structured programs can provide training and gradual introduction to the industry through legitimate channels.

Avoiding Fashion Week Modeling Scams

The high-profile nature of Fashion Week unfortunately attracts illegitimate operators. Protect yourself by recognizing these red flags:

• Paying to walk: Models should NEVER pay producers to walk in their shows. This is a fundamental industry rule. Legitimate opportunities are either paid or sometimes arranged as TFP (Time for Print/Portfolio), but never require payment from the model
• Upfront fees: Legitimate agencies and casting directors do not charge models to attend castings or to be considered for shows
• Vague opportunities: Be wary of invitations lacking specific details about the designer, show date, venue, or compensation
• Unprofessional communication: Legitimate industry communications are professional, clear, and specific
• Requests for inappropriate photos: Professional castings never require compromising or inappropriate imagery
• Unverifiable credentials: Research any company or individual making Fashion Week casting claims

Always conduct due diligence by verifying the legitimacy of any casting opportunity through official channels and established industry resources. Having representation from a reputable agency is valuable precisely because they negotiate proper compensation and protect models from exploitative practices.

Fashion Week Modeling: The Evolving Landscape

The fashion industry continues to evolve, with significant changes affecting modeling opportunities:

Increasing Diversity

The industry has made significant strides toward greater inclusivity, with expanding opportunities for models of diverse ethnicities, ages, sizes, and gender expressions. Many fashion weeks now actively feature plus-size models, non-binary models, and models with disabilities. While some traditional standards still exist in certain markets, progressive designers and shows are increasingly casting models who reflect a broader spectrum of beauty and identity, making fashion week runways more accessible than ever before.

Digital Impact

Social media presence has become a significant factor in casting decisions, with many designers considering a model’s following and engagement as part of their selection criteria. Digital fashion weeks have also created new opportunities for models to participate in virtual presentations.

Ethical Standards

The industry has implemented improved labor standards and model protections, with organizations like the Model Alliance advocating for fair treatment, appropriate working conditions, and clear communication of expectations.

Global Fashion Week Calendar for Models

Understanding the annual fashion calendar is essential for models planning their careers and availability. Major fashion weeks follow this general schedule:

• January: Men’s Fashion Weeks (Milan, Paris), Haute Couture (Paris)
• February: Women’s Fashion Weeks (New York, London, Milan, Paris)
• May/June: Miami Swimwear Shows, Resort Collections
• June: Men’s Fashion Weeks (Milan, Paris), Haute Couture (Paris)
• September: Women’s Fashion Weeks (New York, London, Milan, Paris)

For a detailed calendar of upcoming fashion weeks worldwide, visit our International Fashion Week Calendar.

Final Advice for Aspiring Fashion Week Models

Success in Fashion Week modeling requires persistence, professionalism, and preparation. Consider these final recommendations:

• Focus on building relationships with photographers, stylists, and designers who can help advance your career
• Invest in professional development including runway training and portfolio building with reputable professionals
• Understand market differences and tailor your approach to each fashion capital’s unique aesthetic
• Maintain realistic expectations about the competitive nature of the industry and the time it takes to establish a runway career
• Prioritize wellbeing and work with professionals who respect boundaries and ethical standards

For the most current information on fashion week schedules, casting opportunities, and industry trends, consider joining our VIP membership for exclusive resources and early announcements.