Model agents are often left in the background, but truly can make or break a model’s career.
Yasmin Thompson-Lamont would know. The London-based modeling agent has worked with over 350 models over her six year career working at agencies.
“Talent representation is about much more than securing bookings,” she explains. “My role is to understand each model’s strengths, ambitions and long-term potential, then build a strategy around them.”
To Thompson-Lamont, that includes identifying the right markets, introducing models to clients who genuinely align with their look, advising them on career decisions and helping them develop a reputation that’s both creatively respected and commercially sustainable.
“Sometimes that means encouraging a model to wait for the right opportunity, rather than accepting every job they’re offered,” she said. “Strategic positioning means thinking beyond the next booking and considering where one decision could lead in six months or five years.”
Ultimately, her job is to advocate for talent to open the right doors and help build careers that are not only successful, but last long after the fashion week runway shows dry up.
She represents models across editorial, commercial and runway markets, and has worked with international brands like Nike, Coach, Sephora and Cecilie Bahnsen. Negotiating as a Gen Z model agent with major luxury corporations is no easy feat, and sometimes feels like a David versus Goliath battle.
“There’s often a perception in the industry that because a brand is prestigious, the opportunity itself should be enough compensation,” said Thompson-Lamont. “In reality, some of the biggest names in high fashion offer comparatively low fees because they know the weight and value their brand name carries.”
As an agent, that creates a difficult balance. “You never want to stand in the way of an opportunity that could genuinely benefit a model’s career, but you also have a responsibility to ensure the talent is treated fairly and the terms make commercial sense,” she said.
“Some clients are incredibly collaborative and open to discussion, while others have tighter budgets or limited flexibility,” she adds. “Every negotiation requires a different approach, but I enter each conversation with an open mind, aiming to build a long-term partnership while securing the best possible outcome for the talent I represent.”
Finding an up-and-coming model on Instagram and aligning them with a brand like British Vogue, Sephora, or Adidas is no easy feat, but Thompson-Lamont has scored hundreds of deals for her models, many of whom are not your typical shape, size or look.
She has developed an eye for recognizing commercial and creative potential before it is obvious to the wider industry, then builds a strategy that allows others to see it, too. “Scouting is only the beginning of my job,” she said. “I consider how each model’s career should be developed, which markets and clients will understand their value, and which opportunities can expand rather than limit their career.”
Her unique, out of the box approach has enabled Thompson-Lamont to identify emerging talent and position unconventional models within mainstream campaigns. It requires the ability to stay on the ball and build lasting relationships with clients who trust her taste and judgement. “My job is to translate individuality into commercial relevance, and turn an initial discovery into a sustainable career,” she said.
That long-term career strategy is often only a dream for models whose careers fizzle out after a few years, as traditional modeling criteria can overlook the qualities that make someone memorable, notes Thompson-Lamont. “I have learned that measurements or a conventional look rarely tell you the full story; personality, creative identity, adaptability and the ability to connect with an audience can be just as important,” she notes. “Individuality may attract attention, but careful positioning, advocacy and career management are what turn that potential into a sustainable career.”
One example is her work with Marc Jacobs Beauty, where she booked models Liberty Love (known for her pink hair), Sophi Saint Louis (a plus-size beauty influencer) and Arianna Zakyrah (who has modeled for Marni) across multiple e-commerce shoots, each bringing a new, distinct identity to the brand.
“The client continued returning because they trusted my judgement and knew I understood their creative direction,” she said. “That trust is built behind the scenes; sending a call sheet at 11 pm London time to accommodate New York time zone, finding a replacement model at the last minute or responding quickly to urgent requests.”
Every brief is different, and Thompson-Lamont’s responsibility is to recommend the strongest talent for that particular story, not necessarily the most predictable choice.
“Some of the most memorable campaigns feel authentic because they reflect a broader range of people and experiences,” she says, reflecting on the Marc Jacobs Beauty campaign. “When a model’s individuality genuinely aligns with a brand’s creative vision, it benefits everyone: the model, the client, the industry and ultimately the audience. My role is to help brands recognise that.”
Her advice to aspiring agents? Be consistent. “Building trust with casting directors, brands and creative teams comes down to consistency,” said Thompson-Lamont. “They need to know you’re organised, responsive, proactive and that you understand what they’re looking for. That’s what separates a good agent from a great one.”
Next up, she’s planning a move to New York City to focus on the US market. She will still maintain her ethic, though. “My focus remains the same wherever I am: discovering exceptional people, helping build meaningful careers and connecting talent with opportunities they may never have imagined,” said Thompson-Lamont. “The industry is evolving in exciting ways, and I’m looking forward not only to taking part in that next chapter, but to helping shape how we get there.”
Published August 1, 2026
