Aspiring models who dream of gracing the runway one day can place their trust in any of the best runway modeling agencies listed below. Since runway designers often look to the largest agencies for new models, you can get amazing opportunities with these companies. Read on to see which runway modeling agencies work best for you.
Elite Model Management
Founded in Paris by John Casablancas, this impressive modeling agency reaches hundreds of aspiring runway models through the prestigious North American sector.
With offices in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Toronto, Elite Management provides the support and networking models need to walk for notable fashion houses like Chanel, Versace, Victoria’s Secret, Prada, and much more.
Some of America’s favorite models have worked with Elite Model Management such as Adriana Lima, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford.
Ford Models
The Ford Model Agency is a true family business, founded by husband and wife Eileen and Jerry Ford in 1946 where they operated from their home in New York City. Ford maintains a long legacy of prestige and success, even founding the enormous Ford Supermodel of the World Contest in the 1980s.
A few famous Ford models include Jane Fonda, Brooke Shields, and Christie Brinkley.
Neal Hamil Agency
This family-owned talent and modeling agency offers full-service booking and placement in the most competitive circles. The Houston, Texas headquarters can connect models with coveted magazine shoots and runway deals with designers like Alexander Wang, Haute Hippie, and Zac Posen.
Featured models include Keke Johnson, Christina Porter, and Britt Maren.
Major Model Management
This management group has roots in Europe going back to the late 1980s, with the New York branch established in 1999. This company prioritizes a personal connection with each model while also constantly increasing its global reach.
Staff at Major Models place a high value on the editorial art captured by every model, leading to frequent partnerships with Gucci, Vogue, Marc Jacob, and more.
Famous models under this agency include Tony Ward and Mai Karybekova.
IMG Models
This international modeling agency has become one of the world’s most distinguished management companies, with over half of America’s 21 highest-paid models represented by IMG.
The headquarters of this agency began in New York City and has since expanded into modeling hubs such as London, Milan, Paris, and Sydney. Despite its global influence, IMG still launches campaigns to scout new faces and looks through apps and websites like Instagram.
Among those highest-paid Supermodels who work with IMG are Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and Giselle Bündchen.
Kim Alley
Offering an insider perspective and a seasoned approach, Kim Alley began her successful scouting and agency program after 15 years of modeling.
Alley is now located in Richmond, Virginia but has clients and personal relationships with virtually all of the top agencies in the US. Alley offers to manage and mentor models personally, or she has the resources to scout them for interested agencies.
Alley discovered the young model Amy Lemons and currently provides her models with opportunities to work with top designers, magazines, and brands.
Look Model Agency
This company is based in San Francisco with over 30 years of experience in the areas of management, scouting, and booking. This well-respected agency can foster connections and runway opportunities within the country and across the world.
With a dedicated team and a department focused on runway models, this local agency can take a personal role in your career.
Notable models in this agency include Daria Polka, Brooke Archibald, and Clara Mackenzie.
Next Management
For another leading American-based agency offering international locations, Next Management is a great choice. This agency was founded over three decades ago in New York City and has since grown to operate in Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Milan.
Next Management is open to all models and talent, helping new faces gain momentum and helping popular influencers and models maintain their work.
You may recognize many runway models and influencers alike who work with Next Models, including Alexa Chung, Blanca Padilla, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and more.
The Society Management
As the US branch of the international Elite World Network agency, this New York company prioritizes innovation, intrigue, and excellence with every model. The Society's yearly Elite Model Look contest has successfully launched many supermodels’ careers over the four decades of this competition.
Society Management currently partners with Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and Liu Wen.
Q Management
Located in New York and Los Angeles, Q Management employs a dynamic team of agents, artists, and models that have quickly launched this agency to notable success. Q values loyalty towards its models and brand partnerships to help the network flourish while remaining on the cutting edge. This agency pairs models to work with Chanel, Nike, Louis Vuitton, GQ, and more.
Successful models under Q Management include Lydia Hunt, Amy Black, Camilla Moraes, and many others.
Wilhelmina Models
Wilhelmina Models boasts over 50 years of experience in full-service management for models, actors, and musicians. Upon being founded by Dutch model Wilhelmina Cooper and her husband, this agency has gained international notoriety and respect.
With prominent locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and London, this agency is always seeking the next wave of talent for runway models and fresh looks.
This agency employs top runway talent like Karolina Kurkova, Julia Lee, and Anastassija Makarenko.
Women Management
This agency includes many inclusive and thoughtful elements in its philosophy. From utilizing the most current technology to promoting diversity among the talent, Women Management offers an ethical approach to management alongside its international relations.
The primary office is located in New York City. Additional offices include Paris, Milan, and Los Angeles.
Rising supermodels represented by Women Management include Maike Inga, Madeleine Fisher, and Mariyel Uchida.
Final Thoughts
We hope you are inspired to get your face out there through one of these runway modeling agencies. With a positive attitude and a fresh face, you can begin your path to the runway!
