Modeling is one of the most sought-after careers in the fashion industry. As well as being able to try out an array of gorgeous clothing provided by different brands, models get to walk down the runways of luxury designers. The top modeling agencies are renowned over the world for producing some of the most iconic faces in fashion. Nowdays, they rarely approach potential models; instead, hopefuls seek them out. If you’re interested in becoming a model, you should definitely check out the following list.
1. Elite Model Management
Elite is one of the most famous international modeling agencies and number eight on Forbes’ Most Influential Modeling Agencies list. It’s also praised by online fashion magazines, model communities, and reviewers.
With locations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, and London, Elite is strategically situated to provide editorial and commercial work for their models.
They have over 30 years of experience in the industry and count the likes of Karlie Kloss, Tyra Banks, and Cindy Crawford as previous clients.
2. Ford Models
Ford Models was founded in New York City in 1946 by a married couple. Their strong heritage contributes to the agency’s high status in the fashion world.
As well as being number one on Forbes‘ most influential list, Ford is well thought of by online fashion magazines, model communities, and reviewers.
They currently have locations in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Chicago and have formerly worked with stars such as Ashley Graham, Rachel Hunter, and Paris Hilton.
3. IMG Models
IMG Models is a relatively new player in the modeling agency market that grew from fashion, sports, and media company IMG Worldwide. However, they’re undeniably fast-growing.
Since they were established in 2013, IMG models have built offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris, and Sydney.
Continually praised by online fashion magazines, reviewers, and model communities, they represent Bella and Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, and Karlie Kloss, to name a few.
4. Wilhelmina Models
Based in New York, Miami, Chicago, London, and Los Angeles, Wilhelmina Models is a full service modeling and talent agency.
Wilhelmina Models was founded in 1967 by Dutch supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper and is a well-known industry leader. The agency is considered a worldwide success by model communities and reviewers thanks to their past dealings with successful clients such as Ashley Graham.
5. Premier Model Management
Presently number seven on Forbes’ Most Influential Modeling Agencies list, Premier Model Management is considered one of the top options in the UK.
Headquartered in London, the company was co-founded by influential figure Carole White, whose comments are always sought by fashion press.
Premier has previously looked after the likes of Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington. They also took part in an award-winning seven-part documentary series called The Model Agency back in February 2011. This was shown on one of the UK’s prime-time TV channels and received critical acclaim.
6. Storm Model Management
Storm is headquartered in Chelsea, London and is number three on Forbes’ list of the most influential modeling agencies. They also receive praise from online fashion magazines and model communities.
As well as having over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, Storm has worked with some of the world’s most famous faces including Lily Cole, Lottie Moss, and Cindy Crawford.
7. Next Management
New York-based Next Management made it to number five on the Forbes list. In addition, they are praised by leading fashion magazines and followers alike.
They were originally called Next Models; however, they renamed in 2009 to accommodate other talent like actors, fashion bloggers, and musicians.
Established over two decades ago, Next Management has offices all over the world in London, Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
8. Marilyn Agency
Marilyn Agency was originally established in 1985 in Paris. They now have a New York office due to their worldwide success, which is why Forbes ranks them as number two on their top modeling agencies list for “holding the most sway.”
Since inception, Marilyn Agency has represented some of the world’s top models including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Bar Refaeli.
9. Q Management
Q Management is Los Angeles based, but they also have offices in New York. They are the first to combine a web-based virtual agency with a group of progressive agents.
Their success has been featured broadly in the international press, as well as on TV shows like: E! Entertainment Television, Video Fashion, Fashion Television, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, and Inside Edition, as well as on networks such as VH1, MTV, CNN, STYLE Network, Model TV, FOX, CBS, and ABC.
As well as receiving positive press coverage, Q is well thought of in the modeling community.
10. Models 1 Agency
London-based Models 1 is ranked as number six on Forbes’ Most Influential Modeling Agencies list. They also recurrently receive critical acclaim from the modeling communities.
Founded in 1968, the agency originally started with only three models. They now claim that they’re the “largest and most successful model agency in Europe and one of the top and most respected agencies in the world.”
Models 1 has previously worked with famous faces such as Erin O’Connor, Amber Le Bon, and Linda Evangelista.
