Become a Runway Model to get highly paid projects to to showcase designers’ clothing and accessories to an audience, including buyers, the media, and fashion enthusiasts. Runway models, also known as catwalk models, must meet specific physical and professional requirements to succeed in the highly competitive fashion industry.
 
How to become a Runway Model?
Becoming a runway model is a challenging but rewarding journey that requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. To become a runway model at Zjell Modeling Agency, you’ll need to follow a strategic approach that aligns with the agency’s requirements and standards. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this goal:
 
Develop Your Look
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take care of your skin, hair, and nails. This will help you achieve and maintain the physique required for runway modeling.
• Grooming: Develop a consistent skincare routine and keep your hair in top condition. Be prepared to change your hairstyle or color as required by the industry.
• Fashion Sense: Stay updated on fashion trends and cultivate a sense of style. Being able to adapt to various looks is important in runway modeling.
 
Practice Your Runway Walk
• Learn the Basics: Watch videos of professional runway shows to study the models’ walking styles. Notice how they maintain posture, move their arms, and pose at the end of the runway.
• Practice Regularly: Practice your walk at home, focusing on your posture, balance, and how you carry yourself. Use a mirror to check your form, or record yourself to review and improve.
• High Heels Training: If you’re a female model, practice walking in high heels. Confidence in heels is crucial for most runway shows.
 
Prepare a Strong Portfolio
• Professional Photos: Invest in a professional portfolio with high-quality images. Include a variety of shots—headshots, full-body images, and different looks that showcase your versatility.
• Runway Experience: If you have runway experience, make sure your portfolio highlights this with photos or videos of you walking in fashion shows. If you don’t have experience, consider participating in local runway shows to build your portfolio.
• Digital Polaroids: Agencies often request simple, natural photos called polaroids. These should include front, side, and back views in natural light, wearing minimal makeup and plain clothing.
 
Submit Your Application to Zjell
• Online Submission: Check if Zjell Modeling Agency accepts online applications. Most agencies have a specific submission process on their website where you can upload your portfolio, measurements, and contact information.
• Follow Guidelines: Ensure that you follow all submission guidelines carefully. This may include specific photo types, formats, or additional information about your experience and availability.
Submit Your Application
 
Attend Open Calls
• Zjell’s Open Calls: Find out if Zjell Modeling Agency hosts open casting calls. These are opportunities to meet the agency’s scouts and show them your runway walk in person.
• Preparation: For open calls, dress simply and professionally. Wear fitted clothing that shows off your physique and bring a portfolio with your best work. Be prepared to walk for the scouts and answer questions about your modeling experience.
 
Refine Your Runway Walk
• Practice Regularly: Perfect your runway walk by practicing regularly. Watch videos of professional runway models to understand different walking styles and practice in heels if required.
• Take Modeling Classes: Consider taking runway modeling classes to refine your skills. Professional training can help you develop the confidence and technique needed to impress scouts at Zjell.
 
Gain Relevant Experience
• Start with Smaller Projects: Gain experience by walking in smaller fashion shows, working with emerging designers, or participating in test shoots. Experience is crucial in building your confidence and resume.
• Collaborate with Photographers: Work with fashion photographers who can help you build a diverse and professional portfolio that will appeal to Zjell’s scouts.
 
Physical Requirements
• Height: Runway models are generally tall. Female runway models are typically between 5’9” and 6’0” (175-183 cm), while male runway models are usually between 6’0” and 6’2” (183-188 cm).
• Body Type: A lean, slender body type is preferred, with measurements that can easily fit into sample sizes. For women, this often means a bust-waist-hip measurement of approximately 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86 cm). For men, a chest measurement around 38-40 inches (97-102 cm) is common.
• Proportions: Proportionality is key, meaning that the model’s body should be well-balanced, with long legs and a defined waistline.
• Facial Features: Unique, striking facial features are often valued in runway models. However, the focus is more on the model’s ability to highlight the clothing rather than their own appearance.
 
Appearance of Runway Models
• Facial Features: High fashion often values unique, striking, or unconventional facial features. Symmetry and clear skin are typically preferred.
• Hair and Skin: Healthy hair and skin are important. Models should maintain a grooming routine to keep their skin clear and their hair in good condition. Flexibility with hair styling and color is often required.
• Teeth: Well-maintained teeth and a bright smile are important, especially for commercial modeling, though runway models may not always be required to smile.
 
Age of Runway Models
• Starting Age: Many runway models start their careers in their late teens, typically around 16-18 years old. However, some agencies may scout younger models with parental consent.
• Career Longevity: While the peak age range for runway modeling is generally considered to be 16-25, many models successfully extend their careers by transitioning into other types of modeling or focusing on specific markets.
 
Flexibility and Availability
• Travel: Runway models must often travel for fashion shows, sometimes on short notice. Being willing and able to travel is a key requirement.
• Schedule Flexibility: Models need to be flexible with their schedules to accommodate casting calls, fittings, rehearsals, and shows.
 
Challenges
• Competition: The runway modeling industry is highly competitive, with many models vying for limited spots in top fashion shows.
• Body Image Pressure: Maintaining the physical standards required for runway modeling can be challenging and sometimes controversial, leading to discussions about body image and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
• Short Career Span: The peak period for runway modeling is often brief, as the industry constantly seeks new faces. However, some models can extend their careers by diversifying into other modeling types or working in different aspects of the fashion industry.
 
By meeting these requirements and continuously honing their skills, runway models can increase their chances of success in the competitive world of fashion modeling.