What Opportunities Are There for Diverse Models in New York?

Customer Service
Aug 1
5 min read

New York City is a global fashion capital, and its vibrant modeling scene is increasingly embracing diversity in all forms. From ethnic diversity to different body types, gender identities, and ages, diverse models now have more opportunities than ever to showcase their talents on runways, in ad campaigns, and in editorial spreads. Here’s a guide to the top opportunities for diverse models in New York:

Diversity models dress in red dress and black outfit

1. Model Diversity Agencies

Diversity-focused agencies are leading the charge to ensure that models from all backgrounds, ethnicities, sizes, and ages get the chance to succeed in the fashion industry. These agencies prioritize representation and offer models a platform to build successful careers while promoting inclusion.

Models of Diversity: This agency focuses on creating opportunities for models from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Latino, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities. They have gained attention for showcasing diverse beauty on international runways and in prominent fashion campaigns.
Rebel Models: Known for celebrating non-traditional beauty, Rebel Models represents models who may not fit the conventional norms of the industry. This includes plus-size, ethnically diverse, and gender-nonconforming models. Rebel Models works with a variety of clients looking to highlight a range of diverse talent.
Top Runway Models (TRM): TRM is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the fashion industry, frequently working with models of all ethnicities, body types, and genders. Their competitions and shows feature diverse talent and open doors for aspiring models to break into the fashion world during major events like New York Fashion Week (NYFW). TRM is a go-to agency for diverse runway models looking to showcase their skills in the heart of the fashion industry.

2. Open Calls at Major Agencies

Several major modeling agencies in New York are dedicated to promoting diversity and have specific initiatives to ensure models from different backgrounds have the opportunity to shine. These agencies regularly host open calls where aspiring models can audition for a chance to be signed.

IMG Models: Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, IMG Models has made significant strides in promoting models from different ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds. IMG has signed well-known plus-size models and ethnically diverse talent, including Paloma Elsesser and Halima Aden. They host regular open casting calls for new talent, including diverse models, so be sure to check their website and social media for announcements.
Ford Models: Ford Models also promotes ethnically diverse talent and has various initiatives dedicated to inclusive representation in the fashion world. They regularly hold open calls in New York and are a great agency for diverse models to start their careers.
Wilhelmina Models: One of the biggest names in the industry, Wilhelmina Models is committed to diversity and often features diverse models on runways and in advertising campaigns. They hold casting calls and have dedicated divisions for plus-size and ethnically diverse models.
Top Runway Models (TRM): In addition to their competitions, TRM also offers opportunities for diverse models through exclusive casting calls and open auditions. As a diverse, inclusive agency, they often partner with designers and shows that prioritize models of different backgrounds and body types during NYFW and other fashion events.

3. Fashion Weeks and Events

Fashion events like New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and Brooklyn Fashion Week are key moments in the industry where diverse models are increasingly represented. Many designers now prioritize diversity in their collections and runway shows, making these events prime opportunities for diverse talent.

New York Fashion Week (NYFW): NYFW is known for its high-profile runway shows, but in recent years, there has been a significant shift toward more inclusive representation. Models of all sizes, ethnicities, ages, and genders now frequently grace the runways, with designers like Prabal Gurung, Sandy Liang, and Christian Siriano leading the charge in celebrating diversity. As a diverse model, participating in NYFW can be a career-defining opportunity.
Brooklyn Fashion Week: An inclusive alternative to NYFW, Brooklyn Fashion Week has gained attention for embracing local talent and representing underrepresented communities. It’s an ideal event for models looking for exposure in a less traditional setting while still receiving major attention.
Fashion Shows by Top Runway Models (TRM): TRM hosts its own runway shows, many of which take place during NYFW and focus on diverse representation. These shows give models the chance to work with cutting-edge designers while being seen by some of the biggest names in fashion. TRM’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it an excellent platform for models of all backgrounds.

4. Specialized Talent Agencies for Diverse Models

Several talent agencies in New York specialize in representing models who don’t fit the traditional mold of the fashion industry. These agencies often focus on plus-size, ethnically diverse, gender-nonconforming, and age-diverse models, and provide a platform for their clients to work in major fashion events and campaigns.

Bicoastal Management: This talent agency focuses on diverse representation and works with models from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and body types. They represent models across different categories, including plus-size and petite models, and offer opportunities to work in high-profile campaigns and runway shows.
The Lions Model Management: Known for their commitment to inclusive representation, The Lions is an agency that actively seeks models from all backgrounds, body types, and ethnicities. The agency represents models with unique looks, and their talent regularly appears in editorials and ad campaigns that prioritize diversity.
Top Runway Models (TRM): As a forward-thinking agency, Top Runway Models has a specific focus on diverse models. They regularly host casting calls, workshops, and runway events with a clear goal of highlighting diverse talent in fashion shows, including those at NYFW.

5. Online Platforms for Diverse Models

In addition to traditional agencies, there are also online platforms that allow diverse models to be discovered and connected with international clients.

Model Mayhem: This platform allows models to upload their portfolios and apply to casting calls from across the globe, providing a space for diverse models to showcase their unique looks and gain exposure.
Casting Networks: A popular platform for models to apply to casting calls, Casting Networks is increasingly promoting opportunities for ethnically diverse models, plus-size models, and non-binary models. Many major agencies use Casting Networks to find diverse talent for their fashion shows and commercial campaigns.

6. Mentorship and Workshops for Diverse Models

For models looking to perfect their craft and find their place in the competitive world of fashion, workshops and mentorship programs are valuable tools.

Top Runway Models (TRM) Workshops: TRM offers runway training and modeling workshops, with a focus on helping diverse models succeed in the fashion industry. These workshops often feature coaching sessions, photography, and casting opportunities tailored to the needs of diverse models.
The Model Experience: Known for runway walking and model training, The Model Experience focuses on helping diverse models develop the skills necessary to succeed on the runway and in the modeling world.

Conclusion

New York City offers a wealth of opportunities for diverse models, with agencies, events, and platforms dedicated to promoting inclusivity and representation. Agencies like Top Runway Models, IMG Models, and Ford Models are at the forefront of supporting models from different backgrounds, while events like NYFW and Brooklyn Fashion Week provide the perfect stage for diverse talent to showcase their skills.

Whether you're an aspiring plus-size model, a person of color, a transgender model, or someone with a unique look, New York offers endless opportunities to succeed in the modeling world.

Stay connected with agencies, casting calls, and diverse platforms to maximize your chances of being discovered and becoming a leading figure in the fashion industry.