Certainly, freelance models can absolutely participate in Paris Fashion Week, but it requires some extra effort, especially if you’re not already based in Paris.
If you have friends or family living in the city, that can certainly smooth the transition of living arrangements!
When it comes to walking for renowned designers as a freelance model, it’s a bit of a different story. This is typically reserved for signed models or individuals with significant social media influence, and even THEY often have dedicated managers handling their bookings.
However, freelance models can still seize opportunities during Paris Fashion Week by collaborating with boutique designers.
These designers are usually emerging talents looking to gain visibility in the fashion world, whether it’s their debut or they’ve been showcasing their collections for a few years.
Keep an eye out for open casting calls announced on Fashion Week Online, boutique designers’ social media feeds or through paid advertisements on social platforms.
This way, freelance models who aspire to walk the runway in Paris during Fashion Week will easily be informed about upcoming opportunities!
It’s nice to know that freelance models can break into the fashion show scene without the need for exclusive agency contracts.
Getting signed isn’t a straightforward path, and building a full portfolio of various looks can be a costly endeavor, so promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry benefits everyone!
However, a word of caution is essential. Be vigilant, as there are scammers parading as casting directors, designers, or scouts.
Thoroughly research any opportunities, consider seeking guidance from a trusted model mentor like myself, and never venture alone into potentially risky situations!
How To Become A Runway Model
Collections: White Mountaineering and Elie Saab Haute Couture
To kickstart your modeling career, the first step is to apply and secure representation with a reputable agency in your country.
Once you’re signed and have established a strong portfolio and some modeling experience, your agent will begin the process of presenting your work to international modeling agencies.
While you’ll remain under the wing of your primary agency, often referred to as your “mother agency,” you’ll also collaborate with another agency in the target country to secure modeling jobs.
The conventional route to becoming a model in your home country typically involves the following steps:
- Portfolio Submission: Begin by submitting your digitals or portfolio to prospective agencies.
- Open Calls: Attend open casting calls where agencies assess your potential.
While these are the standard methods, alternative paths also exist.
For instance, a friend of mine had a unique experience. In a chance encounter, they captured the attention of a scout at a public event who invited them to participate in a modeling competition.
Out of a substantial pool of talented models, they stood out and were selected as one of the three finalists.
Since then, their modeling journey has taken them on a global adventure, with agencies from different corners of the world expressing keen interest in their unique look!
The advantage of signing with multiple agencies across countries is the ability to work as a model year-round.
When one fashion market experiences a slowdown, models seamlessly transition to the next agency, ensuring a steady flow of opportunities and income to sustain their lifestyle.
This approach maximizes exposure and career growth in the ever-evolving world of modeling!
Haute Couture Meaning
Designers: Valentino, Chanel
Haute couture, traditionally known for crafting personalized, exclusive high-end clothing, has undergone a shift in meaning.
All haute couture comes from a luxury brand, but very few luxury brands are haute couture.
To earn the coveted ‘Couture’ title, you need the official nod from the French Government – SERRIOUSLY!
Your Couture boutique has to be based in Paris (or perhaps anywhere in France), and every piece must be meticulously hand-crafted. It’s quite the pricey endeavor, which explains why only a select few designers get to proudly bear the ‘couture’ label!
Today, it’s all about extravagant luxury outfits from top European brands. Sometimes, the runway styles can seem pretty wild and not something you’d wear going out with friends; or even to an event!
But hey, they’re not meant for that!
They’re there to grab attention, make bold statements, and give us a sneak peek at what’s coming in fashion, even if it’s a bit over-the-top.
Most of these fancy extravagant designs won’t end up in stores – they’re like fashion’s way of showing off how wild and wicked they can be!
In the competitive fashion world, brands have to keep reinventing themselves, even if it means creating outfits from, well… bananas and peanut shells!
Haute couture, blending art and business, surely stands as the peak of fashion’s craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Haute Couture is a big deal because it's all about luxury
Designer: Schiaparelli
It’s of top-notch quality, and it’s BEST created when designers are able to let their creativity run wild!
It’s not just fancy gowns; it’s the nitty-gritty, like perfectly tailored tuxedo jackets that hug a woman’s body like a glove.
What makes it special? Well, it’s all about craft and technique. Imagine someone making a piece of clothing just for you, with their hands, putting their heart and soul into every stitch. It’s like wearing a piece of art.
Haute couture is where the best of the best designers let their imaginations soar.
They’re not held back by limits – they push the boundaries to the max, thanks to incredible skills and French craftsmanship!
It’s bold, it’s unconventional, and it’s the ultimate creative playground for designers. Haute couture is where fashion dreams take flight.
Benefits To Walking In Paris Fashion Week For Models
Being part of Paris Fashion Week is like hitting the jackpot for models!
It’s a massive event that throws them right into the spotlight, with big-name designers, fashion gurus, and trendsetters from all over the world in the audience.
Picture rubbing elbows with the absolute best in the biz – from edgy designers to casting pros and famous photographers. Each strut down that runway is like adding a glittering jewel to a model’s portfolio, showing off their top-tier skills in the world of fashion.
And let’s talk about demand – designers and brands are clamoring for models who’ve got that prized PFW experience.
But it’s not just about glitz and glam; it’s about growing personally, gaining toughness and adaptability in the fast-paced world of modeling!
10 Ways Models Afford Living and Traveling Expenses
Models use various strategies to cover their living and travel costs, which can be quite high in the modeling world. Here’s how they manage their finances:
Modeling Earnings: Models earn their primary income from gigs like commercial, fitness, beauty and lastly runway bookines. Established models obviousy earn more, but essentially new and seasoned models monitor their money closely in order to cover their expenses!
Savings: Some models come into the industry with savings from previous jobs or investments. These savings help them manage initial expenses.
Agency Support: Agencies may offer financial help, especially to sought-after models. They may provide advances for travel, accommodation, etc., later deducting it from the model’s earnings.
Working with Multiple Agencies: Some models work with agencies in different places simultaneously; expanding their income sources and allowing them to work most days of the week, all year long!
Part-Time Jobs: Many models take on part-time jobs or freelance work to supplement their income between modeling assignments such as night shift jobs and social media influencing.
Negotiating Deals: Models negotiate with clients or agencies for travel and accommodation coverage, reducing their costs.
Budgeting: Models budget carefully, track expenses, cut unnecessary spending, and prioritize saving.
Shared Housing: Models often share housing or live with roommates to reduce rent and utility costs.
Modeling Contracts: Long-term contracts with big brands provide financial stability, regular income, and benefits.
Financial Planning: Models seek professional financial advice to manage earnings, plan for taxes, and make smart investments.
Top 5 Designers That ROCK Paris Fashion Week!
Phoebe Philo
Phoebe Philo’s most iconic moment in fashion history is often attributed to her revitalization of the fashion house Celine during her tenure as Creative Director from 2008 to 2018.
Valentino
Valentino Garavani’s most iconic moment in the fashion industry came in 1967 when he unveiled his groundbreaking “Valentino Red” collection. The collection featured a series of stunning dresses all in a bold, vibrant shade of red.
Tamara Ralph
Tamara Ralph’s iconic moment in fashion history occurred in 2014 when she and Michael Russo became the first British brand in nearly a century to showcase their designs at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.
Schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli’s most iconic moment in fashion history occurred in the 1930s when she collaborated with Salvador Dalí to create the “Lobster Dress” (1937) and the “Shoe Hat” (1937). These surreal and whimsical designs exemplified Schiaparelli’s innovative approach to fashion and left an indelible mark on the industry.
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf is a Dutch fashion house founded by designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren in 1993. They gained international recognition for their avant-garde and conceptual approach to fashion. One of their most iconic moments in fashion history came in 2005 with their “NO” collection, where they literally used the word “NO” as the sole design element in their garments, challenging conventional ideas of fashion and self-expression. They are known for pushing boundaries and blurring the lines between fashion and art.
Million Dollar Question
What particular details captivate you most about a fashion show?
Is it the intricate hair and makeup, the stunning outfits, the footwear and accessories, the audience, the artful layering, or perhaps the presence and presentation of fellow models???
#CommentBelow 🙂