PHOTO: SKYY WONDERS | RISE FW 2024
So, you’re dreaming of sashaying down a runway or starring in a high-profile fashion campaign, and you’re wondering—do you need an agency to make it happen? The answer? It depends, but understanding how major gigs, the CFDA calendar, and independent shows work can set your modeling career on the right path.
The Big Question: Do You Need an Agency?
Having an agency can feel like a golden ticket in the fashion industry. Top agencies like IMG, Ford, and Elite have connections to major designers, CFDA-listed shows, and coveted campaigns. They take care of business—contracts, payments, and legal protections—so you can focus on modeling.
But the fashion world is evolving, and you don’t necessarily need an agency to make waves. Freelance models are thriving thanks to direct networking, social media, and connections with independent designers. Whether you need an agency depends on your goals and the kinds of gigs you want to book.
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CFDA-Listed Shows vs. Independently Produced Shows
Runway gigs generally fall into two categories: CFDA-listed shows and independent productions. Each plays a vital role in shaping a model’s career, and understanding their differences can help you decide where to focus your energy.
CFDA-Listed Shows: Prestige and Visibility
The CFDA calendar is fashion’s North Star during events like New York Fashion Week. It’s where household names and rising stars showcase their collections to industry heavyweights.
What’s the vibe? These shows exude glamour and tradition, drawing press, A-list celebrities, and top-tier buyers.
How do you get in? Designers usually work with agency-signed models, as agencies streamline the booking process and ensure a polished, professional lineup.
At Rise Fashion Events, we are proud to be independently produced while also featured on the CFDA calendar. This unique positioning connects our designers and models with key industry players, including editors, buyers, and fashion insiders, who use the CFDA calendar as a vital guide. Being listed offers our participants incredible visibility and recognition within the prestigious environment of New York Fashion Week.
Independent Shows: Creativity and Discovery
Independent shows thrive outside the confines of the CFDA framework, offering a more experimental and diverse platform for designers and models alike.
What’s the vibe? Think bold, innovative, and inclusive. Independent shows attract industry professionals looking for fresh ideas and unique voices.
How do you get in? Independent productions are often more open to freelance models. Networking with designers, attending open castings, and using social media to showcase your talent can get you noticed.
And don’t underestimate their influence—buyers, editors, and even talent scouts regularly attend independent shows. They know these spaces are where the next big thing often emerges.
Why Both Matter for Models
Regardless of whether you’re walking in a CFDA-listed show or an edgy independent production, both types of gigs can significantly impact your career.
CFDA-Listed Shows:
These gigs showcase your ability to perform in high-pressure, high-profile environments. The visibility from press, buyers, and editors can give your portfolio the star power it needs to catch the eye of luxury brands or international designers.
Independent Shows:
These gigs give you room to shine. Independent shows often prioritize diversity, creativity, and storytelling, allowing models to display their unique energy and style. They’re also fertile ground for building relationships with up-and-coming designers, photographers, and stylists.
In short, both types of shows offer valuable opportunities, but the context in which they operate and the benefits they provide can differ.