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Do you want to make it big as a model? There are plenty of leading modelling agencies in London, most of which you can apply for yourself. Take a look at our guide to the top 10 UK modelling agencies.
If you want to make it as a model, your best bet to get into the industry is through a modelling agency. There are plenty of UK agencies, but if you want to get the most exposure we suggest you stick with one from London.
You can either apply through their websites or through open casting calls in the UK. Once you’re signed to one of these, you’ll be able to start modelling jobs in London- hooray.
Model Agencies London
There are a lot of modelling agencies in London, but it’s important that you pick the right one to suit you and your needs. Although they may seem similar, each agency tries to offer something a little different to the next. Do your research before you commit to anything.
Elite London
Background: Elite started in 1972, and are now considered one of the leading model agencies in the UK. They pride themselves in their ability to connect models globally to the top brands. They have looked after models including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and currently have Kendall Jenner, Richard Biedul, Xavier Buestel and our very own Boyd Alves on their mainboard.
Male Model Height Requirement: 6’0″/1.83m
Age Range: 15 – 28
Open Casting: Monday – Friday. 10 am – 12 noon and 2 pm – 4 pm.
Contact: 1 Islington High Street, London N1 9LQ, 02078 413288, info@elitemodellondon.co.uk
Website: Elite London
Select Models
Background: Since Select started in 1977, they have become a highly respected model agency in the UK. Select were one of the first agencies to street scout models- a trend which quickly caught on. David Gandy, Oliver Cheshire and Jon K are amongst the Select models.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: N/A
Contact: 27-35 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3JG, 02072 991322, men@selectmodel.com
Website: Select Model Managment
Premier Models
Background: Founded by Carole White and her brother Chris Owen in 1981, Premier Model Management has become one of the go-to agencies in London. In 2011, Channel 4 produced a documentary about the Premier Model Managment and the ins and outs of the industry from an inside perspective. Big names from Premier include Ty Ogunkoya, Ben Bowers and Pedro Smith as well as singer Banks.
Male Model Height Requirement: 5’11”
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: N/A
Contact: 40–42 Parker Street, London, WC2B 5PQ, 02073 330888, info@premiermodelmanagement.com
Website: Premier Model Managment
Models 1
Background: Models 1 is now in its 47th year, having started in 1968. They make a promise to take care and attend to every need of each individual model. Models 1 aim to guide them and to help them achieve their goal career. They do, however, state that they will nurture the models and not let them run before they can walk. Models 1 signed Twiggy, and they currently have the likes of Billy Huxley and Sam Way on their mainboard.
Male Model Height Requirement: 5’11”
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: N/A
Contact: 12 Macklin Street, Covent Garden, London, Wc2B 5Sz, 02070 254940, info@models1.co.uk
Website: Models1
Storm Models
Background: In 1987 Sarah Doukas and business partner Richard Branson created Storm Models. Sarah Doukas was famously the one to spot Kate Moss in a New York airport. She also found Cara Delevingne, and currently, has Poppy Delevingne on the mainboard. Storm take people in different professions including bloggers, vloggers, actors, writers and presenters. Nicholas Sinclair, Darwin Gray, Emma Louise Connolly, Jamie Laing are a few names who are signed.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: Monday – Friday, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm
Contact: 1st Floor, 5 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TD
Website: Storm Models
First Model Managment
Background: Originally founded in the 60’s, First Model Management ensure they have a personal relationship with each model. Models from FMM have gone on to star in tv advertisements, campaigns and magazines. They have a modern approach to their clients.
Male Model Height Requirement: 6’ ft
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: N/A
Contact: 276 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1BB, 02074 369095, info@firstmodelmanagement.co.uk
Website: First Model Management
Nevs Model Agency
Background: Starting in 1971, Nevs modelling agency provides models that are edgy and current as well as timeless and classic. Nevs work closely with clients, suggesting the best model(s) for the job. They like to take ‘homegrown’ models which they nurture until they have made it in the industry.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: Monday – Friday running from 10 am – 12 noon
Contact: Regal House, 198 Kings Road, London, SW3 5XP, 02073 529496, reception@nevs.co.uk
Website: Nevs Models
IMG Models
Background: IMG Model Agency have offices based in 5 cities; New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Sydney. They aim to challenge their clients and boost opportunities for each of their models. They have an impressive list of models, including Miranda Kerr, Gigi, Bella and Anwar Hadid, Georgia May Jagger, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jordan Barrett and Cameron Dallas.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: Minimum 13
Open Casting: N/A
Contact: 97 Tottenham Court Road, The Network Building, 3rd Floor, London, W1T4TP, 020766 55500,
Website: IMG Models
Oxygen Models
Background: Oxygen model agency is a boutique agency based in London. They welcome all people to apply and become a part of their small and close knit team. They have a very personal approach to both their models and their clients, striving to get full success from both.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: Call for information
Contact: Unit 4, Chelsea Farmers Market, 125 Sydney St, London, SW3 6NR, 02073 512000, info@oxygenmodels.com
Website: Oxygen Models
Wilhelmina
Background: Wilhelmina International model agency was founded in 1967 by Dutch supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper. They work with women, men, full-figured, fitness, and children models, as well as entertainers and musicians. Wilhelmina has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and London. Their client list is impressive, including MAC and L’Oréal to name just two.
Male Model Height Requirement: N/A
Age Range: N/A
Open Casting: For women only
Contact: Wilhelmina London Ltd, 6 Perseverance Works, 38 Kingland Road, London, E2 8DD, 02076 130993
Website: Wilhelmina International
On That Note
Every model agency asks for pictures to be sent in, however, they don’t want pictures of you posing to the camera lens. When you take your pictures, have your hair natural and off your face, and make sure you act natural- it’s a lot easier said than done. Don’t wear clothes that are too baggy, or too tight. Most agencies ask you to take front-on pictures, a side profile and a full body shot. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back, it might just not be the right time for you. The industry is always changing and therefore they will constantly be looking for new and different types of people.
