How to Become a Runway Model?
To know whether you can do runway modeling, decide where is the runway which you are planning to do your dream catwalk. If you want to do it in Paris or New York, you need a minimum height of 5 ft 9 inches. But, if you are in New Delhi or Dubai, you can manage with a height of 5 ft 6 inches. Another thing to consider is for whom you are walking the ramp, for little-known designers or for some unprofessional fashion shows. You don’t need to even have flawless skin. The point is runway modeling or “walking the ramp” modeling is highly unorganised when it comes to bottom level fashion players. Unless you are representing agencies like Elite or Wilhelmina, or walking for Ralph Lauren or PRADA, more often than you think, you will be just walking the ramp without any objective. Because there are many con model agents who promise to get you an opportunity to walk the ramp. Unless those ramps are part of any fashion weeks or major brands, then it is not going to do any good to you in terms of exposure and financial wise. But, experience gained from it is, of course, invaluable, you could have spent that time trying to get into some good modeling agencies.
1. First, what you need to do is find your body measurements. To become a financially independent runway model in a major city for a major brand, you need to be at least 5 ft and 9 inches. This does not mean you cannot be a model if you are less than 5ft 9 inches. (Read article on “Does height matter in modeling?” for more info). Runway modeling is among the few areas where fashion industry which still maintains its professionalism, so, getting into runway modeling through backdoor is not a possible option.
2. Once you feel that you fit the measurements, memorize your measurements and get some quality professional pictures for your portfolio. You can approach a professional fashion photographer or ask your parents/friends to take few good ones for you.
3. Learn everything you can about Major fashion weeks, fashion shows, designers, and photographers. Note down the upcoming dates of fashion shows and product launches scheduled by fashion designers.
4. Find good modeling agencies near you. One way to understand whether a modeling agency is good or not is by checking whether they have multiple physical locations across the country or the world. More often modeling agencies tends to say, they represent models in different cities and countries, to make it look like international. But, in fact they might have only one office in one location and they are just exaggerating their ability. So, always approach the best agency you can. Don’t be intimidated by big names. Good modelling agencies, no matter how big they are, they will try to help every models from beginners to professionals. At the same time, they don’t show over enthusiasm to get you into ramp or they don’t promise anything.
5.Once you have approached the model agency, ask them everything you need to know and learn from it. Note down upcoming auditions or memorize if they have mentioned any designer’s name or anything which you think is relevant. Keep following up with them until you are there for your first audition.