New York

New York stands as the most prestigious modeling market in the United States and one of the most influential worldwide. With Fashion Week as a global highlight, top publications based in the city, and nearly every major agency represented, New York offers opportunities that range from high fashion and runway to commercial campaigns and e-commerce.

Inside this guide, you’ll find:

• Breakdown of the types of work New York is best known for, including editorial, runway, and luxury campaigns

• Agency standards and expectations around height, measurements, and professional presentation

• Insights into the casting process, seasonal demand, and what daily life looks like for working models

• Commission structures, typical rates, and the realities of low-paying editorial work versus high-paying campaigns

• Housing information, from model apartments to navigating one of the most expensive cost-of-living cities in the U.S.

• Transportation and logistics across Manhattan and Brooklyn, including how to manage multiple castings per day

• Cultural expectations in New York’s market, including professionalism, punctuality, and adaptability

New York is particularly valued for its ability to establish a model’s credibility and visibility at the highest level of the industry. For models, it is a market where perseverance and preparation can open doors to global opportunities. For mother agents, it remains a vital territory for developing talent with true high-fashion potential.