Top 10 Model Agencies in New York, NY

These top 10 modeling management agencies in New York represent the best models, athletes, actors, musicians, and celebrities in the fashion industry. From runways to commercial advertising New York City is home to the best boutique and world elite modeling houses.

10. Ford Models

The Ford Modeling Agency, or as it is known today Ford Models, is an American international modeling agency based in New York City. It was established in 1946 by Eileen Ford and her husband Gerard W. Ford. Ford Models was started in 1946 by Eileen and Gerard W. “Jerry” Ford. Ford was the first company to advance their models’ money-owed by jobs that had been completed but not yet paid. The Ford family had the tradition of allowing teenage models who originate far from New York City to stay in their home. The company was the pre-eminent New York agency until John Casablancas of Elite Model Management opened up in the city, leading to the “model wars” of the 1980s. Ford, like many of the original agencies of the 1970s, now has to compete with a broad field of contenders, such as Women, IMG, and DNA. The agency has represented a diverse list of models and celebrities. In 1980, the company established the Ford Supermodel of the World Contest that attracted more than 60,000 hopefuls annually from around the world. Today, the contest lives on in the form of the annual V/VMan Ford Model Search run in conjunction with the 2 Visionaire publications. Learn more about Ford Models

9. The Society Management

Established in 2013, The Society Management serves as the New York division of the prestigious Elite World network and continues a global legacy of more than four decades within the fashion industry. Through the experiences from this prolific history, The Society now embodies the next era of talent management. As the driving force behind a diverse array of careers, The Society commits to helping talents reach their full potential through encompassing service that is based on foresight. We consider each represented individual with thorough regard, understanding purposes and needs within a unique journey – a journey in which we cultivate long-term careers through positive, significant exposure and collaborations with top international publication and brand teams.

8. The Lions Model Management

The Lions Model Management Brand is a boutique agency that combines talent management and sophisticated strategy to develop a notable presence of each talent in the marketplace. We strive to push boundaries and disrupt the generic approach. We elevate the importance of individuality to create an enduring path to success and empower our talent to build their own authentic brands. Sara Sampaio, Karen Elson, Jessica Hart, Learn more about The Lions

7. DNA Model Management

DNA Model Management is a modeling agency in New York City, established in 1996 by Jerome and David Bonnouvrier, and is one of the top-three agencies in the world. DNA represents numerous notable models in the industry, including Linda Evangelista, Alessandra Ambrosio, Natalia Vodianova, Amber Valletta, Saskia de Brauw, Doutzen Kroes, Nadja Auermann, Shalom Harlow, Edie Campbell, and Raquel Zimmermann.

6. VNY Models

VNY Models is the top New York boutique modeling agency founded by Lana Winters in 2001. With her partner Damian Tomczak, they have created a perfect nesting ground for building and managing the world’s top supermodels. The agency has an unrivaled reputation and track record for crafting unknown models into household names. Their hands-on approach is unique, with longevity and sustainability at the core of each model’s career. They pride themselves on discovering diamonds in the rough, then preparing them to collaborate with the world’s top brands. With a vast network of connections and firm relationships with clients across the world, it’s no surprise that their models can be found climbing the charts of Models.com or #1 on the Forbes’ top-earning models list. VNY is an environment where creativity, business, and family congregate as one. Luxury Brand the top New York boutique modeling agency.

5. Elite Model Management

Elite Model Management was founded in Paris, France in 1972 by John Casablancas and Alain Kittler. Casablancas was inspired by his then-wife Jeanette Christiansen, former model and Miss Universe from Denmark, to open a model agency with the best talent. Casablancas founded the model agency with his savings. He and Christiansen are the parents of The Strokes frontman, Julian Casablancas. Elite was opened in NY in 1977 and immediately made a name for itself by challenging the status quo and developing the power of a model's image. This led to the creation and definition of The Supermodel.

4. New York Model Management

New York Model Management's international staff brings a wealth of fashion savvy and experience to anticipate upcoming trends in the fashion industry. Its owner, Heinz Holba, established L.A. Models in 1985, after many years of heading agencies in Canada and Southern California.

3. Next Model Management

Next Model Management is one of the biggest and most successful model agencies in the world, established 22 years ago, with offices all over the world in London, Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Next is consistently ranked in the worlds top 3 most powerful agencies. NEXT Management is a global modeling agency that connects top talent in fashion and entertainment with leading international brands. Established in New York in 1989, the agency quickly expanded into key markets: London, Paris, Milan, Los Angeles, and Miami. Publications and brands know to look to NEXT for the best new faces and the most established fashion models with global recognition.

2. Wilhelmina Models

Wilhelmina Models is one of the most prominent talent management agencies in the world. Since its founding in 1967 by Dutch supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper, Wilhelmina Models has earned its prestigious standing as an industry leader by providing full-spectrum model management for women, men, full-figured, fitness, and children models, as well as entertainers and musicians.

1. IMG Models

IMG Models is the global leader in talent discovery and model management, widely recognized for its diverse client roster. The agency’s offices are located in five world capitals: New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Sydney. Legendary sports agent Mark McCormack founded IMG Models as a new division of the hugely successful IMG Worldwide. He believed models could be managed as talent in the same vein as professional athletes, actors, and other entertainers, and that their popularity could be leveraged into strong personal brands beyond the magazine page or runway.

Luxury Brands Advertising New York

With some of the best portrait studios and the most photogenic backgrounds in the world, New York City offers luxury brands, the top modeling agencies and fashion photographers the perfect recipe for high fashion advertising. When money is not an object, and you need to stand out from the crow, Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Rolex, Chanel, Cartier, Burberry, Fendi, and Coach. The top luxury brands in the world rely on the best public relation firms to assemble the ultimate advertising campaigns.

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