5 Model Agencies in London That Can Help Turn Your Runway Dreams into Reality
Always had a feeling that your life is for the runway? Well, you’re in luck because London is one of the hotspots for the modelling industry thanks to its world-renowned agencies.
These agencies have nurtured countless models that have become household names today and have worked with various big-name companies around the globe.
However, with countless agencies competing for your looks, things can get overwhelming quickly. That’s why we’re here!
Below is a review of the top modelling agencies in London as well as their respective pros and cons to help you find the best one for your needs. Check them out!
How much do model agencies charge in London?
Model agencies charge a percentage of 15% to 20% of their clients’ fees for finding them work in the industry. This percentage isn’t fixed and must be agreed upon by both the agency and the model.
1. Premier Model Management
Location: Premier Models, 40-42 Parker St, London WC2B 5PQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7333 0888
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
If you’re in the know of the fashion and modelling scene, in general, you’ve likely heard of Premier Model Management because they’ve been around since 1981.
Since then, they’ve produced top models that have been featured in brands like Gucci, Celine, Saint Laurent etc. In fact, one of their top talents, Lexi Boling, became the face of Prada, Coach and Jil Sander, which speaks of their credibility and how great they are at honing models.
We also appreciate the belief of Carole White, one of the directors of Premier Model Management, who strongly believes in racial equality.
When we got in touch with some of their models, they highlighted how they were encouraged to shine with their own personalities.
Our only gripe with this agency is its lack of in-depth details about their services on their official website. However, we do appreciate how they made applying for their agency accessible through their online forms.
Had some fun with them
“Not bad! Had some fun with them. Plus I have a friend Daria who I think still works here, and she seems happy about it.”
Haydon Morton, Google Review
Absolutely lovely people!
“Absolutely lovely people! Beautiful space & great environment”
shambolism (Arri), Google Review
2. Base Model & Influencer Agency
Location: York House, 221 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9UZ, United Kingdom
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Contact: +44 20 7323 0499
Right off the bat, Base Model & Influencer Agency caught our attention because of its diverse selection of models. For instance, they feature a wide variety of non-binary models, which we thought spoke volumes about their inclusivity.
We were further impressed when we saw the companies they’ve worked/currently working with like Coca-Cola, Apple, Gucci, Dior and more.
One of the things we appreciate about this agency is how they promote authenticity among their aspiring models. We’ve interviewed some of their models and one of the things they’ve highlighted the most is how they were encouraged to be themselves.
We also heard of the great communication skills that the staff possess, especially in terms of applications. Some models we spoke with praised the agency for communicating the project clearly without sounding like they were selling a dream.
However, we must note that if you’re applying, they can be a bit unresponsive at times due to the high volume of applications they receive every day. If you do get accepted, however, they usually reach out within 14 days.
Made me more confident
“One thing I love about Base is that I’ve never felt the need to change anything about myself. Base puts me forward for jobs that thoroughly allow me to be myself.
I’ve been with them for a little over a year, and the team’s support and dedication towards my development have made me more confident and comfortable with who I am.
If you’re looking for an agency that amplifies your confidence, and an agency that feels like family, then there’s no better place than Base.”
Aashi Reddy, Google Review
Great communication
“Absolutely loved working with Base! Was looking for a last-minute model for a big campaign shoot and Charlotte was able to assist me through the whole process of getting the model on set! Great communication, quick response time and really making sure everything is going well!”
Charel Gijzen, Google Review
3. IMG Models London
Location: Building 180, 2 Arundel St, Strand, Temple, London WC2R 3DA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7665 5500
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
IMG Models London is one of the biggest names in the fashion and modelling industry, having branches in major cities like LA, New York, Paris, Milan and of course, London. Because of its stature, it has a foothold in several brands, allowing for more opportunities for their talents.
Their portfolio is quite impressive as well, featuring top models in the industry like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber. These names have worked on the likes of Versace, Michael Kors, Givenchy and more, which proves the credibility of IMG Models as an agency.
One of the things we appreciate the most about IMG Models is the selection of support programmes they offer their models. For instance, they have something called a mentorship programme where veterans bestow wisdom on up-and-comers.
However, we do feel like they could improve on their customer service more, as we’ve heard from their previous clients that the agency’s representative can be rude at times. Also, they’ve noted how they can be a bit unresponsive at times.
The staff here are fabulous & courteous
“From the moment you walk in you realise that the staff here are fabulous & courteous. This is the best Modelling agency in the world!”
Sheyi Teluwo, Google Review
Professional and friendly
“My daughter was scouted by them a couple of weeks ago. They are a very professional and friendly company.”
Samantha Butterfield, Google Review
4. Elite Model Management
Location: 3rd Floor, 74 Margaret St, London W1W 8SU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7841 3288
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Elite Model Management is another name that caught our attention during our research mainly because of its 50-year tenure. What’s more impressive is that they’re still going strong to this day, enlisting big-name models like Kendall Jenner, Adriana Lima and Finnlay Davis.
They were also the home of super-successful models like Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista. Seeing how their careers turned out, we have a feeling that Elite Model Management does a great job of nurturing talents.
Our favourite thing about Elite Model Management is their Elite Model Look contest, which is how they find the next big model in the industry.
They’ve been holding it for more than 30 years and have been the vessel to success by well-known models today like Lara Stone and Alessandra Ambrosio.
The only issue we’ve heard that was brought up by previous clients is that they tend to be a bit unresponsive at times. There were also instances when they would ask for headshots but wouldn’t provide any follow-up details afterwards.
Very pleasant and accommodating
“Very professional staff. The courteous and discreet young lady at the Concierge. James was also very pleasant and accommodating as the women’s scout was not present when I first popped in.”
Bernella Velinor, Google Review
Incredibly respectful
“I wasn’t the right fit for their agency, but they were incredibly respectful and also encouraging. Very professional and friendly.”
Adam Colvin, Google Review
5. Storm Model Management
Location: 5 Jubilee Pl, London SW3 3TD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7368 9900
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Storm Model Management has been around since the ‘80s and has garnered fame by striking gold when they signed Kate Moss. Since then, they’ve signed an impressive list of names that have gone on to make successful careers like Cara Delevigne, Jordan Dunn and Liu Wen.
What made Storm Model Management stand out to us was their selection of services, which includes career development, brand partnerships, commercial endorsements and more.
Also, we appreciate its friendly and compassionate staff members. We’ve even noted reports of models who didn’t get shortlisted being recommended to other agencies.
Our only problem with this agency is that they tend to be unresponsive to their potential clients, not providing any response to their inquiries.
At the same time, however, we understand the volume of requests they receive every day, which can be seen as a testament to how in-demand they are.
I appreciate the professionalism and guidance
“I had the opportunity to visit Storm Models on 25th August 2021 for a walk-in application. While I wasn’t selected, I appreciate the professionalism and guidance they provided me, even after travelling quite far away from home for this walk-in session,
After asking them where else I could possibly try my application out on my way out, they were kind enough to recommend other reputable agencies affiliated with the British Fashion Model Agents Association (BFMA) and the British Fashion Council.
Nevertheless, I’m grateful for this experience and look forward to exploring these new leads with other modelling agencies. Remember that every door that doesn’t open will lead to another one that will if you just keep trying!”
Arslan Akbutin, Google Review
Its location is fabulous
“It’s off kings road one of the best roads in West London. Its location is fabulous”
Herbert lulume, Google Review