Market profile
How the market works in New York
The scale of New York is exactly why applications need to stay targeted. Runway, editorial, e-commerce, beauty and commercial work coexist, but they do not use one shared route. Models benefit from knowing which part of the market they are approaching and sending only the material that helps that decision.
Agencies & castings
Agencies & castings in New York
Start with verified local organisations, then follow each agency or casting’s own application route. Requirements vary, so the current brief matters more than a universal checklist.
See agencies & castings →Fashion calendar
Dates worth watching
New York Fashion Week gives the city two clear fashion peaks in 2026: 11–16 February 2026 and 10–15 September 2026. The programme centres on runway shows and designer presentations.
Verified local signals
Fashion DNA
What shapes fashion in New York
Official New York Fashion Week schedule
The CFDA official September 2026 NYFW schedule ran 10–15 September and included about 70 runway shows and designer presentations.
Source ↗Editorial research updated · 2026-09-21
Before you apply
Images to have ready in New York
- A recent close-up in natural light, without a beauty filter.
- A clear full-length front view in simple fitted clothing.
- A profile or three-quarter view that shows proportions clearly.
- A short neutral walk clip only when the agency or casting asks for it.
Keep measurements current and use recent images. A portfolio can support an application, but it should not replace clean, neutral digitals when those are requested.
Check the current application requirements at Ford Models — New York and IMG Models — New York before shooting anything specifically for them. Treat the current form as the brief: requested images, measurements and file formats can differ from one organisation to another.