MODEL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES
1. HOW DO I APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL AUDITION?
**Models can choose to audition for regular Columbia Fashion Week or enter the Top Model Competition which is also a part of Columbia Fashion Week.
There are three steps to apply.
NOTE: *The application fee is nonrefundable.
2. WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR MODELS?
Regular Models: $40 registration fee
Top models: $150 competition fee ($50 registration fee is required to audition and if chosen $100 must be paid by advised deadline)
3. WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST A MODEL POSSESS TO BE CONSIDERED? **Top Model requirements are different**
AUDITIONS ATTIRE:
Practice your walk, poses, and presentation!
*KIDS AND TEENS ARE GUARANTEED TO GO INTO LOOKBOOK, BUT IT IS AT THE DISCRETION OF DESIGNERS/RETAILER IF THEY WALK ON KIDS NIGHT.
*OLDER TEENS MAY BE SELECTED TO WALK FOR DESIGNERS AND RETAILERS ON FINALE NIGHT AS WELL.
*ADULTS: REGISTRATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SPOT IN THE LOOKBOOK, SO PLEASE COME PREPARED TO DO YOUR BEST AT AUDITION
*Tattoos are allowed but designers may require them to be covered. Please note that you are responsible for covering all tattoos for any Columbia Fashion Week events yourself.
*ALL TOP MODEL REGISTRANTS AND FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED BY COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK PANEL & JUDGES. PLEASE READ TOP MODEL COMPETITION GUIDELINES FOR MORE DETAILS.
5. IF I AM SELECTED FOR AN AUDITION, WHEN/HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED? All applicants who register will be able to audition for Columbia Fashion Week.
*Audition times are at the sole discretion of Columbia Fashion Week.
*Virtual auditions are based on residence. Contact model@columbiafashionweek.com if you are further than 60 miles from Columbia, SC.
*Models will audition between 10:00am-4:00pm. Times could vary based on number of applicants.
*All Columbia Fashion Week correspondence is done via e-mail. Be sure the email address on your application is correct otherwise you will NOT receive information from Columbia Fashion Week.
6. IF SELECTED AS A COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL, WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? All models are required to attend the fittings, rehearsals, designer and boutique go-sees, as well as week of the events if selected for a photo-shoot, special event, or runway show, are required.
7. WHERE WILL THE COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL FITTINGS AND REHEARSALS BE HELD? WHAT DATES AND WHAT TIMES? All events will take place in Columbia, South Carolina. Exact location, date, and time will be sent to models via e-mail at a later date. Time-blocks are assigned by and at the sole discretion of Columbia Fashion Week.
8. WHAT IS THE MODEL SELECTION PROCESS? Models are selected by Columbia Fashion Week and final selections are presented to Emerging Designers, Featured Designers, Fashion Stylists, and Boutiques for runway showcases.
Here are more details for each:
*Fittings will be announced at a later date but will be the same day and location as a model rehearsal, unless otherwise required by designer/stylist.
*Models casted for more than one show and/or event are required to attend each go-see and/or fitting.
*Final fittings will take place as needed and are managed by COLAFW pending the overall production/event schedule.
TIP: Mark your calendar in advance when dates are provided to ensure you are available. COLAFW, designers, boutiques and/or sponsors will NOT work around your schedule.
9. HOW ARE TOP MODELS SELECTED TO COMPETE IN COLAFW TOP MODEL COMPETITION? Selection for the Top Model Competition is based on industry criteria by a panel of model experts. Read the Rules and Regulations for specifics. Models will be selected to compete for the coveted title of COLAFW Top Model of the Year. All chosen Top Model Registrants will be listed as preliminary finalists until chosen.
10. ARE MODELS WHO ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK COMPENSATED? Models selected to participate in Columbia Fashion Week will receive access to digital runway photos, used for social media promotions, model and talent scout visibility, and provided headshot and full length photos for their personal portfolio.
12. ARE THERE ANY FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AS A MODEL? Columbia Fashion Week requires a registration fee to participate. All models are also responsible for any and all costs associated with auditions, rehearsals, go-sees or fittings, and the week of the event including all transportation to/from Columbia, meals, lodging, and parking fees.
13. IF SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT, PHOTOSHOOT, OR RUNWAY SHOW, WILL THE MODEL HAVE TO PAY FOR ACCOMODATIONS TO/FROM COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK ? All models are responsible for travel to/from Columbia and lodging the week of COLAFW.
14. ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR BEING A MODEL AT COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK? All models selected to participate in the Columbia Fashion Week runway show, special event, or photo-shoot will receive the following:
15. DO MODELS HAVE ACCESS TO PHOTOS FROM COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK? All participants registering with Columbia Fashion Week agrees that all photos are the property of Columbia Fashion, and may be used for promotional and marketing efforts. Models can access pictures after Columbia Fashion via a code sent by the Model Coordinator.
1. HOW DO I APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL AUDITION?
**Models can choose to audition for regular Columbia Fashion Week or enter the Top Model Competition which is also a part of Columbia Fashion Week.
There are three steps to apply.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload headshot and full body image within application.
- Regular Model registration is a $40 application processing fee. (Top Model Competition Registration DIFFERS)
NOTE: *The application fee is nonrefundable.
2. WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR MODELS?
Regular Models: $40 registration fee
Top models: $150 competition fee ($50 registration fee is required to audition and if chosen $100 must be paid by advised deadline)
3. WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST A MODEL POSSESS TO BE CONSIDERED? **Top Model requirements are different**
- COLAFW welcomes males, females and children
- Models must be 7 years of age or older (or have runway experience); Top Models must be 16 years or older
- There is no size or height requirement for our shows (Top Model different height requirements)
- Eligible applicants who are under 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to apply, and must be at the audition to sign a waiver or model will not be permitted to audition.
- Selection is based on industry criteria including runway walk, personality, professionalism, photogenic appeal, facial structure/unique attributes, commercial appeal, and match with current modeling and fashion industry “look”.
AUDITIONS ATTIRE:
- Males: Hard bottom shoes, black tank or tee, black or dark fitted jeans
- Females: Close toe high heeled pump, black tank or tee, black leggings or jeggings
- Children: Black top, black bottom, comfortable shoes
- Minors: MUST HAVE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN PRESENT.
- All: If you have a portfolio, bring it.
- All: If you have a comp card bring it.
Practice your walk, poses, and presentation!
*KIDS AND TEENS ARE GUARANTEED TO GO INTO LOOKBOOK, BUT IT IS AT THE DISCRETION OF DESIGNERS/RETAILER IF THEY WALK ON KIDS NIGHT.
*OLDER TEENS MAY BE SELECTED TO WALK FOR DESIGNERS AND RETAILERS ON FINALE NIGHT AS WELL.
*ADULTS: REGISTRATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SPOT IN THE LOOKBOOK, SO PLEASE COME PREPARED TO DO YOUR BEST AT AUDITION
*Tattoos are allowed but designers may require them to be covered. Please note that you are responsible for covering all tattoos for any Columbia Fashion Week events yourself.
*ALL TOP MODEL REGISTRANTS AND FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED BY COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK PANEL & JUDGES. PLEASE READ TOP MODEL COMPETITION GUIDELINES FOR MORE DETAILS.
5. IF I AM SELECTED FOR AN AUDITION, WHEN/HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED? All applicants who register will be able to audition for Columbia Fashion Week.
*Audition times are at the sole discretion of Columbia Fashion Week.
*Virtual auditions are based on residence. Contact model@columbiafashionweek.com if you are further than 60 miles from Columbia, SC.
*Models will audition between 10:00am-4:00pm. Times could vary based on number of applicants.
*All Columbia Fashion Week correspondence is done via e-mail. Be sure the email address on your application is correct otherwise you will NOT receive information from Columbia Fashion Week.
6. IF SELECTED AS A COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL, WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? All models are required to attend the fittings, rehearsals, designer and boutique go-sees, as well as week of the events if selected for a photo-shoot, special event, or runway show, are required.
7. WHERE WILL THE COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK MODEL FITTINGS AND REHEARSALS BE HELD? WHAT DATES AND WHAT TIMES? All events will take place in Columbia, South Carolina. Exact location, date, and time will be sent to models via e-mail at a later date. Time-blocks are assigned by and at the sole discretion of Columbia Fashion Week.
8. WHAT IS THE MODEL SELECTION PROCESS? Models are selected by Columbia Fashion Week and final selections are presented to Emerging Designers, Featured Designers, Fashion Stylists, and Boutiques for runway showcases.
Here are more details for each:
*Fittings will be announced at a later date but will be the same day and location as a model rehearsal, unless otherwise required by designer/stylist.
*Models casted for more than one show and/or event are required to attend each go-see and/or fitting.
*Final fittings will take place as needed and are managed by COLAFW pending the overall production/event schedule.
TIP: Mark your calendar in advance when dates are provided to ensure you are available. COLAFW, designers, boutiques and/or sponsors will NOT work around your schedule.
9. HOW ARE TOP MODELS SELECTED TO COMPETE IN COLAFW TOP MODEL COMPETITION? Selection for the Top Model Competition is based on industry criteria by a panel of model experts. Read the Rules and Regulations for specifics. Models will be selected to compete for the coveted title of COLAFW Top Model of the Year. All chosen Top Model Registrants will be listed as preliminary finalists until chosen.
10. ARE MODELS WHO ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK COMPENSATED? Models selected to participate in Columbia Fashion Week will receive access to digital runway photos, used for social media promotions, model and talent scout visibility, and provided headshot and full length photos for their personal portfolio.
12. ARE THERE ANY FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AS A MODEL? Columbia Fashion Week requires a registration fee to participate. All models are also responsible for any and all costs associated with auditions, rehearsals, go-sees or fittings, and the week of the event including all transportation to/from Columbia, meals, lodging, and parking fees.
13. IF SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT, PHOTOSHOOT, OR RUNWAY SHOW, WILL THE MODEL HAVE TO PAY FOR ACCOMODATIONS TO/FROM COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK ? All models are responsible for travel to/from Columbia and lodging the week of COLAFW.
14. ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR BEING A MODEL AT COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK? All models selected to participate in the Columbia Fashion Week runway show, special event, or photo-shoot will receive the following:
- Visibility to local and national fashion industry leaders, stylists, bloggers, and media
- Recognition in the 2021 Columbia Fashion Week Magazine
- Additional photoshoot and tv appearance opportunities
15. DO MODELS HAVE ACCESS TO PHOTOS FROM COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK? All participants registering with Columbia Fashion Week agrees that all photos are the property of Columbia Fashion, and may be used for promotional and marketing efforts. Models can access pictures after Columbia Fashion via a code sent by the Model Coordinator.
