Location: Columbia, South Carolina

The Columbia Fashion Week Model Experience offers an incredible opportunity for both emerging talent and seasoned professionals to gain valuable industry experience, expand their portfolios, and make connections within the fashion industry. The Columbia Fashion Week platform is the perfect platform to refine your skills, enhance your visibility, and unlock exciting new opportunities in the fashion world.

Columbia Fashion Week is more than the runway. Columbia Fashion Week creates a space for models to not only have the opportunity to hit the runway, but we help connect models with unique opportunities to help support their careers in the fashion industry.

What You’ll Gain from the Model Experience
  • Professional Headshots to use beyond the COLAFW platform for castings, portfolios and personal branding - giving you the tools to confidently pursue opportunities in the fashion industry.
  • Runway Experience
    Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced model, you’ll have the opportunity to audition in premier fashion shows, showcasing your talent in front of a live audience and fashion industry professionals. Gain valuable runway experience and refine your presentation.
  • Editorial Castings for Professional Portfolio Building
    For both new and existing models, photoshoots with experience photographers will help enhance your portfolio with high-quality, diverse shots that highlight your versatility. Build or update your portfolio with images that reflect your growth and potential.
  • Expert Coaching & Training
    No matter where you are in your modeling journey, you’ll benefit from personalized coaching and feedback from experienced industry professionals. Whether you’re refining your runway walk or learning new posing techniques, you’ll leave with a stronger skillset and renewed confidence.
  • Networking with Industry Professionals
    Connect with designers, agents, photographers, and other fashion insiders. Whether you're an emerging model or already established, building relationships with key players in the fashion world can open doors to future casting calls, collaborations, and paid opportunities.
  • Media Exposure
    Get featured in media campaigns, social media posts, and press releases. Your participation in Columbia Fashion Week will increase your visibility in the fashion community, helping you grow your audience and attract attention from potential clients and agencies.
  • A Platform for Growth
    Whether you’re building your career from the ground up or expanding your opportunities, the Columbia Fashion Week Model Experience is designed to help you learn, grow, and shine in a supportive, professional environment. Gain real-world experience while developing connections that last.
  • Increased Job Opportunities: Participating in Columbia Fashion Week positions you for more modeling jobs and paid opportunities.
  • Talent Scouting Opportunities: Get noticed by agents, scouts, and designers looking for fresh talent. Your participation in Columbia Fashion Week could lead to exciting offers and visibility.
  • Opportunities to be featured in COLAFW Experience Magazine: Get the chance to be showcased in the prestigious COLAFW Experience Magazine, highlighting your talent and participation.​
HOW TO BE A PART OF THE COLAFW MODEL EXPERIENCE

STEP 1: ​ REVIEW MODEL BENEFITS AND MODEL GUIDELINES

THE COLAFW MODEL EXPERIENCE
50
PER YEAR
UNLIMITED MODEL CALL RUNWAY AUDITIONS
ACCESS TO ANNUAL MODEL HEADSHOT
​ACCESS TO FASHION WEEK RUNWAY PICS
NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS​
ACCESS TO SUBMIT FOR BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES
ACCESS TO MARKETING & MEDIA EXPOSURE
EXCLUSIVE CASTING CALLS FOR COLAFW
​EDITORIAL SHOOTS TO ENHANCE YOUR PORTFOLIO
​COLAFW ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP:​
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER DISCOUNTS & EVENTS
ACCESS TO EXTERNAL WORKING OPPORTUNITIES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
INCLUDED IN PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Eligible to audition for the Top Model Competition

​​⭐️ TOP MODEL COMPETITION OVERVIEW​⭐️

  • Model Call Auditons: August 16th​​​, 2025
  • Top Model Competitions (Male & Female) run September – November.
  • Winners will be announced during the Columbia Fashion Week FINALE Runway Showcase.
  • ✅ How to Join
  • Review the Top Model Guidelines 
  • Register for The COLAFW Model Experience – All models auditioning must be registered models.
  • If you're already an active model, complete Step 3: Model Application and:
    • Select the checkbox for Top Model Competition Audition.
  • 💡 Important Details
  • Top Model Competition Fee is due 4 weeks after the Top Model Call (only if selected).
  • A Schedule of Challenges & Events will be provided at Model Call.
TOP MODEL COMPETITION 
150
PER YEAR
**Competition Fee is only due if you're selected to participate in the competition, but must be an active
​COLAFW Experience Model to audition**
EXCLUSIVE MODEL COACHING & TRAINING WORKSHOP
ACCESS TO INDUSTRY LEADERS & PROFESSIONALS
EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONAL MARKETING VIA COLAFW
PRIORITY ACCESS TO WORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Professional Portfolio Images Provided
GUARANTEED TO WALK DURING COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK
**OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME THE FACE OF COLUMBIA FASHION WEEK**

Step 2: Join/Renew The Model Experience

Models must join The COLAFW Model Experience to access the above benefits. If you are an active model, you only need to complete Step 3: Complete Model Application. Please have your COLAFW Model Number available.

Step 3: 

Make sure to follow our social media page for any future announcements of other models calls. (IG: @colafashionweek)
Missed Model Call registration? You can still join the model experience at any time to take advantage of many other benefits until the next model call. If you have any questions, you can email [email protected].