How to Become a Paris Fashion Model from Castamodel's blog

How to Become a Paris Fashion Model

Working in the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, Paris, France, is one of the most thrilling things a model can do.

Modeling in Paris is the ultimate and most prestigious destination for all professional models, thanks to the most famous and iconic fashion brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermes, Lanvin, and Christian Louboutin.

Fashion Model Statistics

Female models in Paris should have stats (measures) of 5' 9" "6' tall (5'10-5'10 12 is even better) with 34-23-33 breast, waist, and hip measurements Male models should be 6' to 6' 2" tall "and a regular jacket size 38 to 40 Designers create one-size clothing, sometimes known as sample sizes. Instead of the other way around, models must fit the outfits that the designers create each season. It would be impossible for a designer to make each outfit to suit every single model given the volume of products produced for each collection.

Requirements for Age

In France, the legal minimum age to work in any employment is 16. Most major model agencies in France will have a special license for youngsters, however, because people under the age of 16 work extraordinarily long hours, most agencies will not accept child models from outside of France.

Learn about style, sophistication, and class.

Paris is not a market for new models looking for experience or to grow their portfolios. Before approaching the sophisticated market of Paris, models should have worked in Asian markets like Tokyo, Singapore, or Taipei. Germany, Milan, London, and even Australia are all ideal markets to visit before going to Paris. After learning the fundamentals of the industry, a model is ready to travel to Paris, where they will work for the most glamorous and sophisticated clients.

Status of Work

Models in Paris are considered employees rather than independent freelancers, unlike in any other modeling industry. Models are paid on a monthly basis (similar to a wage), even if the client does not pay.

There are many taxes in France because it is a socialist country. Models make roughly 33% of their total earnings. For instance, if the model secures a $1000 assignment, she will be paid $300. The agency commissions are removed at 20%, and the remainder is tax! Unemployment, health insurance, and a pension are all funded with tax dollars.

Models should avoid learning the business in Paris due to high taxes and agency commissions. Models should only travel to Paris if they are certain in their ability to book runway, editorial, or high-end advertising jobs, as this is where the prestige and money reside. The majority of seasoned models only come to Paris to work the "Collections" and then leave for other markets once the Collections are over.

Arriving in Paris

You shouldn't expect the agency to pick you up in a limo or greet you at the airport. Models in Paris are expected to have some experience and be professional, thus they are expected to drive themselves from the airport to the agency or flat.

Models should budget for their own airfare and accommodations, as well as food, subways, taxis, and testing.

Requirements for Work Visas

Models from Canada, the United States, and most European nations do not require a specific visa or work authorization to enter France. The agency will be required to file government forms for international models, but this has no bearing on the model.

Choosing an Agency

If you want to be a fashion model in Paris, you should have a comprehensive career plan and work with a manager or a reputable "mother agency." A mother agent will know which agencies are perfect for your look, as well as how to plan and manage your career over time.