Modeling agencies in Los Angeles are aplenty—but that can make it tricky to figure out which one is right for your career, right now. The city is home to several of the top modeling agencies in the country, including many intended to nurture newer or undiscovered talent. Here are seven agencies in L.A. for the fresh, working, or established model (or influencer!).
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The breakdown: Bella Agency has quickly risen to the top of the field due in large part to its two-tiered nature: It houses both fashion and lifestyle in one agency.
Bella Agency offers lifestyle, classic (models aged 40+), theatrical, nonbinary, youth, family, influencer, and talent divisions. Influencers and lifestyle models like Hayley Herms (“Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian”) and Joia (Forever 21) are repped by Bella. Though the agency is a highly coveted L.A. agency representing a diverse group of talented models and actors, its team of agents is also passionate about fostering new talent and offers a welcoming, inclusive environment—something the modeling industry isn’t always known for.
Submission policy: Submit to the agency through its web form.
The breakdown: Genetic Models Management is the perfect agency for models looking to be represented solely for editorial work.
Genetic is one of the premier boutique modeling agencies in L.A. It aims to both discover and develop some of the city’s most “preeminent” talent; in other words, it’s a great place to consider breaking in. Established clients frequently grace the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Grazia, and Elle. Models repped by Genetic, like Simona Kirchnerova (Vogue Portugal and Vogue Czechoslovakia) and Yuliia Kurochka (Alo Yoga), work internationally for high-fashion brands but choose Genetic as their home base. The agency is a safe and supportive jumping-off point for newer models.
Technically a “mother agency”—or an agency that helps fresh models work with secondary agencies—Genetic is an incredible resource for budding models in the Los Angeles area who dream of working in high fashion. “Being signed to Genetics allows me to expand myself as a model by giving opportunities to work with all different types of talents in L.A.,” model Carolyn L told us. “Genetics has made signing and getting my name out in L.A. very easy, since they are constantly sending me to new clients.”
Submission policy: Genetic’s website details its guidelines and straightforward submission process.
The breakdown: LA Models specifically caters to models in Southern California and is the largest modeling agency on the West Coast.
Over three decades ago, Heinz Holba set out with a mission to bring an international modeling presence out West. Holba found the natural, elegant SoCal style to be an asset to the industry and was inspired by its locales (beach, desert, mountains) for photo shoots. His efforts to encourage models worldwide to make the voyage to California have paid off. The agency’s models, including Bria Murphy (Dark & Lovely) and Caio Cesar, have appeared in ads for Nike and Kalos, and on the pages of Vogue, Nylon, and Marie Claire.
The agency boasts a strong team of agents and executives who take a personal interest in their clientele and adhere to a strong code of ethics. Karine Roman, LA Models’ vice president, launched the agency’s Model Camp, which exists to educate and support young talent looking to break into the industry. Roman told Teen Vogue that she loves LA Models’ diversity initiatives: “Honestly, it starts with our clients. Fashion companies are finally understanding that they’re much more appealing when they work with models that everyone can relate to.”
Submission policy: Submit online (under the “Become” tab). The agency has stopped holding open calls, and it now only accepts online submissions.
The breakdown: No list of top modeling agencies would be complete without Next. With over 30 years as a major industry player, and branches in New York, London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Miami, and L.A., it’s no surprise that the agency has seen its talent grace major magazine covers and walk runways for some of today’s most prominent designers.
Powerhouse models on its roster include Abby Champion (Chanel, Swarovski, Calvin Klein), Altyn Isabella (Elle UK, Vogue Paris), Rainey Qualley (Coach, J Brand), and John Todd (GQ)—but don’t let these recognizable faces deter you from pursuing representation here. Next agents are just as focused on discovering new talent as they are on establishing solid relationships with existing clients, working closely with models to craft lifelong, dynamic careers. From newcomers to supermodels, Next features a diverse slate of talent across the globe.
Submission policy: Next Management has currently canceled its open calls, but you can apply online using the submission portal on its website.
The breakdown: A mother agency run by Tereza and Jason Otto, Otto Models helps define the career trajectories of commercial and editorial models and influencers—and is particularly passionate about scouting new talent in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego areas.
With an extensive slate of models concentrated throughout Southern California (as well as elsewhere in the state and country), the agency has clients appearing in major print ads, commercials, and covers, including Ellen Alexander (Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar), Courtney Johnson (Guess), Jordan Kelly DeBarge (who starred in Ed Sheeran’s “Blow” music video), and Yamen Sanders (Guess, Apple, “Love Island”).
Submission policy: Apply online here.
The breakdown: Q Model has built up its presence on the West Coast, making it a great resource for models with a lifestyle focus.
Having established a strong reputation in New York in 1998, Q Model has grown to become one of the strongest management agencies in the world (and an excellent asset to the L.A. agency pool). Led by a progressive team of agents, Q’s models have partnered with brands like Google, Facebook, Apple, Nike, Adidas, Starbucks, and Amazon. The agency’s mission is to treat its clients like family and ensure that models’ work environments are safe from harassment and weight-control practices.
Submission policy: Send your information using the agency’s online submission form.
The breakdown: Hands down the biggest agency included on this list, Wilhelmina could be the next big step in your career if you’re already a working model with significant professional experience.
Founded in 1967 by the Dutch supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper, Wilhelmina Models is regarded by many as the top-tier modeling agency in the world, representing talent of all ages, types, and sizes. In addition to its L.A. branch, Wilhelmina has locations in New York, Miami, and London, as well as established relationships with hundreds of local management firms throughout the U.S. The agency has a reputation for working with the best and brightest in the industry, like L.A. working models Amanda Harvey (BCBGMaxAzria), Brent Assayag (Gap), and David Fisher (Guess).
Despite being one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world, Wilhelmina still manages to maintain close relationships with its clients, and its influencer division embraces models of more types, looks, and sizes than ever before.
Submission policy: Submit your application materials for Wilhelmina here.
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