South Asian Fashion Week Model Development Program FAQ
Who should participate in the SAFW Model Development Program?
Designed for models of all experience levels. We welcome all and any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, shapes/sizes, national origin, disability status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Participants must be ages 18+, but we don’t have an age limit (don’t be shy!). Please contact us if you require any specific assistance or accessibility needs.
What if I’m not available on Sunday, April 28, 2024, but I am really interested in participating?
We will be adding many more dates! Sign up here for early access to additional dates and to receive additional information about SAFW modeling opportunities throughout the year.
What if I am not based in NYC?
Email us at models@sanyfw.com with subject line “Model Development Program New Location Request” and let us know where you are based. While we can’t guarantee any sessions outside of NYC for the 2024 season, we are hoping to add course dates to other cities in the future.
If I purchase a ticket but can’t make it, can I transfer my spot to another course in the future or get a refund?
No. Please do not commit unless you are truly interested and able to attend. We will not accommodate refunds, transfers of your ticket to another date or individual.
What if all spots are filled, but I really want to participate?
Please email models@sanyfw.com.
I am an agency signed model or experienced freelance model. When will I find out about the Advanced course dates?
We will have more information on all of the above at a later time. Please sign up for early access and follow @sanyfw on social media as we will post there.
Are the courses required to participate in the fall SAFW runway shows?
Our team will be actively scouting models at these courses for our year-round opportunities, and especially our fall shows. For beginner models and aspiring models (who are not agency signed and do not have extensive freelance experience), the Level 1: Basic course is a pre-requisite for participating in opportunities with SAFW. The more courses you take, the more opportunities you have to interact with our team and be scouted.
Why is the Basic course required for aspiring, new, and emerging models?
We want all of our aspiring, new and emerging models to have the best chance at being selected by a designer to walk. Designers generally prefer to select models with extensive experience and understanding of the industry. The Basic course is designed to give designers confidence that all our models irrespective of experience, have the training they need to be successful.
How do you define “experienced freelance model”?
Great question! We expect experienced freelance models to have robust print portfolios, a strong modeling resume (including both print and runway experience), and industry references.
I am a content creator and have done some modeling-related work through content creation. Am I considered an experienced freelance model? Does SAFW have opportunities for me?
While we would not consider you an experienced freelance model, we do have so many opportunities for content creators throughout the year! We will have more information on all of the above at a later date. Follow @sanyfw on social media as we will post opportunities there. If you’re interested in modeling specific opportunities, we’d encourage you to sign up for our modeling academy courses. We would recommend starting with our Basic Course.
Will I find value in these courses if I don’t necessarily want to model at SAFW, but I do want to start modeling?
Yes! The Model Development Program is designed to help you learn everything you need to know to start any type of career you would like to have in the modeling world. Year-round modeling opportunities extend beyond SAFW runway shows and events.
If I am an aspiring model, am not agency signed or have extensive freelance experience, and I cannot make it to any model courses, does this mean I can’t model for SAFW in the upcoming year?
Unfortunately, yes. The Basic course is a pre-requisite for aspiring models. We will continue to add additional dates to accommodate the demand.
If I am an agency signed/experienced freelance model, but don’t live in NYC, is it still possible for me to model for SAFW opportunities throughout the year?
We’ll be releasing more information for agency signed and experienced models at a later date. Our NYC based opportunities would require you to be in town for the related dates.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to models@sanyfw.com.
