MODELS APPLY HERE!
MODEL FAQ
Charleston Fashion Week®, the Events 2024 model applications open on Monday, July 1, 2024. Get ready!
Online applications due by 5PM on Monday, August 5, 2024, to guarantee an audition. For the latest on this and the CFW Events, sign-up for updates below.
Models who missed the online model application deadline apply in-person on Friday, August 18 or Saturday, August 19 by 10:00am.
Casting Location: Cambria Hotel, 84 Ripley Point Charleston, South Carolina.
Read the Model Q+A for More Casting Details:
MODEL CASTINGS
Q: HOW DO I APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE LEXUS CHARLESTON FASHION WEEK® (CFW) MODEL SEARCH?
A: The online model casting application is closed. Attend an open casting to audition for the CFW model search.
Q: WHERE AND WHEN IS THE CFW OPEN CASTING?
A: CFW auditions will take place at Cambria Riverview Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19, 2022.
Q: WHAT TIME IS REGISTRATION FOR AN AUDITION?
A: On both Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19, 2023, models must register for open casting by 10:00 a.m. to been seen. A casting will not be guaranteed otherwise.
Q: IS THERE PARKING AT THE CASTING VENUE AND IS THERE A COST?
A: There is free parking at the Cambria Hotel. However, if the lot is full models may park for free in the gravel lot on the right down Ripley Point Drive, near the marina. Parking is NOT permitted on the street in front of the hotel.
Q: IS THERE A COST TO AUDITION?
A: There is a $25 fee to audition. Only credit or debit card payments will be excepted. No cash or check. The application fee is nonrefundable. Each model will receive a CFW t-shirt at the casting. Additionally, those selected for the CFW model book will have a professional headshot and full-body photo taken and receive training from an experienced coach.
Q: DOES CFW REIMBURSE MODELS FOR TRAVEL OR OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CASTING AND/OR MODELING AT CFW?
A: Models are responsible for all costs associated with casting and modeling at CFW. No reimbursements will be paid.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN ARRIVING TO THE MODEL CASTINGS?
A: Upon arrival, open casting models will complete a quick application and register with a CFW model liaison. Those models who applied for a casting online will simply register at the time CFW designates.
IMPORTANT: Any model under the age of 18 is required to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign a waiver to participate. There are no exceptions.
Q: IF I APPLIED ONLINE, WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY REGISTRATION TIME TO CAST?
A: Models who applied online to cast will receive an email from the CFW model team with the exact time to register the week of the casting. Emails will come from CFWModelTeam@gmail.com.
Q: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS MUST A MODEL POSSESS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE MODEL SEARCH?
A: A good attitude, professionalism and listening are impetrative.
Q: IS THERE A HEIGHT REQUIREMENT OR OTHER?
A: There is a height requirement of 5’6” and taller. All genders/non-genders, ages, ethnicities, and sizes will be seen.
Q: WHAT IS THE ATTIRE FOR CASTINGS, FITTINGS AND REHEARSALS?
A: All models are required to be groomed and look presentable. Those models selected for the CFW model book at the casting will be photographed. A clean, fresh face is preferred–natural looking makeup is OK. Attire as outlined below. Models who are not prepared for this prior to registration will not be able to continue with the audition process. No exceptions will be made.
FEMALE MODELS: Female models must wear a fitted plain* black t-shirt or tank top with black legging or black shorts and bring high heels a minimum of three inches in height (NO WEDGES). Women will not be seen without heels and layers of clothing will not be allowed in the audition room. In addition, female models are required to pull long hair back in a ponytail, or headband for short hair, off the face for the audition and for photos if selected at the casting for the CFW model book. You will also be asked to have your hair down for photography for both looks. or headband for short hair, for audition and photography. Bring a brush and hair tie or band.
MALE MODELS: Male models must wear a fitted plain black t-shirt or tank top with black jeans or black shorts, and dress shoes. There are no exceptions. In addition, male models with long hair are required to pull long hair back in a ponytail or headband for short hair, off the face for the audition and for model book photos if selected at the casting. You will also be asked to have your hair down for photography for both looks. Bring a brush and hair tie or band.
TRANSGENDER / NON-BIANARY / NON-CONFORMING: Use the above information and dress / prepare accordingly. All black attire is required.
Q: WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTIONS AS A CFW MODEL?
A: At a minimum, CFW models are expected to be prepared. courteous, professional, on time, well mannered, respectful and have good communication. To review the full CFW Model Code of Conduct outline, click HERE.
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A CFW CASTING?
A: Practice your walk, posture, poise, and interview skills! We received more than 500 applications and approximately 200 models will initially cast. Preparation is the key to success!
Q: IF SELECTED FOR THE CFW MODEL BOOK, WHEN/HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
A: Models will be notified immediately following their audition. Once selected those models will be measured by CFW for current body specifications including height (without shoes), arm length, inseam, chest, waist and hips. A professional full-body image and headshot will be taken as well.
Q: IF SELECTED FOR THE CFW MODEL BOOK, IS IT GUARANTEED I WILL WALK IN A RUNWAY SHOW, BE SELECTED FOR A PRESENTATION OR FASHION SHOWCASE?
A. No. CFW participants, boutiques and designers make the final decision in coordination with the CFW production team and schedule.
MODEL REHEARSALS + FITTINGS
TIP: Models encouraged to save the following dates in preparation for participation and modeling.
Q: IF SELECTED FOR THE CFW MODEL BOOK, WHEN AND WHERE ARE REHEARSALS?
A: Your first model rehearsal will take place the day of your casting at Cambria Hotel. The CFW model team will inform you of the exact time that day. Models MUST attend their assigned rehearsal to continue in the process or will be removed from the CFW model book.
Q: WHEN AND WHERE WILL MODEL FITTINGS TAKE PLACE?
A: Models selected by a participant, boutique or designer for a fitting, will be notified by the CFW model team via email by Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Most model fittings will take place between Monday, September 18 and Sunday, September 24, 2023. Each will be held at varied times on varied dates at varied locations. Additionally, select model fittings will be hosted the week of CFW. Exact date, time and location to be shared via email if a model is selected.
Q: IF SELECTED FOR A FITTING, DOES THAT GUARANTEED I WILL WALK IN A RUNWAY SHOW, FOR A PRESENTATION OR FASHION SHOWCASE?
A. No. CFW participants, boutiques and designers make the final decision in coordination with the CFW production team and schedule.
Q: WHEN WILL MODELS BE NOTIFIED IF SELECTED TO WALK IN A RUNWAY SHOW, FOR A PRESENTATION OR FASHION SHOWCASE?
A: Models selected by a participant, boutique or designer for a runway show, presentation or fashion showcase will be notified by the CFW model team via email by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Q: IS THERE ANOTHER MODEL REHEARSAL MODELS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND?
A: Only models selected by a participant, boutique or designer for a runway show, presentation or fashion showcase are permitted and required to attend another rehearsal on either Friday, October 13 or Saturday, October 14. Models will be notified with exact date, time and location by the CFW model team via email by Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Q: IF SELECTED FOR A RUNWAY SHOW, PRESENTATION OR FASION SHOWCASE, WILL I BE COMPENSATED AND OR REIMBURSED OF ANY EXPENSES ASSOICATED WITH PARTICIPATING?
A: There is no compensation for models participating. Models are also responsible for all costs associated with castings, rehearsals, fittings, and the week of the event including any transportation to/from Charleston, meals, lodging, and or parking fees.
Models gain training from an expert coach, exposure to professional photographers and mixed media as well as global model scouts and agencies.
THE EVENTS + MORE
Q: WHEN AND WHERE DO THE LEXUS CHARLESTON FASHION WEEK® EVENTS TAKE PLACE?
A: The CFW events take place on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14 at Festival Hall, downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND CFW 2023?
A: More than a thousand people will attend the events including buyers, storeowners, model scouts and agents, photographers and fashion industry professionals, media and more.
Q: DO MODELS RECEIVE A TICKET TO THE CFW 2023 EVENTS?
A: Only models selected by a participant, boutique or designer for a runway show, presentation or fashion showcase will be granted access to the 2023 CFW events. Access does not include a ticket or seat to the shows. Instead, models will receive an official CFW wrist band to the event after model responsibilities are met and a model has checked out with the CFW model team. Tickets are available for purchase now on the CFW website.
Q: IF I DO NOT WANT ACCESS TO THE EVENT AFTER MY MODELING OBLIGATIONS ARE MET, MAY I LEAVE THE CFW EVENT?
A: Models are permitted to exit the venue once all responsibilities are met, and a model has checked out with the CFW model team.
Q: WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE PAST MODELS HAD POST CFW?
A: Several CFW models have signed with the country’s top agencies, modeled for national and international campaigns and fashion designers, and successfully competed on television shows like America’s Next Top Model. Here are few success stories:
Allison Millar, having begun her modeling career at Charleston Fashion Week®, went on to model in New York and Miami, and then sign with Crystal/Slides Models Paris, PRM London, and Wonderwall Milan after graduating high school. Millar has since graced the runways of Milan and Paris Couture Week for years. She has also modeled for Maybelline and international designers including Kittima Milano and Vogue, Tony Ward Couture, and luxury brand Julianna Bass. Millar was the face for numerous Couples campaigns too.
Christina Zapolski is an all-American model best known for her work in Fitness, Southern Living, Glamour Mexico, and Self magazine, among others. Following her time at CFW she signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York and Los Angeles, and has shot campaigns for St. Regis Resort, Kate McDonald Bridal, and Fila Tennis. Christina has also worked with top fashion houses including Chloe, Max Mara, Chanel, and national retailers Target, Bloomingdales, Macy's, and Kleinfeld Bridal, to name a few.
Ryan Bogdan signed with Wilhelmina Miami. Immediately following CFW, he moved to Miami to develop his portfolio, and has since auditioned for upcoming campaigns including both Nike and Sears.
Sarah Louise Rhodes signed with Wilhelmina Miami too after modeling with CFW for several years. She also signed with Directions USA, Wilhelmina Chicago, and Vision LA. Sarah Louise has worked all over the country in Chicago, Los Angeles and the Carolinas with companies including Belk, Sears, Kate McDonald Bridal, and LulaKate.
Samuel Roberts, relocated to New York City to pursue modeling full time. After signing with Fusion Models NYC he was placed with I LOVE Models Management in Milan, walking the runway for Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Paul Smith, and Wooyoungmi during Fashion Weeks in Milan, Paris, and New York.
For questions not asked or answered above, email the CFW model team at CFWModelTeam@gmail.com. You should receive a response within 72 hours if sent Monday through Friday and as time permits. Inquires in October may require additional time due to time constraints and production schedules.
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