Expert: Kitty Kavey - 8/7/2007

Question
I am 17 and I am 5.11 but still growing as i was about 5.7 last year. I am slim but have been working out a bit lately. I also play football in london so I keep fit.
But anyway I just want to know like what are the main qualities needed for modelling, what is the best way to get in to that industry also I live in london so are they any differences you would say in regard so getting involved although I do come to america a little bit.

Answer
For fashion modeling, there are height, size and age restrictions set by the individual agencies.  Generally, they are 5'8 to 5'9 minimum height for females, 6'-6'2 for males, a size 4-6 American females, 40 American suit males, and age 17-22 for new faces.  Of course, being photogenic is the number one requirement, assuming you fit the agency's height/size/ages.  There are many of the top agencies in London, and you can also use the top US agency list: http://models.com/rankings
has the top ten fashion modeling agencies here for women and men.  You can use your favorite search engine to locate the agency's website.  Nearly all of them have a website, and many give specific instructions for new faces, as well as their criteria for models.  I don't believe it's all that different in NYC than London, but again, if you check the agencies you are interested in on the Internet, they usually say what their criteria is, and whether they offer open calls, or prefer mailed in submissions, or will accept photos for consideration over the Net.  
Good luck to you,
~Kitty