Spanish fast-fashion retail behemoth Zara is known for its everyday elegance and understated chic. The brand’s style resonates with British buyers so much that it was named the UK’s most prominent clothing brand in 2023.
Zara has historically avoided advertising, but in the past few years the retailer has invested heavily in creating a high-fashion image, paying its models as much as €50,000 a day.
If you’re wondering how you might get that kind of payday (while wearing one of fast fashion’s most desirable brands), here’s the lowdown on what Zara looks for in its models and tips for getting on the brand’s radar.
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Unfortunately there isn’t a Zara model application. The best way to become a Zara model is to start modelling professionally.
To model for brands like Zara, you usually need to be signed to a modelling agency. Multinational companies such as Zara often hire casting directors who work with established model agencies rather than independent models, so it’s worth getting agency representation to give you a better chance at a Zara model casting. London agencies that have Zara models on their books include Evolve, IMG, and Elite.
With over a third of Zara’s products lasting less than 90 days on the shelf, however, there’s always a need for new e-commerce shoots. That means not all Zara modelling jobs will go through hard-to-pin-down casting directors. Whether you’ve got agency representation or not, always check open casting calls in case a Zara model casting appears.
Another potential route is to become a Zara ambassador. Zara collaborates with “inspiring social creators” who share its love of fashion and lifestyle. As an ambassador, you can share Zara products with your social community and earn a commission on sales generated through your links.
It’s not a guarantee that you’ll become a Zara model this way, but it gives you a line of communication to Zara HQ and puts you on the inside track of its new lines and limited-edition runs.
The Zara model personality is “successful, global, and enviable.” Chairwoman Marta Ortega Pérez’s leadership has recently focused on making Zara modelling feel closer to high-fashion luxury than fast-fashion threads. Think Fashion Week front-row chic, but actually achievable.
Plus, the brand has many limited-edition runs and partnerships that require different looks, from nostalgic graphic tees to cinematic fashion films. There is also Zara Atelier, the brand’s answer to haute-couture.
Credit: valerii eidlin/Shutterstock
Zara has a great track record in model diversity, showcasing different ethnicities, genders, and ages. In recent campaigns, it has collaborated with mature model Angela and trans activist Colin Jones. Further names on its books include Chinese model Chu Wong, Sudanese model Ajus Samuel, Pakistani model Noor Khan, and American model Amelia Gray.
1. Make Zara your specialist subject. Explore the brand’s website, socials, and products thoroughly. Watch its recent campaign films and research Zara modelling lookbooks. Understand the brand’s business, look, and essence.
2. Study the brand’s leading figures. Beyond its chairwoman, Pérez, research people who work for the head office, such as designers and creative directors. Think also about who they collaborate with, such as casting directors, fashion photographers, stylists, and, of course, fellow Zara models.
3. Nurture a passion for fashion. Zara clothing follows trends straight off the runway. If you want to model for the brand, you’ll need to know where the inspiration comes from and understand the design choices.
4. Curate a portfolio. Collaborate on TFP shoots with photographers, stylists, and makeup artists who love the Zara look. If you’re signed with a modelling agency already, tell them your goal and they’ll help you build a Zara modelling portfolio that’s as strong as possible.
5. Make use of social media. Using your photos, you can create a bespoke public profile that showcases you as a potential Zara model. After all, you don’t need to be modelling for the brand in an official capacity to post photos of you wearing its clothing or taken in the style of its shoots. The platform can also help you connect with (or at least follow) the people you’ve researched.
6. Apply to an established modelling agency. Find agencies that have worked with Zara and the other brands owned by Zara’s parent company, Inditex, including Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, and Bershka. UK-based agencies that have Zara models on their books include Evolve, IMG, and Elite.
7. Attend a Zara model casting. The best way to get a job with Zara? Impressing at a Zara model casting. Make sure you always check model job boards for potential open castings, and, if you’re represented by an agency, let them know who your dream client is. If you are invited to a Zara model casting, make sure you go prepared. Find out as much as you can about who you’re meeting and the job in question so you can present yourself as a good fit.
