The Top 7 London Modelling Agencies for Aspiring Models

Storm is probably most famous for being the London agency that first discovered Kate Moss in 1988. Her iconic Calvin Klein campaign with Mark Wahlberg propelled her to top model status, and she’s since worked with every big name in fashion in her decades-long career.

Other well-known signings have been Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevingne (who has since moved into acting). More recent stars include Alek Wek, Liu Wen, and Cindy Bruna.

Sign with Storm and you’ll have all the ingredients for success: industry experts, bookers who care, and top models to learn from.

To apply, use the form on the official website or tag its official model scout Instagram account @stormscouts.

While Storm is undoubtedly one of the best model agencies in London, IMG has the clout when it comes to the global market. With a foothold in every major city and owned by William Morris Endeavor (WME), models on IMG’s books are connected to the world of fashion, entertainment, and media.

Three of the biggest models in the world are on its books: Gigi Hadid, whose most recent campaigns have been for Isabel Marant, Miu Miu, and Givenchy; her younger sister, Bella Hadid, whose recent campaigns include Swarovski, Michael Kors, Dior, and Balenciaga; and Hailey Bieber, who has recently been the face of FILA, Levi’s, and Versace.

IMG is invested in its models’ development and provides ongoing support on how best to grow their careers. For example, it helps its models flourish on social media.

For the chance of getting scouted, tag its digital scouting platform, @weloveyourgenes, on Instagram.

Models1 is another of London’s top modelling agencies—and you just need to look at the prominent names it has nurtured to see why. It was responsible for scouting renowned models Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek (now with Storm). Still on its books are fashion-world legends Twiggy, Yasmin Le Bon, and Linda Evangelista.

Its top-performing models are some of the best-known names in fashion, such as Irina Shayk, who was the face of Marc Jacobs alongside Kendall Jenner.

There’s no doubt that Models1 has the contacts to give you a decent shot at stardom. You can apply through the official website or tag @models1scout on Instagram with #M1NewFaces.

A classic London model agency, Select’s ethos changed the way modelling agencies worked. Back in 1977, it pioneered scouting—getting out on the streets to find natural, unique talent. 

Although its roster is full of big names, it’s best known for David Gandy, Devon Aoki, and Agyness Deyn. 

Gandy became famous as the face of the 2007 Light Blue Dolce & Gabbana fragrance campaign, which was photographed by industry legend Mario Testino.

Aoki came to prominence on high-end catwalks and campaigns throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, replacing Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace at the age of 16.

Deyn was the queen of the late ’00s indie scene, appearing in a 2008 Burberry ad featuring a wealth of budding British talent, including actor Eddie Redmayne and model Lily Donaldson.

Select dominates the men's market in the UK, so naturally its bookers have an eye for great male talent. It’s looking for newcomers with a natural, unique look who are ready to be set up for success. To apply, visit the official website.

Compared to the heritage London model agencies, Elite is a bit of a new kid on the block. It opened its doors in 2008, although the original agency began in Paris in the 1970s. It has offices in all the major European cities as well as New York. 

Its top models today include Adut Akech and Vittoria Ceretti. The most famous face it represents is none other than Kendall Jenner, who has recently appeared in campaigns for Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, and Jimmy Choo. 

Elite is looking for confident talent whose ambition is as strong as their look. It wants models who can keep up with the hectic pace of fashion weeks and global travel. Ready to take on the challenge? You can apply through the official website or by entering its global modelling contest Elite Model Look.

Premier has been a major player in the London model agency scene for several decades. It became a household name after the Channel 4 documentary series The Model Agency, which gave unprecedented access to the enigmatic world of modelling.

Agency director Carole White is a strong advocate of racial equality in the fashion world. It’s an agency where personality and individuality are encouraged to shine.

Its biggest name of the moment is Lexi Boling, who has been the face of Prada, Coach, and Jil Sander. You can apply through the official website.

MiLK was set up in 2010 by former model Anna Shillinglaw as the first model agency in London to represent plus-size models (which in the UK includes anyone over a size 10!). It has helped the industry change—most agencies now have curve models on their books.

Today, it’s best known for representing Jill Kortleve, who was the first curve model to walk for Chanel in over a decade. She has also shot campaigns for H&M, Alexander McQueen, and Victoria’s Secret. 

Apply via the form on MiLK’s official website.