How to Start a Fashion Agency
A fashion agency provides that essential bridge between models and gigs. Many agencies also link fashion designers and retail outlets. If the world of haute couture, elegant models and captivating photographs is one that interests you, starting a fashion agency may be the perfect career line. However, few develop this business without first gaining a thorough understanding of the industry. Starting a fashion agency can be achieved in a number of ways.
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Instructions
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Begin as an agent for an established fashion agency. Debbie Hartsog explains in her book, "Creative Careers in Fashion" that many agents begin as receptionists working for a giant agency prior to starting their own. Use the job to establish contacts and develop a client base of models, fashion designers and photographers. Gain as much feedback and advice from a mentor during this time.
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Attend fashion events and scout talent. If signing high-end, well-known models or other creative individuals is too cost-prohibitive, scout young, less expensive talent by attending fashion shows and events. Though you should tout and heavily market your most recognized and popular clients, take risks on new talent.
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Make industry contacts. Take the business card of every professional you meet at the events. Look at their portfolio, connections and reputation in the industry. Network with these individuals: Schedule dinners together, attend the same parties and share invitations to fashion events. Use their insight to assess the competition: Determine their weaknesses, such as models having dissatisfaction with contractual agreements. Capitalize on this vulnerability by offering better terms.
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Develop a niche and culture for your agency. Determine if your agency will foster avant-garde, off-beat talent or if your agency will work with teens for commercial ventures such as toothpaste ads. Narrowing your scope will increase the likelihood of gaining recognition and becoming a respected expert in the field. Use the image of this niche for promotional and marketing purposes.
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Advertise your services to prospective clients. Because fashion is creative in nature, splurge on developing a high-end web site. Showcase the professional headshots of the models you represent. Specify the statistics related to the client. For models, this includes height, measurement and shoe size. For designers, this includes a bio of their brand and description of the style.
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Tips & Warnings
Hire an attorney to draft standard industry contracts between your organization and the clients you represent.
Ensure the models are willing to sign a non-compete clause. Joanne Entwistle explains in her book, "The Aesthetic Economy of Fashion" that many models have a difficult time sticking to one niche. She suggests protecting the image of your agency and other designers: Make it clear to models that they cannot deviate from the type of industry supported by the agency.
Do not charge models or designers for your services. Individuals will perceive your business as a scam and consequently, you will develop a poor reputation in the fashion industry.
Do not gain a reputation for "stealing" clients, either. Though maintaining an amicable relationship with competing agencies is not always possible, try gaining clients in an aboveboard, transparent manner.
