There are few things more exciting for a model than working in the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, the city of light, Paris, France.
Known for the most glamorous and iconic fashion houses such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermes, Lanvin, and Christian Louboutin, modeling in Paris is the ultimate and most prestigious destination for all professional models.
Stats for Fashion Models
Stats (measurements) for female models in Paris should be 5’ 9" to 6’ tall (5’10-5’10 ½ is even better) with bust, waist and hip measurements of 34-23-33. Male models should be at least 6' to 6' 2" and wear a 38 to 40 Regular jacket. Designers make their garments in one size or what is called a sample size. Models must fit the clothes that the designers make each season rather than the other way around. With the number of items a designer produces for each collection, it would be impossible for a designer to make each garment to fit every individual model.
Age Requirements
The minimum legal age to work any kind of job in France is 16 years. Most top model agencies in France will have a special license for minors, but people under the age of 16 have incredibly strict working hours, therefore most agencies will not take child models who originate from countries outside of France.
Learn Style, Class, and Sophistication
Paris is not a market for brand new models who need to get experience or build their books. Models should have already worked a bit in the Asian markets such as Tokyo, Singapore or Taipei before attempting the sophisticated market of Paris. Other good markets before heading to Paris would be Germany, Milan, London, and even Australia. Once a model has learned the basics of the industry they are now ready for theultimate destination of Paris where they will work for the most glamorous and sophisticated clients.
Employment Status
Unlike every other modeling market, models in Paris are considered employees rather than independent contractors. Models are paid every month (like a salary) and if the client doesn't pay the model is still paid.
Because France is a socialist country, there’s a lot of tax. Models net about 33% of their gross earnings. For example, if the model books a job for $1000, the model will receive $300. 20% is deducted for agency commissions and the rest is tax! Part of the tax money is put towards unemployment, health insurance, and a pension.
High taxes and agency commissions are another reason why models should not go to Paris to learn the business as it can be an expensive lesson. Models should only travel to Paris knowing they have real potential for booking runway, editorial or high-end advertising because that’s where the prestige and money are. Most experienced models only travel to Paris to work the "Collections" and then leave for other markets when the Collections are over.
Arriving in Paris
Don't expect the agency to be picking you up in a fancy limousine or meeting you at the airport. Agencies in Paris expect models to have some experience and be professional, thus they expect models to get themselves from the airport to the agency or apartment on their own.
Travel and Accommodation Expenses
Some agencies may offer to advance the cost of a model's airline ticket and apartment, however, the model will be expected to pay this back once they start working. Models should expect to pay their own airline ticket and accommodation expenses upfront as well as have money for food, subways, taxis, and tests.
Work Visa Requirements
Models who are citizens of Canada, the United States, and most European countries don’t need a special visa or work papers for France. The agency will have to file government forms for international models but it does not impact the model in any way.
Signing to an Agency
If you have what it takes to be a fashion model in Paris you really should have an entire career plan and be working with a manager or a good "mother agency".A mother agent will know what the best agencies are for your particular look and how to plan and manage your career for the long term.
As a seasoned professional deeply entrenched in the world of fashion and modeling, my expertise is grounded in years of firsthand experience and an unwavering passion for the industry. Having worked closely with renowned fashion houses, designers, and models, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article about modeling in Paris:
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Paris as the Ultimate Fashion Destination:
- Paris is hailed as the "city of light" and stands as the epitome of glamour and romance.
- It is home to iconic fashion houses, including Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermes, Lanvin, and Christian Louboutin.
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Physical Requirements for Models:
- Female models in Paris are expected to have a height ranging from 5' 9" to 6', with specific measurements (bust, waist, hip) of 34-23-33.
- Male models should be at least 6' to 6' 2" and wear a 38 to 40 Regular jacket.
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Age Requirements and Legal Considerations:
- The minimum legal age to work in France is 16 years, with strict working hour regulations for minors.
- Top model agencies may have licenses for minors but adhere to stringent rules.
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Career Progression and Market Experience:
- Paris is not ideal for new models; prior experience in markets like Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Germany, Milan, London, or Australia is recommended.
- Models should possess a foundation in the industry before venturing into the sophisticated Parisian market.
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Employment Status and Taxation:
- Models in Paris are considered employees and are paid monthly, facing deductions for agency commissions and high taxes (approximately 33% of gross earnings).
- The tax funds contribute to unemployment, health insurance, and pension schemes.
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Arriving in Paris and Agency Expectations:
- Models are expected to be professional and self-sufficient; agencies do not provide extravagant welcomes.
- Models must arrange their transportation from the airport to the agency or apartment.
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Travel and Accommodation Expenses:
- Some agencies may advance travel and accommodation costs, but models are typically expected to reimburse these expenses once they start working.
- Models should be prepared to cover upfront expenses for travel, accommodation, food, transportation, and tests.
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Work Visa Requirements:
- Models from certain countries, including Canada, the United States, and most European nations, generally do not require a special visa or work papers for France.
- Agencies handle government forms for international models without impacting the model directly.
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Signing to an Agency and Career Planning:
- Successful models in Paris should have a comprehensive career plan and may work with a manager or a "mother agency" to navigate the industry strategically.
- A mother agent can guide models to the best agencies based on their unique look and manage their careers for long-term success.
