TOP MODEL FAQ

#1 HOW DO I APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2025 TOP MODEL COMPETITION FOR GREENVILLE FASHION WEEK® (GFW)?

There are three easy steps to apply. Please see all requirements (#4) to ensure that you meet all requirements before submitting your application.

1. Complete the nonrefundable online application. 2. Upload headshot and full body image within application. 3. Pay the $50 nonrefundable application processing fee.

*Please note that your application will not be reviewed until the online payment is completed.

#2 WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING MODEL APPLICATIONS?

Entries must be received no later than 8 p.m. (EST) on March 22, 2025 in order to secure an audition time. Top Model Auditions will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 – call time to be determined by GFW. Audition times will be sent via email on March 24, 2025. There will be a MANDATORY Orientation Meeting for the 12 selected Top Model Finalists on Sunday, March 30th at 5PM.

#3 WHAT IF I MISS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY? AM I STILL ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND AUDITIONS?

To secure an audition, models MUST submit an online application by the deadline outlined above. Video submissions will NOT be accepted. Top Model applicants must meet the age requirement (16-24) as of April 1, 2025 and height requirements of 5'7"+, pay a $50 application-processing fee, and complete the official GFW Top Model Application, including model measurements.

#4 WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST A MODEL POSSESS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR TOP MODEL?

Female Models Only
Age 16-24 as of April 1, 2025
Must be 5'7" or taller
Live within a three hour radius of Greenville, SC
Must not be competing for or representing any other Regional Fashion Week
No braces, visible facial piercings or visible tattoos

*All tattoos MUST be covered at all times during GFW events and facial piercings removed. Please note that models are responsible for covering their own tattoos.

Eligible applicants who are under 18 years old must have parent or legal guardian’s permission to apply, and must be at the audition to sign a waiver or model will not be permitted to audition.

NOTE: *Height will be checked at registration. The application fee is nonrefundable.

#5 IF SELECTED AS A GFW TOP MODEL FINALIST, WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

There will be a Top Model Orientation on Sunday, March 30th at 5PM. Competition details and outline will be reviewed during this time. Top Model Finalists will also be required for the following dates:

Spring Fashion Fest + Top Model Interviews/Filming: May 17, 2025

Model Training Day + Top Model Filming: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Fittings – TBD between July 20-29, 2025

Rehearsal: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Greenville's Most Fashionable Party: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Runway Shows: August 1 and 2, 2025

Should you win the title of Top Model 2025, you will be required for various appearances including boutique/sponsor visits, appearances, photoshoots, etc. This can vary between 3-7 days a month. You will also be required to post on social media as outlined in your contract.

#6 IF SELECTED AS A FINALIST, WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF COMPETITION THAT ARE SCORED?

Model Test Shoot

Social Media

Style

Interview

Runway

Portfolio

*These phases apply ONLY to the 12 Top Model Finalists. Preliminary auditions will follow the standard Model Auditions format, consisting solely of walking for the judges.

#7 HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS?

All models are required to bring a 5x7 color headshot and 5x7 full body shot to the auditions along with a 5x7 swimsuit photo should you elect to audition for swim. Practice your walk, poses, and presentation! To further prepare, you may also attend one of our audition workshops.

#8 IF I AM SELECTED FOR AN AUDITION, WHEN/HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?

All applicants will receive an email notification on March 24, 2025, with their audition details for March 29, 2025. The email will include the audition time, location, and assigned registration time. Audition times, determined solely by Greenville Fashion Week, will take place between 10 AM and 5 PM and will be organized according to GFW Production.

*All communication from GFW is conducted via email. Please ensure the email address provided in your application is correct, as failure to do so will result in not receiving important information from GFW.

#9 WHAT DO I WEAR TO AUDITIONS?

Female Models must wear all black fitted clothing. Ankles must be visible. (Black Leggings, 4" or taller black heels- no wedges, solid tank or t-shirt- please have a black undergarment under your shirt.) Natural makeup, no jewelry, and hair pulled back away from face.

If you are auditioning for swimsuit, please have a black solid swimsuit under your leggings. You will have your headshot taken in your all black outfit and then will audition for the judges in your swimsuit.

#10 HOW MANY TIMES WILL I WALK IF I AM SELECTED?

Greenville Fashion Week only guarantees that each selected model will walk once throughout the duration of the week. While some models may be selected for more than one designer/ boutique, please note that it is possible that you may only be selected to walk once.

Top Model Finalists will open the show each night along with walking in their competition wardrobe and will be selected to model for additional designers and boutiques as well.

#11 WHERE WILL THE GFW MODEL TRAINING DAY, FITTINGS AND REHEARSALS BE HELD? WHAT DATES AND WHAT TIMES?

All events will take place in Greenville, South Carolina. Exact location and time will be sent to models via e-mail at a later date. Time-blocks are assigned by and at the sole discretion of GFW. Mark your calendar NOW for the following:

Model Training Day: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Fittings – TBD between July 20-29, 2025

Emerging Designer Fittings: May 18, June 29, July 27 (optional and only if selected to model for ED)

Rehearsal: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Runway Shows: August 1 and 2, 2025

#12 WHAT IS THE MODEL SELECTION PROCESS?

Models are presented to Emerging Designers and Featured Designers, boutiques, and sponsors for initial selection. Final selections are at the sole discretion of GFW and based on production and overall event need. Here are more details for each:

If selected, models are required to attend fitting(s) for featured designers, boutiques or sponsors. Day/time is at the sole discretion of GFW. Models cast for more than one show and/or event are required to attend each go-see and/or fitting. Final fittings will take place as needed and are managed by GFW pending the overall production/event schedule.

TIP: Mark your calendar in advance with the dates above (#10) to ensure you are available. GFW, designers, boutiques and/or sponsors will NOT work around your schedule.

#13 HOW ARE TOP MODEL FINALISTS SELECTED TO COMPETE IN THE 2024 ROCK THAT RUNWAY MODEL COMPETITION?

Selection for Rock THAT Runway Model Competition is based on industry criteria by a model panel of experts. Models must be 5'7" or taller between the ages of 16 and 24. Twelve Top Models will be selected to compete for the coveted title of 2025 GFW Top Model.

#14 WHAT DOES THE 2025 GFW TOP MODEL RECEIVE?

The Winner will be selected by a panel of expert judges after competing on the runway Friday, August 1, 2025 and announced at Saturday’s show on August 2, 2025.

Prize package valued at over $5,000 includes:

Photo-shoots with GFW Photographers to build portfolio

Mentoring opportunity with industry leader and modeling professional

Will be the official GFW Brand Ambassador for 2025

GFW Merchandise

Gift Basket

Assistance signing with a major agency

Trip to NYC or comparable major city

NOTE: *Additional prizes may be announced at a later date.

#15 ARE MODELS WHO ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN GREENVILLE FASHION WEEK COMPENSATED?

Models will attend a training workshop with industry professionals. Models will also be recognized in the 2025 Greenville Fashion Week program book and given access to online photo gallery from event for portfolio- no other compensation.

#16 ARE THERE ANY FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AS A TOP MODEL?

GFW requires a $50 Top Model processing fee to apply. All models are responsible for any costs associated with auditions, rehearsals, go-sees, fittings, and the event week, including transportation to/from Greenville, meals, lodging, and parking fees.

Top Model Finalists must also provide their own Opening Number and Black Top Model Competition looks. Additionally, the 12 Finalists are required to submit a modeling portfolio as part of the competition phase. Photoshoots and wardrobe for this are at the model's expense.

Further details will be covered at the mandatory Top Model Orientation on March 30, 2025, at 5 PM.

#17 IF SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT, PHOTOSHOOT, OR RUNWAY SHOW, WILL TRAVEL TO/FROM GREENVILLE AND ACCOMMODATIONS BE COVERED?

All models are responsible for travel to/from Greenville and lodging the week of GFW. Visit the GFW website for hotel partners and our host hotel, who may offer a preferred rate.

#18 WILL I RECEIVE A TICKET TO THE EVENT AS A GFW MODEL?

Models or parents do not receive a ticket to GFW.

#19 ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES FOR BEING A TOP MODEL AT GREENVILLE FASHION WEEK?

All models chosen to participate in the 2025 Greenville Fashion Week runway shows, special events, or photo shoots will receive valuable exposure to local and national fashion industry leaders, stylists, and media. Additionally, they will be featured in the 2025 Greenville Fashion Week Top Model Video and GFW program along with additional promotional opportunities as a Top Model Finalist.

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