Model Development & Professional Training
Rise Models is the model development and training division within the American Fashion Lab ecosystem. The program is structured to identify, refine, and prepare talent for professional runway and creative work through disciplined development and real-world production experience.
Models are evaluated for presence, potential, professionalism, and consistency. Participation in the program may lead to consideration for internal creative assignments based on readiness and performance over time. Rise Models is not a casting call and does not guarantee placement in any specific runway presentation or fashion week show.
There are no fees for model placement or participation. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and outreach is limited to candidates aligned with current development and production needs.
Our Approach
Discovery
We evaluate emerging talent for presence, potential, professionalism, and consistency. Each model’s readiness determines placement into training or production opportunities.
Development
Models receive movement refinement, posture coaching, pacing instruction, and one-on-one runway guidance. Sessions are tailored to strengthen discipline, confidence, and technique.
Experience
Models may also be selected for AFL creative campaigns, editorials, designer lookbooks, and other internal projects throughout the year based on performance and readiness.
Press & Recognition
Select models may be featured in internal creative assignments, AFL-produced editorials, and designer showcases. Recognition is based on performance and reliability.
Requirements
Models Must:
- Be 14+ with parental consent for minors
- Be unsigned or non-exclusive
- Must disclose current representation, if any
- Be available for rehearsals and coaching
- Have a public Instagram for review
- Maintain a professional online presence
- Must meet height standards: Women 5’7”+ and Men 6’0”+.
- Exhibit strong runway presence or clear potential
- Commit to a disciplined creative environment
- Be available for fittings, rehearsals, shoots, and production dates
- Be willing to travel for AFL productions when invited
- No previous experience required.