When it comes to modeling agencies, IMG Models stands out as one of the most successful in the industry. Since it began in 1987, the modeling agency has launched the careers of some of the world’s most recognizable models.
LÜK is passionate about connecting the best producers with the best models (we’ve completely revamped and revitalized the casting and booking process) and that includes knowing all about the best modeling agencies in the business.
Let’s get started with this review of IMG Models and why they’re one of the most respected in the business.
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Who Founded IMG Models?
IMG Models is a branch of IMG, or International Management Group. McCormick founded IMG in 1960 with the goal of seeing more athletes appear on television and receiving prominent endorsements.
McCormick believed that models could be managed the same way as professional athletes, actors, and other entertainers. Their personality could be used to build strong personal brands–beyond magazine pages and fashion shows. However, it wasn’t until Ivan Bart became the creative director in 1994 that IMG Models took off.
Ivan Bart began incorporating more inclusivity and had passion for more progressive movements. Bart was credited with pioneering the use of unique faces and bodies in fashion shows, catalogs, editorials, and more. Supermodels Tyra Bank, Joan Smalls, Gisele Bündchen, and others got their start working with Bart as he helped foster their careers to magazine covers and runways. Bart served as president of IMG Models for ten years and retired from the position in early 2023.
McCormick continued to focus on sports marketing for athletes and would go on to revolutionize advertising for athletes. Athletes can now take on movie roles, endorse brands, model for fashion brands and magazines because of his efforts. Some notable famous athletes that McCormick represented are Arnold Palmers, Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods, and Monica Seles.
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IMG Models Review
IMG Models is an industry leader in talent discovery and model management, pushing boundaries with their clients and expanding opportunities for their talent. With a management team that’s been together for almost 30 years, IMG stands out from the rest as a stable and reliable source of support.
IMG does not discriminate based on race, age, or size and has even created the Model Prep program to promote the advocate for the health and safety of young models. They are also working on a more comprehensive, year-round program to help further this goal.
It also reopened their Men’s department, which was shut down in 2007.
Notable IMG Models
Some of the most recognized faces from IMG Models are:
- Tyra Banks
- Karlie Kloss
- Lily Aldridge
- Niki Taylor
- Gisele Bündchen
- Kate Moss
- Carolyn Murphy
- Alessandra Ambrosio
- Ashley Graham
- Lameka Fox
- Chanel Iman
- Thylane Blondeau
- Gigi Hadid
- Bella Hadid
IMG Model Locations
New York
IMG Models New York represents some of the most prominent faces, talent, and supermodels in fashion today like Heidi Klum, Liya Kebede, Shalom Harlow, Jordan Dunn, Ciara, and Maddie Ziegler.
IMG New York has also provided talent for editorial shoots with Vogue, Elle Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Pepsi Commercials, and more. They are also the official organizer and operator for New York Fashion Week, held in February and September every year.
Los Angeles
Famous faces that are signed to IMG Models Los Angeles include household names like Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr, Jessica Stam, and Joan Smalls. Along with talent Wisdom Kaye, Natalia Bryant, and Hari Nef.
IMG Model Los Angeles has collaborated with InStyle, WSJ, The September Issues, Pop, and Perfect Magazine.
Paris
IMG Models Paris is known to represent Simon Nessman, Alton Masson, Soo Joo Park, Ahmed Richards, Fabio Rosario, Thylane Blondeau, and more. IMG Models Paris regularly work with Vogue Paris and Elle for editorials, and their models have been prominent figures on the Paris Fashion Week runways for years.
London
IMG Models London boasts talent and models Amanda Wellsh, Bambi, Chanel Iman, Camila Monroe, Claire Collins, Gemma Ward, and Charlee Fraser. And the London-based office has worked with famous publications including Document Magazine, Muse, Love Want, Porter Edit, Imprint, and GQ.
Milan
Their Milan location features top models Elizabeth Lake, Ellie Thumann, Emily Didonato, Hannah Ferguson, Lily Nova, Ben Corbett, and Amergio Valenti. IMG Milan has talent that walk for the Milan Fashion Week, and regularly works with Vogue Italia, Dust, Esquire, Antidote, Amica, and more.
IMG has recently opened their own Men’s division in 2018, signing over 100 male models.
Sydney
IMG Models Sydney is home for models and talent Albert Reed, Aleksander Rusic, Chad Hurts, Bom Chan Lee, Gabriel-Kane Day-Lewis, Abby Bush, Anissa, Grace Monfries, Noel Berry and Nicole Trunfio. Their talent has worked with Giorgio Armani, Numero, Re-edition, Favorite, Dior, Madame Figaro, Vogue Brides, and InStyle.
