Fashion Fit Models New York

Interview With Fashion Fit Models New York Founders

Fit modeling is a very important aspect of the fashion industry. Designers, clothing manufacturers and suppliers rely on fit models at every stage of the process from pattern making and design to marketing.

ModelScouts.com spoke with Fashion Fit Models’ Founders Shanon Knight and Alina Locklear to find out more about their exciting new agency and the world of fit modeling. Both Shanon and Alina have extensive experience working as international models for fashion’s biggest names including Donna Karan, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein and many others, which now, as founders of their own New York model agency, provides them with a unique perspective of the industry from all angles.

Fashion Fit Models New York SHANON KNIGHT BIO – Shanon Knight started her modeling career when she was 20 years old with Ford Models. Across two decades, Shanon has worked for Michaael Kors, Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Badgley Mishka, Calvin Klein, Armani, and many more. Specializing in fit modeling, she has built terrific working relationships with industry insiders. Shanon’s focus on learning vital technical knowledge has helped her turn her passion into a fulfilling career that has taken her to many fashion capitals including Italy, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Shanon was inspired by her success as a fit model to found Fashion Fit Models and transform the industry she loved.

ALINA LOCKLEAR BIO – Alina Locklear began her modeling career as a print and runway model with Next Model Management at the age of sixteen. Her bookings have ranged from print work with magazines such as Glamour and Elle to the runways of Milan. Alina has traveled the world with the world’s top photographers and designers. You name it she’s done it! Her commitment and love for the fashion industry has led Alina to becoming one of the industry’s leading runway fit models working with clients such as Charles Nolan, Alexander Wang, and many more.

Fashion Fit Co-Founder and Fit Model Alina Locklear Models for
Tamara Mellon in Women’s Wear Daily

WHAT IS A FIT MODEL?

Fit models are models hired by designers and clothing manufacturers to try on garments so that fit and proportions are correct before the garments go into production. Every brand is cut and sized differently, therefore they will hire a model who best represents their target customer making sure it is flattering to their shape and size.

HOW MUCH CAN A FIT MODEL EARN?

Fit models can and do earn any where from $200 to $275 per hour depending on their level of fit modeling experience. Most fit models earn between $100,000.00 to $300,000.00 annually. The longer a fit model works in the industry the more clients they will cultivate, thus their income will increase.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF A FIT MODEL’S CAREER?

A fit model can have a career for 20 plus years. Unlike regular models, fit models can continue to work well past their twenties and earn a consistent salary.

WHO ARE SOME OF FASHION FIT’S CLIENTS?

Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, Armani, Donna Karan, Banana Republic, Express, Victoria’s Secret, Alexander Wang, Haute Hippie, Kenneth Cole, Lucky Brands, The Row, Holmes and Yang, J Crew, Thakoon, Gap, Veronica Beard, Tamara Mellon, Converse just to name a few.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FIT MODEL?

In addition to having target measurements and specifications, a fit model must have the ability to communicate well about the garments. A professional and friendly personality is ALWAYS a huge plus.

IN ADDITION TO FIT MODELS, DO YOU REPRESENT OTHER TYPES OF MODELS?

Representing the most beautiful models in the industry, we quite naturally provide showroom models for all of our clients as well. We also represent male fit models and plus fit models.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE MODELS SEEKING REPRESENTATION?

It’s okay if you are not a supermodel. If you have the measurements our clients are looking for and a nice personality there is potential for you to be a fit model and earn a super paycheck.