How Modeling Overseas Differs from Australia: Market Size & Opportunities and Competition Levels:

The modeling industry is global, but the experience of modeling can vary significantly depending on where you’re working. While Australia has a vibrant and growing fashion scene, modeling overseas—whether in cities like New York, Paris, Milan, or London—offers a different set of opportunities, challenges, and expectations. For Australian models considering working abroad, it’s important to understand these differences, as the dynamics in international markets can shape a model's career trajectory in unique ways.

Here’s a comparison of the key differences between modeling in Australia and abroad:

Market Size and Opportunities:

Australia:

• Smaller Market: The Australian fashion industry, while diverse and rapidly evolving, is relatively smaller compared to global fashion hubs. There are fewer runway shows, campaigns, and high-profile international designers headquartered locally. While brands like Zimmermann, Sass & Bide, and Aje are internationally recognized, the opportunities available to models are fewer in number.

• Local Industry: Most of the modeling work in Australia tends to revolve around local designers, retailers, and campaigns for major department stores like David Jones and Myer, as well as the Australian Fashion Week. Models also work frequently in commercial advertising and lifestyle campaigns.

Overseas:

• Global Fashion Capitals: Cities like New York, Paris, London, Milan, and Tokyo offer massive opportunities for models, especially in high fashion. These markets are the epicenter of global fashion, with numerous runway shows, photoshoots, and advertising campaigns that attract international models.

• More Opportunities for High Fashion: Overseas, particularly in major fashion capitals, there is a greater concentration of top-tier designers, editorial shoots, and prestigious runway shows (e.g., Victoria’s Secret, Balmain, Louis Vuitton). This opens up more chances for models to work with famous photographers, designers, and brands.

Competition Level

Australia:

• Less Saturation: While competition in Australia is still fierce, the market is smaller, so the pool of models vying for the same opportunities is less extensive compared to global fashion capitals. This can be an advantage for Australian models who may find it easier to stand out in the local scene.

• Emerging Talent: There are increasing opportunities for new faces to break into the industry, particularly with Australia's growing focus on diversity, sustainability, and inclusive beauty standards. Many Australian models get a chance to work their way up through commercial work before advancing to high fashion or international gigs.

Overseas:

• Higher Competition: International fashion markets, particularly in cities like New York and Paris, are highly competitive. These cities attract models from all over the world, so standing out can be much harder, especially for newcomers.

• Highly Competitive Agencies: Modeling agencies in cities like Paris and Milan represent some of the best talent in the world, and the pressure to book jobs is intense. Established models often have to compete against top international talent, making it more difficult for models just starting their careers.