Strike a pose: Our pick of the top five modelling agencies in SA

By Temo Mpodi (Image credit: Ice Models)

The world of fashion just wouldn’t be the same without the struts, the poses, and those jaw-dropping shoots models bless us with. But who’s working behind the scenes to make it all happen? Modelling agencies, darling! They’re the real MVPs, managing the madness, polishing potential, and launching careers. So, we’re giving them their flowers. Here are five interesting South African agencies you need to know about…

Boss Models

With offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, Boss Models has always fought to become one of the best modelling agencies in South Africa. Launched in 1995, Boss opened its first offices in Cape Town with a seasoned team of international and local agents. To scout, develop and manage South Africa’s extraordinary talent. With a fabulously diverse roster of models, Boss has built strong ties with global brands, runways, and fashion powerhouses around the world.

Ice Models

I once found myself in Ice offices in Cape Town the by mistake, but that’s a story for another day. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Ice focuses on carefully shaping and nurturing both fresh and established faces. They’re big on scouting future fashion stars, with diversity at the heart of what they do. They’re innovative, invested in their models’ wellbeing, and all about building sustainable careers with serious staying power. Legacy loading…

G3 Models

Founded by Carl Heunis, G3 Models has been on a roll since way back. Established in 1978, this agency is all about turning individual brands into fashion forces. Their models have graced runways, campaigns, commercial shoots – you name it. G3 prides itself on working with pros who have the etiquette, versatility and star power to own any brief. Fun fact: they’ve worked with multiple Miss South Africa winners and some seriously high-profile celebs. Iconic, much?

Twenty Model Management

Back in 2005, former model Robin Fryer brought her dream to life, and so, Twenty Model Management was born. With runway experience alongside icons like Naomi Campbell, Robin knows her stuff. Twenty is all about creating an environment where models can shine, not just locally but on major international stages. Think London. Paris. Milan. No big deal.

LouisB Model Management

Founded in 2009 by Louis Franken and Candace Warner, LouisB is one of SA’s leading agencies with a mission to push boundaries and celebrate inclusion. Their talent pool is seriously impressive and their models have worked with brands like Netflix’s Blood & Water, Adidas, Nike, Woolworths, Google, Spotify and Superbalist. It’s giving global, it’s giving glam, it’s giving representation done right.