Elite Paris
Elite Paris is a modeling agency based in Paris, France, founded in 1972. It holds the state licence required to place models in its country and is a member of FFAM.
Worth knowing
Six women filed complaints in Paris for rape and human trafficking against Gérald Marie, the former head of Elite Europe; the alleged events date from the 1980s–90s. Since 2023 the agency has required its clients to follow a model-protection charter.
Le Monde, 2026-07-15Elite Model Look 2026 castings run in 17 Galeries Lafayette stores across France (1 April – 24 June): open from age 14 with parental consent, no height criterion. Last year seven new faces joined Elite Paris through the contest.
FashionNetwork, 2026-04-02Adut Akech (Elite Paris; Model of the Year 2019) fronts the November cover of Vogue Australia; Adriana Lima the March cover of Vogue Brasil.
models.comAfter the Balenciaga scandal, Elite began requiring the brands its models work for to comply with a model-protection charter.
Glitz, 2023-03-30Held since 1983, the Elite Model Look contest launched Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Vittoria Ceretti and Mona Tougaard; the Elite network now counts more than 35 agencies.
FashionNetwork
Elite Paris in its own words
We are the world's leading talent network with a reputation for pushing industry boundaries since 1972. We discover and nurture talent from every corner of the globe, investing in extraordinary people and their careers, and elevating the creative industries.
How to apply to Elite Paris
- Apply through the agency's own online form – the link is above. Prepare 4–6 unretouched digitals and your measurements.
- Check its website or Instagram for open-call days; if none are listed, apply online.
- If you are represented by a mother agency, let it make the introduction – that is how most placements abroad start.
- Models from abroad can apply; a work permit is arranged by the agency once a placement is agreed.
- Never pay to apply. A licensed agency earns a commission on your work, nothing upfront.
For agencies: placement and partnerships
Partner agencies in this catalogue:
What you need before applying
Agencies ask for the same three things: clean digitals, exact measurements and – once you are signed – a composite card for castings.
Frequently asked
Sources: FFAM member list · Sirene (recherche-entreprises.api.gouv.fr) · models.com · elitemodelmanagement.com
01Does Elite Paris accept international models?
Elite Paris does not say explicitly; apply online or through your mother agency.
02Do I need a mother agency to join Elite Paris?
Not necessarily, but most placements abroad are arranged agency-to-agency, so a mother agency makes the introduction easier.
03Is there an application fee at Elite Paris?
No. As a licensed agency it is paid a commission on your bookings and may not charge for applying.
04How do I apply to Elite Paris?
Through its online application form (linked above) with digitals and measurements.