Runway Model Statistics 2025

The runway remains one of fashion’s most influential platforms, not just for showcasing trends but for shaping ideals around beauty, identity, and culture. In 2025, modeling continues to evolve under the pressure of social change, digital influence, and consumer demand for authenticity.

While progress has been made in areas like racial diversity and gender representation, other aspects—such as size inclusivity and fair compensation—still lag behind. Social media and virtual scouting have transformed how models are discovered and booked, leading to an industry that's younger, faster, and more global than ever.

At the same time, structural issues like short-term contracts and unequal pay continue to limit opportunities for many models. These statistics reveal more than surface-level trends—they reflect the fashion industry's direction and the values it's choosing to represent. As we break down the numbers, it becomes clear where progress is happening and where deeper change is overdue.

Runway Model Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)

 

Here are the top 10 runway model statistics for 2025, based on the latest insights from fashion weeks, modeling agencies, and diversity reports:

1. Average Age of Runway Models: 23.7 Years: While youth still dominates, 2025 shows a slow rise in models aged 30 and above. Brands like Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga are booking more mature models to reflect timeless luxury.

2. 47.1% of Models Were Women of Color: Runway diversity is holding steady, with nearly half of all castings going to women of color. However, Latinx and Indigenous models remain underrepresented.

3. Plus-Size Models Made Up Only 2.2% of Castings: Despite vocal calls for body inclusivity, size diversity remains minimal. Only 41 plus-size appearances were recorded across the top four fashion weeks.

4. 78% of Runway Models Are Between 5'9" and 6'0": Height standards remain rigid. Although some designers like Chromat and Collina Strada challenged the norm, most luxury brands still follow traditional height criteria.

5. Transgender and Non-Binary Models Account for 1.6% of Castings: 2025 marked a small increase in trans and non-binary visibility on the runway, with standout moments from brands like Ludovic de Saint Sernin and Coach.

6. New Faces Represent 62% of Runway Castings: Agencies are rapidly rotating talent, with more than half of all models this year being new to major runways. Digital scouting via Instagram and TikTok continues to grow.

7. Only 13% of Models Have Long-Term Contracts: The majority of models work freelance or on short-term agreements, underscoring the gig-like nature of the modeling world in 2025.

8. 36.4% of Models Walked in More Than One Major Fashion Week: Cross-continent exposure remains key to a model’s breakout. Those walking in Paris and Milan often also book New York and London shows.

9. Top 10 Models Increased Instagram Followers by 72% Post-Runway: Social media remains a powerful career catalyst. The biggest boosts came during Paris Fashion Week, especially for models who appeared in viral clips.

10. Average Runway Pay Per Show: $850 (USD): Rates vary significantly—newcomers in New York earn as low as $250, while top-tier models at Chanel or Dior command $5,000+.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 and Future Implications

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #1. Average Age of Runway Models: 23.7 Years

The average age of 23.7 reflects the industry's ongoing preference for youth, but there's a noticeable uptick in demand for older models, especially in luxury campaigns. Brands targeting older, high-spending consumers are beginning to prioritize casting talent that reflects those demographics. 

This trend may continue as fashion aligns more with lifestyle branding than fleeting trends. If mature representation grows, it could help challenge harmful stereotypes around aging in beauty and fashion. Over time, this shift might encourage more inclusive skincare, wellness, and ready-to-wear campaigns.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #2. 47.1% of Models Were Women of Color

Nearly half of runway models in 2025 were women of color, a sign of sustained progress from the diversity pushes of the past decade. However, casting still skews heavily toward a few racial groups, while Latinx, Indigenous, and Southeast Asian models remain underbooked. 

Brands may face increasing pressure from audiences and advocacy groups to not just feature diverse faces but also create systemic change in hiring and promotion. Future runway seasons could see more regional representation, especially as fashion weeks expand globally. Long-term, authentic inclusivity could reshape marketing narratives and drive new consumer loyalty.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #3. Plus-Size Models Made Up Only 2.2% of Castings

Despite the rise of body-positive movements, plus-size representation remains extremely low, with only 2.2% of castings featuring larger bodies. While brands like Christian Siriano and Savage X Fenty continue to push boundaries, most luxury houses still avoid size diversity on the runway. 

This gap suggests the industry is still hesitant to disrupt its traditional beauty ideals, especially in high fashion. Future change may depend on consumer spending shifts and rising plus-size influencers who pressure brands via social media. Until then, token inclusivity risks alienating audiences expecting deeper, more meaningful representation.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #4. 78% of Runway Models Are Between 5'9" and 6'0"

Height standards remain rigid, with 78% of runway models falling within a narrow height range. Shorter models are still largely excluded, despite success stories from commercial campaigns and influencer-driven branding. This ongoing trend underscores the divide between editorial and digital fashion ecosystems.

As platforms like TikTok and Instagram normalize different body types, luxury fashion may eventually broaden its standards to stay relevant. If not, it risks appearing outdated to younger audiences who value individuality over idealized norms.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #5. Transgender and Non-Binary Models Account for 1.6% of Castings

The presence of transgender and non-binary models on runways rose slightly in 2025, accounting for 1.6% of castings. While this progress reflects growing acceptance, it remains minimal compared to calls for greater gender inclusivity in fashion. 

Designers like Ludovic de Saint Sernin and brands like Coach are helping normalize gender diversity, but broader industry adoption is still slow. Future casting may become more fluid as Gen Z’s influence grows and challenges binary norms. If mainstream houses begin following suit, fashion could serve as a powerful tool in redefining gender presentation.

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #6. New Faces Represent 62% of Runway Castings

A staggering 62% of runway appearances in 2025 came from first-time models, highlighting the industry's rapid refresh cycle. Social media continues to fuel this turnover, with many new faces discovered on TikTok or Instagram.

While this keeps fashion feeling fresh, it also contributes to job insecurity and burnout for talent. Long-term, agencies may need to better support model development and career sustainability. With AI and virtual try-ons rising, human models will need more personal branding to stand out in future castings.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #7. Only 13% of Models Have Long-Term Contracts

Just 13% of models work under long-term contracts, leaving most in short-term or freelance roles. This lack of stability has serious implications for financial security and career growth, especially as the industry becomes more competitive. Models face increased pressure to self-manage, market themselves online, and maintain relevance without structural support. 

Over time, this could widen inequality between top-tier models and emerging talent. Unions or digital platforms offering better protections may emerge as essential tools for future runway professionals.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #8. 36.4% of Models Walked in More Than One Major Fashion Week

More than a third of models walked in multiple fashion weeks across different continents, reflecting a demand for global presence. Paris and Milan remain the most sought-after shows, but New York and London provide key launch pads for new talent. 

As fashion becomes more decentralized, brands might scout across Asia, Africa, and Latin America to diversify their reach. This could redefine what a “global” model looks like in the next five years. Digital passports, remote castings, and virtual scouting will likely play an increasing role in multi-season success.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #9. Top 10 Models Increased Instagram Followers by 72% Post-Runway

Runway appearances continue to fuel personal brand growth, with top models seeing a 72% surge in Instagram followers after major shows. These spikes translate into brand deals, ambassadorships, and monetization beyond traditional modeling. 

As a result, follower counts are becoming nearly as important as agency portfolios during castings. This dynamic may push agencies to invest more in digital training and influencer management. In the future, models who master storytelling and content creation could have longer, more lucrative careers than those relying on editorial exposure alone.

 

Runway Model Statistics 2025 #10. Average Runway Pay Per Show: $850 (USD)

The average runway pay per show sits at $850, but this varies wildly by region and prestige. Many models in smaller markets or early career stages earn under $300 per appearance, often without covering basic expenses. This economic imbalance creates accessibility issues, limiting fashion careers to those with financial backing.

If transparency doesn’t improve, models may pivot toward commercial gigs, influencer work, or brand building for stability. There's growing pressure on fashion weeks and agencies to standardize compensation and improve working conditions.

What These Trends Mean for the Future of Fashion Modeling

The 2025 runway data shows a modeling industry in transition—caught between tradition and the pressure to modernize. While brands have embraced some forms of diversity, others, like size inclusion and economic fairness, are still treated as afterthoughts.

The rise of social media-driven models, digital casting, and influencer credibility has disrupted the gatekeeping of traditional agencies, giving new faces more ways to break in but fewer protections once they’re in.

As fashion continues to reflect broader cultural values, the runway will either evolve into a platform for true inclusivity or risk alienating its next generation of consumers. Moving forward, the most forward-thinking brands will be those that prioritize representation, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of their talent.

Sources:

1. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/how-much-do-models-get-paid-fashion-week-2025

2. https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/828413-diversity-report-fall-2019-runways/

3. https://modelalliance.org/resources/modeling-contracts-and-worker-rights-2025

4. https://www.voguebusiness.com/consumers/meet-the-new-generation-of-chinese-freelance-models

5. https://modelalliance.org/updates/trans-nonbinary-runway-inclusion-2025

6. https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/844823-diversity-report-fall-2019-ad-campaigns/

7. https://forums.thefashionspot.com/threads/so-you-want-to-become-a-model-please-read-post-1-before-posting.168055/

8. https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/debunking-the-dream-who-is-allowed-to-succeed-in-fashion-success-survey