The World’s Top Modeling Events: From Global Runways to Moscow and the Middle East

The modeling industry thrives on visibility, and fashion weeks are the ultimate stages for talent to shine. For models, actresses, and performers, these events are gateways to international careers. At Monroo, we believe every artist deserves access to these opportunities—fairly and safely. Here’s a guide to the most influential modeling events worldwide, including key hubs in the Middle East and Moscow.

The Global Powerhouses: The Big Four Fashion Weeks

These are the most prestigious fashion weeks, setting global trends and launching careers:

New York Fashion Week (NYFW)
Held twice yearly (February and September), NYFW kicks off the fashion calendar. It’s known for its commercial appeal, celebrity presence, and breakthrough moments for new faces.
London Fashion Week (LFW)
Celebrated for innovation and diversity, LFW champions emerging designers and inclusive casting. It’s a hotspot for avant-garde and gender-fluid fashion.
Milan Fashion Week (MFW)
The heart of luxury fashion, MFW features iconic houses like Gucci, Prada, and Versace. It demands high professionalism and is a dream destination for top models.
Paris Fashion Week (PFW)
The pinnacle of haute couture and ready-to-wear, PFW closes the season with grandeur. Walking here is a career milestone.

Prestigious Modeling Competitions

Elite Model Look
The world’s most renowned modeling contest, launched in 1983. It has discovered legends like Cindy Crawford and Stephanie Seymour. Open to girls aged 14–19 and boys 15–20, it’s a direct pipeline to global agencies.
Ford Supermodel of the World
Another historic competition that launched careers of models like Gisele Bündchen. Though less active recently, its legacy remains influential.

The Rise of the Middle East: Fashion Weeks & Events

The Middle East has emerged as a dynamic fashion hub, blending tradition with modernity and offering unique opportunities for regional and international talent.

Dubai Fashion Week
Founded by the Arab Fashion Council and Dubai Design District, this is the official fashion platform in Dubai. It showcases regional designers and attracts global press, making it the most important fashion week in the Middle East.
Arab Fashion Week
Held in Dubai, it highlights couture and ready-to-wear from MENA designers and international names. It’s a key event for models seeking visibility in the Arab world.
A growing upscale event in Dubai featuring non-seasonal catwalks, sustainability forums, and roundtables with industry leaders.
Modest Fashion Week
A global movement with editions in Dubai, London, Istanbul, and Abu Dhabi. It celebrates inclusive fashion and has drawn top models like Halima Aden and Mariah Idrissi.
2025 Edition: April 14–16 in Abu Dhabi.
Red Sea Fashion Week
An emerging luxury event in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the kingdom’s cultural transformation and growing fashion influence.

Moscow: A Resilient Fashion Hub in Transition

Moscow has long been a key fashion capital in Eastern Europe, with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia (MBFW Russia) as its flagship event. Although international participation declined after 2022 due to geopolitical developments, the domestic industry continues to evolve under the Russian Fashion Council.

Moscow Fashion Week
Now rebranded and operating independently, it remains Russia’s premier fashion event. It showcases leading designers like Ulyana Sergeenko, Ksenia Schnaider, and Valentin Yudashkin.
Recent Schedule: Fall/Winter 2025 was held in March 2025; Spring/Summer 2026 is expected in October 2025.
Current Landscape
- Domestic Focus: With reduced global ties, the event emphasizes national talent and self-reliance in production.
- Digital Shift: Many designers now present via digital lookbooks or social media, reducing physical event scale.
- Talent Mobility: Russian models are increasingly seeking opportunities in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where markets remain open.

Why These Events Matter for Artists

These events are not just runways—they are career accelerators. They offer:

Global exposure and media coverage
Networking with top designers, photographers, and brands
Opportunities for long-term contracts and ambassadorships

At Monroo, we’re building a platform to help talents—especially those from underrepresented or transitioning regions—prepare for, apply to, and secure roles in these events, without exploitative intermediaries.

Monroo: Bridging Talent and Opportunity

While these events shape the industry, access remains unequal. Many talented models never get a chance due to gatekeeping, location, or cost.
Monroo is changing that.
We connect models, actresses, and performers with casting calls, fashion events, and brand collaborations—with zero commission on your earnings. We hold payments in escrow, ensuring safety and fairness.

We’re in beta, and we’re building this with you.
Your voice, your talent, your future for equal opportunity starts here.