Go beyond a standard logo placement. Become an experiential sponsor at the final event of FWSD weekend!
On Sunday, October 4th, we are bringing the energy of the runway straight into Downtown San Diego for the official FWSD Trunk Show. We are offering exclusive sponsorship spaces for brands looking to captivate a highly targeted audience. Are you a designer, artisan, or premium brand ready to get your products in front of the ultimate fashion-forward audience? Following the excitement of the main runway, Fashion Week San Diego is opening applications for exclusive vendor spots at our highly anticipated Trunk Show & Brand Activation on Sunday, October 4th.
Main Details DATE: Sunday, October 4, 2026 TIME: 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Harper Bazaar Great way to start 2025 💥 Published: Harper’s Bazaar January 2025. Let’s give it up for Team Member George Arguelles of @FashionPhotoSD for this creative work and publish. Featuring FWSD Designer GFASH and Las Vegas Model Miss Nevada International Angelyn
Giving Tuesday! Act now! Help FWSD’s fashion education initiative shape the future of our industry with your donation. With your invaluable contribution, we can not only foster the next generation of bright learners and leaders but also emphasize STEAM education in fashion. We must support sustainability and education while keeping this program here in San Diego!
This event is a prestigious art and beauty event with our partners the Art Renewal Center. World renown artist travel from all over the world to attend this event. Yearly FWSD conducts an Avant-garde art, fashion and live installation event inside Sotheby’s in NYC for a night of living fashion and fine arts. This is a signature event and great social mixer for art and fashion industry tycoons.
Fashion Week San Diego is more than a moment on a traditional and world-famous runway- it’s a whole year of opportunities & exposure.
Fashion Week San Diego’s events are meant to get you out in front of customers and promote your brand. If you are interested in becoming one of FWSD’s Designers, please fill out the online application!
Fashion Week San Diego is the longest-running, traditional fashion week to celebrate fashion & beauty industries by showcasing and highlighting the pulse of these entrepreneurs and what they are creating here in San Diego. Fashion Week San Diego is not just a week of runway shows, but a whole year of events.Check out our calendar.
Fashion Week San Diego is the longest-running, traditional fashion week to celebrate fashion & beauty industries by showcasing and highlighting the pulse of these entrepreneurs and what they are creating here in San Diego. Fashion Week San Diego is not just a week of runway shows, but a whole year of events.
Fashion Week San Diego takes an innovative and progressive approach to traditional fashion weeks by being open to the fashion industry & general public. This creates a fruitful environment for our emerging designers and can help create demand by the consumer.
We are the largest and most impactful fashion event in California. 10 years strong, showcasing over 100+ designers from all over the world. Our Designer brands used FWSD as a launching pad and gained the industry fast track with being featured in Vogue,Fred Segal,Bloomingdale’s,Nordstrom,Huffington Post,Apparel News,and WWD to name a few heavy hitters. From their participation in FWSD, designer brands have also been asked to participate and show in world renowned fashion weeks like, NY, Paris & London. Over $250,000 + in direct sales from FWSD events in the first 10 years to these emerging brands direct from being a part of this fashion event platform.
Access code provided by FWSD in your model confirmation email.
Fashion Week San Diego
The runway starts with you.
Every light. Every look.
Every breathtaking step down that runway.
None of it happens without you.
Representing FWSD on the runway is not a small thing.
It takes discipline. It takes professionalism. And it means everything to us — and to your career.
Welcome, Model
Let's get started.
Welcome to
Fashion Week
San Diego
Model Training Program
Model Training Program
Fashion Week San Diego
Your official model onboarding experience
Module 1 of 11
The Runway Awaits
Module 1 · Introduction
Welcome to Fashion Week San Diego
Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) is one of Southern California's most exciting fashion events — and you are now part of the runway.
This training walks you through everything you need to know before your first show: season commitments, pre-show preparation, professional conduct, styling protocols, event-day rules, and how to represent FWSD with excellence.
Please read every module carefully. At the end, you will complete a knowledge check and sign a model agreement confirming you have read and understood all policies.
⏱️
About 20 Minutes
Complete this training at your own pace in one focused session.
🎯
11 Modules
Covers season commitments, prep, conduct, styling rules, event protocols, and opportunities.
✅
Knowledge Check
Answer quiz questions correctly before advancing — every rule matters on the runway.
🏆
Completion Record
Your information is captured upon completion so FWSD has your training on file.
⚖️ Intellectual Property Notice
This training document, including all of its content, materials, quizzes, and design, is the exclusive property of Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD). Reproduction, distribution, copying, or sharing of this document in any form — including sharing the access link or access code — is strictly prohibited.
This training is provided to you personally as an official FWSD model. Please also treat all FWSD materials, communications, and unreleased designer work as confidential.
This protection extends beyond this document: you may not take, use, or repurpose any FWSD intellectual property from within the organization — including materials, branding, designs, content, or contact lists — for personal or outside use. Additionally, soliciting models, staff, designers, or guests for outside ventures at or during FWSD events is strictly prohibited.
Violation of this notice may result in removal from the model program and potential legal action.
💡 Tip: Use the menu (top left) to navigate between modules at any time. Your progress is tracked automatically.
Module 2 · Commitments
Your Season Commitments
Every FWSD season follows the same rhythm of required commitments, described below. Specific dates, times, and locations are announced by email each season — watch your inbox. These are required commitments. If you are no longer able to commit, now is the time to let us know.
① New Model Onboarding Meeting
Virtual | Required for All New Models
A live video meeting where we answer any questions you may have about the season. All new models must attend. Check your email for the meeting link and time.
② Model Runway Training
Before the Season | Designated Trainees
Designated trainees: Attend a scheduled in-person training session before the season — location and time announced by email. Plan ahead for parking. All other models: Training takes place on show day, plus a quick walk check at your fitting.
③ Designer Fitting — Do Not Miss This
Drop-In Window | Mandatory for All Models
Location: Always in San Diego — primarily Downtown or La Jolla (announced by email). Come whenever your schedule permits during the announced drop-in window. Plan to be there for at least 1 hour. Please also stay and support your fellow models.
⚠️ If you do not show up for the fitting, we will assume this is not a priority and will have to drop you as a model due to timelines.
④ Official FWSD Runway Shows
Runway Weekend — Full Day Commitment (Required)
This is the moment we work toward all year — the Fashion Week San Diego Runway Shows!
Show day — Designer Runway Shows. This will be an entire day commitment (editorial shoots, high-fashion runway coaching, and the live show). Required for all models. The following day — Optional, but this is when we give out our Top Model Awards and host an impromptu fashion shoot with photographers on property. The day before the shows — We may need a select group of models (men and women) on hold.
⑤ Additional FWSD Events
Throughout the Year — Optional Opportunities
As an FWSD model, we will offer you the option to participate in various other events throughout the year — a perk of being cast. We will send model calls as needed. If you choose to participate and accept an event, we will not accept no-shows or same-day cancellations due to the quick-turnaround nature of these calls. We allow a one-time only last-minute cancellation policy for emergencies only. See the Opportunities & Events module for the full list of activities.
Emergency Contact Protocol
Your designer will receive your contact details, measurements, and headshot. If you do not hear from your designer before the fitting, that is completely fine — they will not need to contact you beforehand.
If an emergency arises and you cannot do the runway show — DO NOT contact the designer. Email Lisa or Gwen directly:
FWSD will find a replacement and notify the designer on your behalf.
Module 3 · Preparation
Pre-Show Preparation
Arriving prepared is part of your professional responsibility as an FWSD model. Please review everything below carefully before each event.
Health Disclosures
🩺 Please let us know in advance if you have any of the following:
• A scalp condition — so our hair stylists can work safely and effectively with you.
• A skin condition — so our makeup artists can accommodate your needs and use appropriate products.
All Models — Arrive Ready
✓
Clean, dry hair — come with your hair freshly washed and fully dried.
✓
Clean, bare face — arrive with a completely clean, dry face. No makeup applied beforehand.
✓
Clean nails — nails should be neat, clean, and free of chipped polish.
♀ Females — What to Bring
Nude, black, and clear heels (you may bring more options)
Nude AND black panties
Nude AND black bra
Strapless bra
Pasties
A pair of black pants if you have them
♂ Males — What to Bring
Dark fitting underwear (bring or wear)
Beard shaped up neatly before arriving
Dress shoes
Tennis shoes / sneakers
Your Model Kit — Every Event
✓
Lint roller, safety pins & double-sided tape — the trio that saves every look.
✓
Hair tie and basic touch-up skincare.
✓
Basic first aid — band-aids and blister care for long hours in heels.
✓
A robe (recommended) — for privacy and ease when fitting in and out of garments backstage.
✓
Water and energy snacks — keep your energy up all day.
💧 Reminder: Always bring extra water and snacks to maintain your energy throughout the event. FWSD provides food at select events — if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, bring your own food to be safe.
✨ Vivienne says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 1
A female model is packing her bag for an FWSD runway event. Which of the following is she missing?
🔒 Please answer the question correctly before continuing.
Module 4 · Styling Protocols
Hair & Makeup Rules
Our hair and makeup team works hard to ensure every model represents beauty industry vision and creativity. These rules exist to protect the creative work of our styling professionals.
💄 The Beauty Team Leads: Our beauty team dictates all hair and makeup looks — designers do not control beauty styling unless stated otherwise. Trust the vision.
What You Must Never Do
✕
Do not remove your makeup — once applied, it must remain intact for the duration of the event.
✕
Do not restyle your hair — do not brush out, re-curl, re-straighten, or alter your hair in any way once it has been set by our team.
✕
Do not photograph your hair or makeup and send it to the designer on event day — the beauty team owns the look, and designers should stay focused on the show.
Wigs & Weaves
💇 If you would like to use a wig or weave, it must arrive completely clean and prepped so our stylists can work with it. And remember to report any scalp or skin sensitivities to leadership prior to call time.
🎨 Why This Matters: Our hair and makeup stylists will not receive portfolio credits for FWSD if their work is altered or removed. Many of these professionals are from established salons and have cleared paying client appointments and are exclusively working our event. Once you restyle the hair or touch up the makeup on your own, it is no longer their work — and their contribution goes unrecognized.
⚠️ Important: If you prefer not to have your hair and makeup done by our styling team, our official runway and spring showcase events may not be the right fit at this time.
Events that do not require FWSD hair & makeup styling — but do allow models to style their own hair and makeup — include:
• The Shot
• Art Walk
✨ Vivienne says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 2
You notice you personally do not like your hair or makeup. What should you do?
Quick Check · 3
Why does FWSD have a strict no-restyle policy for hair and makeup?
Quick Check · 4
Your hair and makeup are done on event day and you want to send a photo to your designer so they can see the look. What is the policy?
🔒 Please answer all questions correctly before continuing.
Module 5 · Garment Care
Wardrobe & Garment Care
Every garment you wear is a designer's work — often one-of-a-kind, hand-finished, and irreplaceable. Treat every outfit as an expensive piece of art, because that is exactly what it is.
Garment Rules — Every Event
✕
Never eat or drink while wearing designer garments. The only exception is water through a straw.
✕
Do not sit down in delicate, tailored, or structured clothing without permission from the stylist.
✕
Never throw garments around or on the ground. Every piece is handled with care, always.
✓
Let our dressers help you in and out of your garments — this prevents rips and keeps every item of the look together.
💍 No Jewelry on Event Day: Please do not wear your own jewelry to the event — this prevents personal items from being lost backstage during quick changes.
✨ Marco says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 5
Your first look is done and you need to change into your next garment quickly. What is the correct way to get out of your current look?
🔒 Please answer the question correctly before continuing.
Module 6 · Conduct
Conduct & Respect
As a model at FWSD you represent yourself, the designers, and our entire organization. How you carry yourself off the runway matters just as much as how you walk on it.
Core Conduct Standards
✓
Treat every person at this event — models, staff, stylists, photographers, designers, and guests — the way you want to be treated.
✓
Harassment, bullying, or disrespectful behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the event.
✓
Maintain professionalism at all times, including in the back of house.
✓
Practice your runway walk before the event. It will be noticeable on runway night to attendees, photographers, and clients if you have not honed in on a professional walk or practiced the craft of runway walking and posing.
📸 Walk Practice: FWSD features photographers from across California shooting the runway. A polished, confident walk reflects your professionalism and theirs. Come prepared — there are no second takes on the runway. We always encourage models to practice in the off season and attend a class or two with AMA if you want to be fully prepared. FWSD models receive discounted training rates through the American Modeling Academy (AMA) in San Diego and Los Angeles — just reference FWSD.
Your Safety
🚨 Reporting Issues
If at any point you feel unsafe or believe you are being treated unfairly by any staff member or participant, report it immediately.
Step 1 — Find any team member wearing a black FWSD shirt and report your concern. They will escalate it to a leader immediately.
Step 2 — If you cannot reach a team member, contact the Executive Director directly: Gwen Bates — Executive Director, FWSD Gwen@FashionWeekSD.com
Solicitation & Outside Photographers
Models on our platform operate as free agents — FWSD is not a talent agency and does not represent you directly. While we partner with external brands, media, and third-party organizations, those individuals are not part of our internal operations.
We work with vetted, in-house photographers, but you may also be approached by independent media or outside photographers. If someone claims to work with or represent FWSD, do your own due diligence — always verify the identity and credentials of anyone who solicits you in our name before collaborating.
✨ Vivienne says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 6
You feel that a staff member has treated you unfairly backstage. What is the correct first step?
Quick Check · 7
A photographer messages you saying they are booking a paid shoot "on behalf of FWSD." What should you do first?
Quick Check · 8
A friend who is interested in modeling asks you to send them the link and access code for this training document. What do you do?
🔒 Please answer all questions correctly before continuing.
Module 7 · Substance Policy
Alcohol & Substance Policy
FWSD maintains a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol during all official events. This protects you, your fellow models, our team, and the professionalism of the entire show.
🚫 Zero Tolerance — No Exceptions:
• Do NOT use drugs before our event.
• Do NOT use drugs at our event.
• No alcohol is permitted in the back of house at any time.
Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the event.
🎉 After the Show: You are absolutely welcome to enjoy recreational activities and drinks after the event has fully concluded. We love celebrating our team — just keep it off the clock and out of the venue.
✨ Marco says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 9
Which of the following is permitted under FWSD's substance policy?
🔒 Please answer the question correctly before continuing.
Module 8 · Event Day
Venue & Event Rules
These protocols keep the event running smoothly and ensure every model, designer, stylist, and crew member can do their best work without disruption.
Leaving the Venue
✓
Notify staff before leaving. If you need to leave the facility for any reason, notify a team leader wearing an FWSD shirt and wait for their confirmation before you go.
✓
Do not leave without notifying staff — your slot on the schedule depends on you being present and ready.
Food & Eateries
If there are eateries nearby and you would like to grab food, you must first confirm with a team leader. You are expected to bring food back to the venue to eat — do not eat at the restaurant.
FWSD provides food at select events. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or special nutritional needs, please bring your own food and snacks. Always bring extra water and snacks to maintain your energy.
Back of House — Restricted Area
The back of house is a professional, private workspace. The following are NOT permitted:
Parents • Friends • Significant others
Personal photographers • Any other guests or outside parties
This policy protects the privacy and focus of all models and crew.
Backstage Photography & Social Media
✕
No outside photographers backstage. Back-of-house photos are strictly limited to personal selfies.
✕
No behind-the-scenes or full-look posts before the runway. Many campaigns require complete confidentiality until the garment is released.
✓
Post away after the show! Once the event is over, you are welcome to share your full look — and we would love for you to tag us.
Runway Rules
✕
No cell phones on the runway — store your phone safely in the back of house before your call time.
✓
Practice your walk before the event. Photographers, attendees, and clients will notice if you have not honed in on a professional runway walk and posing technique.
✨ Marco says...
Quick Check Time!
⚡ Quick Check
Quick Check · 10
Your friend drove you to the event and wants to come backstage to say hello. What do you do?
Quick Check · 11
You need to step outside for some fresh air between looks. What should you do?
Quick Check · 12
You took a stunning selfie in your full runway look backstage before the show. When can you post it?
🔒 Please answer all questions correctly before continuing.
Module 9 · Final Quiz
Knowledge Check
Answer all questions correctly to unlock the next module. These cover the key rules every FWSD model must know by heart.
⚡ Final Knowledge Check
Question 1
A fellow model is struggling with their hair after makeup was done. You know how to fix it. What should you do?
Question 2
Which events are available to FWSD models that do NOT require FWSD hair and makeup styling?
Question 3
You want to grab food from a nearby restaurant during the event. What is the correct protocol?
Question 4
What is the FWSD policy on cell phones while on the runway?
Question 5
If an emergency arises and you cannot attend the FWSD fall show, who should you contact?
Question 6
You are dressed in a designer garment backstage and getting thirsty. What is permitted?
🔒 Please answer all questions correctly before continuing.
Module 10 · Opportunities
Events & Opportunities
As an FWSD model, you have the option to participate in a variety of events throughout the year — great opportunities to expand your network, gain experience, and build your portfolio. Dates and details are announced through model calls as each event approaches; if you are available, we would love to have you!
Important: If you choose to accept an event, we will not accept no-shows or same-day cancellations. A one-time emergency cancellation exception applies.
The Main Stage
The anchor events of the FWSD calendar — the shows the entire year builds toward.
Signature Season
Official Designer Runway Shows
Required for Cast ModelsFWSD StyledFull-Day
The flagship of Fashion Week San Diego. A full-day commitment featuring editorial shoots, high-fashion runway coaching, and the live designer runway show in front of press, photographers, and clients from across California.
Styling: Hair and makeup by the FWSD beauty team. Arrive bare per your training — clean dry hair, clean face, clean nails.
Signature Season
Top Model Awards & Trunk Show
OptionalFree Entry for Models
The celebration that closes runway weekend. FWSD honors its Top Models, and photographers on property host impromptu shoots throughout the trunk show — a relaxed way to grow your portfolio while celebrating the season.
Signature Season
Spring Showcase
FWSD StyledRunway
FWSD's spring runway event, previewing designers and collections ahead of the fall season. Styling protocols mirror the official runway shows — the beauty team leads all hair and makeup.
Community & Street Style
Informal, high-energy events connecting FWSD to San Diego's galleries, retailers, and coastal photography scene.
Street Style
The Shot — Street Style Takeover
Self-StyledOpen to Men & Women
A street style photo shoot with notable San Diego and coastal photographers taking over the village. This is your moment to show your personal brand.
Come ready: Arrive branded in your own personal style from head to toe, photo-ready. No FWSD styling is provided for this event.
Fashion Mixer
POSH Runway — Fashion Mixer
Informal RunwayRetailer Fittings May Apply
A sunset fashion mixer connecting Fashion Week San Diego to local retailers and the community. Models walk an informal runway for retailers and FWSD designers in an open-air village setting.
Note: You may need to visit a retailer location for a fitting prior to the event. Model tickets may be discounted rather than free depending on venue capacity — check each season's model call.
Gallery Modeling
Art Walk — Gallery Modeling
Self-Styled BeautyFWSD Garments
FWSD partners with prestigious galleries and museums for informal modeling inside working gallery spaces — typically one to two models per gallery, wearing FWSD designer garments, with a photo shoot conducted on property by the FWSD team.
Come ready: Must be comfortable with informal modeling. Arrive photo-ready with your own hair and makeup done.
Special Engagements
Select opportunities that reach beyond the standard calendar — from avant-garde showcases to industry networking.
Travel
Art & Beauty Showcases — Travel
Avant-GardeSpecific RequirementsOwn Travel
Prestigious art, beauty, and fashion events hosted in major cities beyond San Diego. Models wear avant-garde garments with avant-garde hair and makeup for high-profile audiences at landmark venues.
Note: These calls often carry specific sizing and height requirements, and models arrange their own travel to and from the host city.
Portfolio
Editorial & Lookbook Shoots
FWSD StyledPortfolio Builder
Photo shoots supporting FWSD designers, campaigns, and press throughout the year. Great portfolio-building opportunities announced through model calls as needs arise.
Networking
Industry Mixers & Networking Events
Evening Events
Cocktail receptions and networking evenings connecting FWSD with sponsors, investors, and the broader fashion community. Models may be invited to attend or represent FWSD at these gatherings.
Training & Development
FWSD invests in its models. These opportunities keep your walk, your poise, and your portfolio show-ready.
Included
Model Runway Training
Included
Runway walk training and coaching sessions ahead of each season, plus walk checks at fittings and high-fashion runway coaching on show day. Practice in the off-season is always encouraged — there are no second takes on the runway.
Model Perk
American Modeling Academy — Discounted Classes
Model PerkSD & LA
As an FWSD model, you receive discounted training rates through the American Modeling Academy (AMA) in San Diego and Los Angeles. Simply reference FWSD when booking.
How Sign-Ups Work
1.Watch your inbox — model calls are sent by email as each event approaches, with dates, times, locations, and requirements. 2.Reply to accept — if you're available and meet the call's requirements, respond to claim your spot. Spots are limited and move quickly. 3.Show up prepared — review the event's styling requirements (FWSD styled, self-styled, or photo-ready) and arrive with your model kit, ready to work.
Communication & Stay Connected
📧 Whitelist Our Emails
Please whitelist the following addresses — we have multiple interns and staff using these for the fall season and emails may go to spam, junk, or trash:
FWSDintern@gmail.com Model@FashionWeekSD.com
📱 Personal Brand & Social Media
Please continue to promote yourself! Tag us in a story on Instagram as a casted returning model — we would love to share it.
You have made it to the final step! Please acknowledge each policy statement below, then complete your registration so FWSD has your training on file.
I understand that I must not remove my makeup or restyle my hair once completed by the FWSD styling team, and I understand why this policy exists.
I will arrive to each event with clean dry hair, a clean bare face, and clean nails, and I will bring the required wardrobe items applicable to my gender.
I agree to treat all models, staff, stylists, photographers, designers, and guests with respect and professionalism at all times.
I understand that no drugs or alcohol are permitted before or during FWSD events, and that no alcohol is permitted in the back of house.
I will notify a team leader before leaving the venue and wait for confirmation. I understand that no personal guests are permitted in the back of house.
I agree to keep my cell phone off the runway and stored safely in the back of house before my call time.
I will treat every garment as a work of art — no eating or drinking in garments (water through a straw only), no sitting in structured pieces without stylist permission, no jewelry on event day, and I will let the dressers help me in and out of every look.
I understand that I operate as a free agent and FWSD is not a talent agency; I will verify the credentials of anyone claiming to represent FWSD, and I will not post BTS or full-look content before the runway.
I acknowledge that this training document is the exclusive property of FWSD; I will not reproduce, distribute, copy, or share it — or its link or access code — in any form, and I will treat FWSD materials and unreleased designer work as confidential. I understand violation may result in removal from the model program and potential legal action.
I have read and understood the complete FWSD Model Training & Conduct Guide and agree to abide by all policies contained within it.
☝️ Please check all boxes above to unlock the final step.
🎉
You're Almost Done!
You have completed the FWSD Model Training Program. Click the button below to submit your information to Fashion Week San Diego — your completion will be on file.
You will be directed to a short Google Form to complete your registration.
🏆
Training Complete!
FWSD Certified Model — 2026
Your information has been submitted. We are so proud to have you as part of the FWSD family. See you under the lights! 🎉
