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.
💡 Tip: Use the menu (top left) to navigate between modules at any time. Your progress is tracked automatically.
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.
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:
📧 fwsdintern@gmail.com
📧 Model@FashionWeekSD.com
📧 Gwen@FashionWeekSD.com
FWSD will find a replacement and notify the designer on your behalf.
Arriving prepared is part of your professional responsibility as an FWSD model. Please review everything below carefully before each event.
🩺 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.
💧 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.
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.
💇 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
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.
💍 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.
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.
📸 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.
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
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.
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.
These protocols keep the event running smoothly and ensure every model, designer, stylist, and crew member can do their best work without disruption.
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.
The back of house is a professional, private workspace. The following are NOT permitted:
This policy protects the privacy and focus of all models and crew.
Answer all questions correctly to unlock the next module. These cover the key rules every FWSD model must know by heart.
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.
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.
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
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.
☝️ Please check all boxes above to unlock the final step.
Your information has been submitted. We are so proud to have you as part of the FWSD family. See you under the lights! 🎉