History & Founding
Ford Models was established in 1946 by Eileen Ford and her husband, Gerard "Jerry" Ford, in New York City. As one of the first professional modeling agencies, it emerged during the post-World War II era when the fashion industry was expanding rapidly.
Business Model & Divisions
Ford Models operates on a traditional agency model, representing clients through exclusive or non-exclusive contracts and earning commissions—typically 20% on bookings—from modeling jobs. The agency scouts diverse talent via open calls, referrals, and international searches, maintaining a roster of over 650 models across various ages, sizes, and ethnicities.
Notable Models & Campaigns
Ford Models has launched countless iconic careers, representing supermodels who defined eras of fashion. In the 1980s and 1990s, it managed stars like Christie Brinkley, who became synonymous with CoverGirl campaigns; Cindy Crawford, a fixture in Pepsi and Versace ads; Naomi Campbell, known for her Chanel runway dominance; and Christy Turlington, featured in Calvin Klein's Eternity fragrance.
Global Presence
Headquartered in New York, Ford Models maintains a strong U.S. footprint with offices in Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, facilitating access to key markets like Midwest commercial work, South Beach fashion events, and Hollywood entertainment crossovers.
Industry Impact
Ford Models profoundly shaped the modeling world by professionalizing an often chaotic field. Eileen's founding principles—fair commissions, health guidelines, and anti-exploitation measures—laid groundwork for industry regulations, influencing agencies like IMG and Elite.
