5. Elite Men
Click for contact info

Stars: Shaun DeWet, Matthew Avedon, Henry Hargreaves, Greg Payne, Boyd

PRO: With one of the most driven group of agents in the men's business and an impressive record of breaking major new faces, Elite has quickly leapt to the forefront of the market. Whether it's maintaining the careers of fixtures like Shawn de Wet or maneuvering a new find like Boyd to the choice editorials and campaigns, this agency has more than proven their value. A new model looking for an experienced and connected agency to guide them through the fast-fad business that is the men's game will be well advised to consider this agency an A+ choice.

CON: Recent defections from the booking table have created holes in the once invincible wall. It means a new generation of Elite Men's agents will have to step up to the plate and launch more stars in the firmament. So to speak.

SCOUTING CALL: There is no doubt that you will be impeccably managed (and promptly compensated) at Elite Men.

4. New York Models (Tied)
Click for contact info

Stars: Will Chalker, Sean Gordon, Matt Duffie, JR, Ryan Locke

Breaking Faces: Caleb, Mathias, Evan Kidd , Andrew Cooper, Derek Huckins, Noah Mills

PRO: The fusion with the former boards of Karin and Clear models has made NY Models a prime contender in the game. In the tradition forged by their visionary Women's Division, NY Models excels at steering ground breaking new faces to the clients most able to platform that aesthetic. From Dutch to Burberry, Testino through to Thomas Schenk, that direct line to fashion's most adventurous lensmen is what puts NY Models heads in the distinguished category they have carved for themselves.

CON: In many ways the convergence of two defunct agency boards at NY Models have boosted the booking value for all involved. It does represent a significant power shift. A new model like yourself won't have to battle for attention, but you will have to swim fast and prove yourself quickly.

SCOUTING CALL: The spotlights are on NY Models right this second and the energy level of the staff is as high as the expectations. If scouted by this shop, strike while the iron's hot.

4. Ford (Tied)
Click for contact info

Stars: Marcus Schenkenberg, Brad Koenig, Sebastien Andrieu, Axel Hermann, Ryan Burns

Breaking Faces: Luca Mendes, Trent Ford, James Jagger, Cyrus Sipp, Mike Guenther

PRO: With powerhouses like Axel and Ryan Burns holding down the fort and newcomers like Brad Koenig and Michael Gandolfi brimming with promise, Ford's Men's Division has stabilized to being a fixture in the business. If Ford scouts you, feel very comfortable in the fact that here is an agency which over the past year has managed to uncover vital new faces currently captivating fashion's most powerful movers and shakers.

CON: As is typical of any agency this scale, the board tends to be large so be prepared to work hard to stand out. That said, the entire industry is keeping a keen eye on Ford right this minute, which means you'll be well placed.

SCOUTING CALL: With a dedicated and driven team, Ford has shaped up to be one of the most stable and consistent players in the men's game.

3. DNA
Click for contact info

Stars: Johnny Zander, Harry Kinkead, Eric Baker, Norbert, Larry Scott

PRO: DNA is currently burning with a major roster of must-have editorial finds, making a case for their status as the top men's boutique of the moment. With a very concentrated board that serves as a virtual microcosm of "model types" working today, DNA has managed to make themselves hip central on the marketplace. Whether you are haute editorial like Prada icon Harry Kinkaid, DNA is that boutique able to maneuver you to the coolest magazines, choicest campaigns and vital runways. Very well positioned and showing no sign of wear.

CON: Hot today, discarded next season, that is the sad destiny of many editorial kings. The challenge is to make some fixtures of those faces that stand in jeopardy of being fads. DNA's done it before (see Johnny Zander). The onus is on them to do it again.

2. Wilhelmina

Stars: Gabriel Aubry, Mark Vanderloo, Alex Lundquist, Jason Shaw, Bruno Santos

Breaking Faces: Karl Lindman, Nick Rippy, Sandy, Thyago, Santiago

PRO: Wilhelmina is a giant: strong, stable and incredibly good at negotiating major rates for their superstar models. If the key criteria of this listing were not "legacy of new models broken recently", they would have effortlessly shared top billing on this listing. Their focus on the Hunk/Matinee Idol ideal has been very profitable for this agency since this is the home of the Mark Vanderloos and the Gabriel Aubrys; where the careers run long and client loyalty is paramount. The tightly edited board of 60 models may feel boutique scale but the mentality here is all about maximum dividend on the investment.

CON: Once you sign with Wilhelmina, do not presume than you can agency hop to your heart's content. This company is very, very protective of its assets and is very strict about its commitments.

SCOUTING CALL: If you ache for major male model stardom, this is the place to join your peers. They might not bring in a lot of new faces per season, but when they do bring a player on board, it's full steam ahead. (Note: Wilhelmina the agency is not to be confused with the Wilhelmina Scouting Network.)

1. IMG
Click for contact info

Stars: RJ, Aaron Ward, Tyson Ballou, Julian Hedquist, Heath Townsend

Breaking Faces: David Smith, Danny Miller, Nick Lemons, Christian Monzon

PRO: IMG stands at No.1 in the male modeling business right this minute, because they have displayed a very focused ability to take a new face from nothing to maximum visibility, very quickly. Since the nature of the editorial male modeling market is constant turnover, IMG shrewdly avoided the dangers of a stagnant board by being able to bolster their commercial blockbusters (Tyson Ballou, Julien Hedquist) with a constant supply of strong newcomers (David Smith, Danny Miller). Interestingly enough, for an agency that you would presume to be mega-corporate, IMG seems to lean towards developing and maneuvering very edgy editorial types through the A-list of campaigns, editorials and runway bookings. By playing the full service game perfectly and by exploiting their global muscle, IMG has become the desirable destination for today's ambitious new faces.

CON: Be warned however, it's a pretty big board. The more personality you bring to the table the better your chances of breaking out of the mob as a new star. Because should you fail to shine, this team will not hesitate to move on.

SCOUTING CALL: Their management model is based on servicing the constant need for new editorial stars. IMG is as inclined to search for you, as you are to reach out to them and that makes them the top choice.