Designing A Model’s innovative approach to modeling education and empowerment recently earned them the title of the Best Modeling Program in the U.S. of 2025.
Designing A Model: Empowering Aspiring Models from a Designer’s Perspective
Breaking into the fashion industry can feel like an impossible feat, especially when doors seem closed to those who don’t fit the traditional mold. However, Designing A Modelis changing that narrative by creating a space where aspiring models are taught not only how to walk the runway but how to own their career, build their personal brand, and thrive in the competitive world of fashion.
Founded by fashion designer Steph Vargas, Designing A Modeloffers a unique, inclusive program that gives students insider knowledge and real-world opportunities to succeed. With her firsthand experience from the hiring side of castings, runway shows, and fashion campaigns, Steph has built the program she wished had existed when she was starting her own journey.
“I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a fashion designer. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I even knew it was a possibility,” says Steph. “After years of working as a teacher, I made the decision to pursue my dream, and my big break came when I was invited to showcase in Paris Fashion Week. That moment changed everything for me, and I wanted others to have the same opportunities.”
Award Recognition: Best Modeling Program of 2025
In a testament to its transformative impact, Designing A Modelwas recently recognized as the Best Modeling Program in the U.S. for 2025. This prestigious accolade reflects the program’s ability to elevate aspiring models, offering them more than just technical skills. It’s an endorsement of Steph Vargas’ unwavering commitment to providing inclusive, real-world training that opens doors for underrepresented talent in the fashion industry.
A Program Built for the Overlooked and Underrepresented
Designing A Modelstands out by focusing on models who have often been overlooked, told they didn’t have the “look,” or assumed to be “too short” or “too late” to break into the industry. The program is designed for individuals who want to learn how to market themselves, build their own brand, and prepare for real-world opportunities—whether or not they have agency representation.
“I’ve seen firsthand who gets chosen and who gets overlooked,” Steph explains. “This program is built from the perspective of someone who actually hires models. I want to give aspiring models the tools to become more than just a pretty face; I want them to be the model that designers can’t wait to work with.”
Inside the Program: More Than Just Posing for the Camera
What makes Designing A Modelunique is that it goes beyond basic runway training. This masterclass provides aspiring models with the skills they need to manage their careers like businesses. Students receive personalized guidance on:
- Walk Like a Pro: Learn runway techniques and how to pose with confidence.
- Brand Yourself: Build a personal brand that makes you stand out.
- Real Exposure: Gain runway opportunities at renowned events like New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week.
- Model Mindset: Develop the mindset necessary to own your career.
- Mentorship: Work closely with Steph and other industry professionals to get insider strategies for success.
“We’re not just about getting models to walk; we’re teaching them how to create lasting impressions,” says Steph. “We provide the industry’s most realistic approach to becoming the model every designer wants to work with.”
Real Runway Opportunities: Making It Happen
Unlike many programs that focus on theory, Designing A Modeloffers real exposure. Students walk in prestigious fashion events, gaining confidence and recognition that accelerate their careers.
“It’s not just about what you can do on the runway. It’s about how you present yourself off the runway as well,” Steph adds. “At Designing A Model, we help you turn your passion into a career, and we do it with integrity, transparency, and real opportunities.”
The Power of Representation
At its core, Designing A Modelisn’t just a modeling course—it’s a movement that advocates for representation and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to take their place in the fashion world. By providing mentorship and access to high-fashion events, the program opens doors for those who have long been underrepresented in the industry.
“Modeling is not just about being pretty. It’s about power, confidence, and owning your space,” Steph emphasizes. “I want to see more models who are passionate about creating their own brand and legacy—models who are empowered to be themselves in an industry that’s always watching.”
Real Success Stories
The success of Designing A Modelis reflected in its students’ experiences. They gain not only the skills to succeed but also the emotional support and confidence-building necessary to thrive in a challenging industry. As one student puts it:
“Gaining the experience to be confident to go down that runway!”
Another adds, “Steph and Nikki were amazing mentors who truly taught me everything I needed to know to conquer the runway like the queen they taught us to be!”
These real success stories highlight the program’s focus on both the technical and emotional support needed to succeed.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Steph Vargas didn’t wait for permission to follow her dreams, and now, through Designing A Model, she’s giving others the chance to do the same. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this program is designed to empower models to stand tall, be confident, and own their careers.
By creating space for the underrepresented and giving aspiring models the tools they need to succeed, Designing A Modelis not just changing the narrative of the modeling industry—it’s empowering the next generation to build their own success stories.
To learn more about Designing A Modeland get started on your journey, visit:
Instagram: Designing A Model
