City Desk

Durham Students Signed to Modelling Agencies

Read here to see the list of Durham University's signed models.

/ James Gourlay via DUCFS

From DUCFS having their logo projected against the student union, photoshoots in the famous "red room" to the success of TRASHION with its 'fashion week'-esque runway. If the Durham University 2025/26 academic year could be summarised in one word: charity fashion shows.

Thanks to DUCFS being the largest student charity fundraiser in Europe, Durham has certainly built up a prime reputation in the fashion world. As Head of Fashion at TRASHION 2026, castings are arguably the most crucial part. You need a look which fits the editorial vision, a signature walk which fits between the fine line of showcasing garments but staying concrete memorable and a distinct, unique vibe.

Post-show buzz and magazine articles like this one help bring attention to the garments, cause and the models. That's why it becomes no surprise when you see a surge of bios containing phrases like "MA @imgmodels" and email addresses. Here's a list of Durham student models who are signed by modelling agencies and now find themselves travelling globally for castings and runways.

Sabrina Bahsoon

Sabrina Bahsoon was a law student at Durham University who graduated in 2023. Sabrina modelled for DUCFS in her final year and was later signed to IMG Models in New York. Having went from practicing her walk in a Durham student accommodation, she's since amassed over 105,000 Instagram followers and walked for Christian Cowan at Paris Fashion Week. Might I also add, collaborated celebrities like model Naomi Campbell and singer Troye Sivan.

Sammy Allsop

Pictured on the cover of Denizen in Dior and BVLGARI, Sammy Allsop studied Classics at Durham University. On Made in Chelsea, walking in DUCFS brought the modelling industry's eyes on her. Post-Durham, Sammy moved to London where she worked as both an actor and a model; now living in Sydney, represented by Chic Management, it appears that the model is killing it within all areas of the media. Less than a year ago, she made her directorial debut on a film about immigration while anti-immigrant rallies were happening across Australia described as both "heartbreaking and heart-mending."

Milo Ramdani Medhurst

Studying MSc Physics, Milo Ramdani Medhurst modelled in TRASHION 2026: Durham's only sustainable charity fashion show. Often found roaming the streets of Paris and Milan, Milo is signed with Spanish Bueno Models as his mother agent and Boom Models Agency in Milan.

Yuqi Hong

Yuqi Hong, studying Law at the prestigious NUS in Singapore, modelled in TRASHION 2026. She came to Durham University on an exchange year for the 2025/26 academic year. Now back in Singapore, Yuqi has now been signed to NOW Models with her comp card taken by photographer Franz.

Eliza Batten

Co-Founder Eliza Batten of THE CIRKEL studied Anthropology at Durham University where she modelled in DUCFS. It's no wonder why she gained the "it-girl" title. Before Durham, she was repped by Milk Management and had already walked in London Fashion Week. Though, she secured a place in TV show Made in Chelsea which one viewer described as a "breath of fresh air" with her grounded morals and independent nature. On Instagram, Eliza is now with a social media agency and has over 130k followers alongside her company's title of "Europe's fastest growing resale platform" with almost 165k followers.

Igor Rosiewicz

While he has not walked in a charity fashion show yet, Igor Rosiewicz is a signed model studying at Durham University. The model represented by FOMO Models, an agency with many credits ranging from Netflix to high-profile brands like Gucci and D&G, has to fly places often with short notice. Nonetheless, Igor has participated in Durham University's Wilder Fight Night which fundraises for charities like The OddBalls Foundation.

Ella-May van der Gaag

Ella-May van der Gaag is no stranger to the world of arts having studied at some of the globe's top institutions: Identity School of Acting, Central Saint Martins, Appollon Art Florence Studio. Ella-May studied BA Sociology at Durham University where she modelled in DUCFS and later took the role of Talent Manager. Coming to Durham already represented by Linden Staub Talent Agency, she's now models with legendary agency Nevs Models and runs a Substack self-described as "if Jane Austen used the notes app."

Given the 2026/27 academic year fast-approaching, eyes of agents will certainly be watching those who walk down the runway. All it takes is one casting to get the industry's eyes on you and find yourself following a similar path to the models listed above. Having been a commercial model prior to Durham University, I can confirm there's nothing better than getting hair and makeup done... if you know, you know.