PEORIA FASHION WEEK ACADEMY — NOW ENROLLING
Fashion models backstage at a PFWA runway show

Peoria Fashion Week Academy

TRAIN. DEVELOP. PERFORM.

A professional fashion academy for emerging designers, models, and creatives in Central Illinois.

SEE PROGRAMSCONTACT US
3+Years
100+Creatives Trained
20+Mentors
501(c)(3)Nonprofit

Now Enrolling

Choose Your Program

01

BEGINNER STITCH & SEW

$150

  • 8-week program
  • Beginner friendly
  • All materials included
  • Certificate of completion
ENROLL IN STITCH & SEW
02

PRIVATE 1-ON-1 STITCH & SEW

$300

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Personalized curriculum
  • All skill levels
  • Monthly enrollment
BOOK PRIVATE STITCH & SEW
03

MODEL CODE

$20

  • Open enrollment
  • All experience levels
  • Peoria & Bloomington
  • Professional training
ENROLL IN MODEL CODE

Registration links open in a new tab via Jotform. Contact thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com with questions.

Beginner Program

BEGINNER STITCH & SEW

8Weeks
$150Total Cost
AllSkill Levels
IncludedMaterials

An 8-week hands-on sewing program designed for complete beginners.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Machine operation and threading
  • 02Fabric selection and types
  • 03Cutting techniques and patterns
  • 04Seam construction and finishing
  • 05Pressing and professional finishing
  • 06Pattern reading and markings
  • 07Garment assembly
  • 08Basic alterations and fitting
  • 09Closures: zippers, buttons, snaps
  • 10Design fundamentals
  • 11Final wearable garment project
ENROLL IN BEGINNER STITCH & SEW

Registration is handled through Jotform. You will be redirected to the enrollment form.

Student working at a sewing machine in the Stitch & Sew course
$150TOTAL

Stitch & Sew

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Learn about the sewing professionals leading this program.

VIEW INSTRUCTORS

Private Instruction

One-on-one private sewing instruction session
$300PER MONTH

PRIVATE 1-ON-1 STITCH & SEW

$50Per Hour
1-on-1Instruction
FlexibleScheduling
AllSkill Levels

Personalized one-on-one sewing instruction tailored to your goals, schedule, and skill level.

Work directly with an experienced instructor at your own pace on the techniques and projects that matter most to you.

Areas of Instruction

  • 01Custom curriculum
  • 02Flexible scheduling
  • 03Pattern drafting
  • 04Garment construction
  • 05Alterations and tailoring
  • 06Design development
  • 07Portfolio building
  • 08Fashion show preparation
  • 09Advanced techniques
BOOK PRIVATE STITCH & SEW

Registration is handled through Jotform. You will be redirected to the enrollment form.

Private Instruction

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Learn about the sewing professionals available for private sessions.

VIEW INSTRUCTORS

03 / MODEL CODE

MODEL CODE

MORE THAN WALKING A RUNWAY.

$20 PER CLASS

Model Code is a professional model development program designed to build confidence, runway skills, posing technique, and industry knowledge for aspiring models at every level.

PEORIA MODEL CODEPeoria, Illinois
$20 per class
REGISTER — PEORIA01
BLOOMINGTON MODEL CODEBloomington, Illinois
$20 per class
REGISTER — BLOOMINGTON02

What You'll Learn

01

RUNWAY

Walking techniques, posture, pacing, turns, runway presence, and choreography.

02

POSING

Editorial, commercial, and fashion posing techniques.

03

CONFIDENCE

Developing confidence, presence, communication, and personal identity.

04

MODEL ETIQUETTE

Professional behavior, punctuality, backstage etiquette, and industry expectations.

05

BRANDING

Understanding personal branding, social media, professional image, and marketability.

06

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT

Understanding model portfolios, headshots, digitals, and comp cards.

07

INDUSTRY EDUCATION

Learning about casting calls, fashion shows, agencies, contracts, designers, and professional expectations.

08

FASHION SHOW EXPERIENCE

Students may have opportunities to participate in Academy productions, fashion shows, and community events.

Model Code student practicing runway walk and posing techniques
$20PER CLASS
MODEL
CODE
Model Code program — professional model development

Peoria Fashion Week Academy

MODEL CODE

More Than a Modeling Class. A Model Development Experience.

Model Code is designed to help aspiring models build confidence, strengthen runway and posing skills, understand the business of modeling, and prepare for real industry opportunities.

Students can begin with affordable introductory classes and advance into higher levels as their skills, confidence, and professional readiness develop.

Program Levels

Model Code Foundations — beginner runway and modeling training
01
$20Per Class
BeginnerOpen Enrollment

Level 01

MODEL CODE:
FOUNDATIONS

Learn the Code.

Model Code Foundations is designed for beginners and aspiring models who want to learn the fundamentals of modeling in a welcoming, professional training environment. No previous modeling experience is required.

Areas of Instruction

  • —Runway walking fundamentals
  • —Posture and stage presence
  • —Basic turns, stops, and transitions
  • —Confidence development
  • —Beginner posing techniques
  • —Facial expressions and camera awareness
  • —Model etiquette and professionalism
  • —Grooming and presentation
  • —Introduction to runway, commercial, and editorial modeling
  • —Casting call preparation
  • —How to take basic model digitals
  • —Introduction to portfolios and comp cards
  • —Social media and personal branding basics
  • —Modeling industry terminology
  • —Practice castings
  • —Instructor feedback

Start here if you are new to modeling or want to strengthen your fundamentals.

ENROLL IN FOUNDATIONS — $20 PER CLASS
Model Code Development — intermediate model training and professional development
02
$150Per Month
Intermediate Model Development

Level 02

MODEL CODE:
DEVELOPMENT

Develop the Model.

Model Code Development is designed for models who understand the fundamentals and are ready for more structured training, professional development, and individualized feedback.

Areas of Instruction

  • —Advanced runway techniques
  • —Stronger turns, transitions, and pacing
  • —Advanced posing
  • —Editorial movement
  • —Commercial modeling exercises
  • —Mock casting calls
  • —Audition preparation
  • —Personal branding
  • —Model résumé development
  • —Portfolio strategy
  • —Agency submission preparation
  • —Introduction to modeling contracts
  • —Professional etiquette
  • —Social media and image review
  • —Individual coach evaluations
  • —Model goal setting
  • —Opportunities to participate in selected Academy productions and events

Students may enter Model Code Development after completing Foundations or receiving instructor approval.

APPLY FOR MODEL CODE DEVELOPMENT
Model Code Pro — advanced industry preparation for professional models
03
Starting at $250Per Month
AdvancedIndustry Preparation

Level 03

MODEL CODE:
PRO

Build the Career.

Model Code Pro is our advanced development program for models preparing to pursue professional opportunities, agency representation, paid work, major productions, and larger fashion markets.

Areas of Instruction

  • —Advanced runway choreography
  • —Designer fitting etiquette
  • —Garment handling
  • —Editorial photoshoot training
  • —Commercial audition training
  • —Video audition and slate training
  • —Agency interview preparation
  • —Personal brand strategy
  • —Portfolio strategy
  • —Model résumé development
  • —Comp card preparation
  • —Professional digitals guidance
  • —Individual model development plan
  • —Contract education
  • —Model rates and payment education
  • —Paid-job etiquette
  • —Professional networking preparation
  • —Industry guest workshops
  • —Access to selected photographers, designers, stylists, and creatives
  • —Agency submission guidance
  • —Priority consideration for selected Academy and Fashion Week opportunities

Model Code Pro is available through application, audition, instructor recommendation, or demonstrated readiness.

APPLY FOR MODEL CODE PRO

Professional Development

PERSONALIZED MODEL SERVICES

Take Your Development Further.

Model Code tuition covers the training associated with each program level. Students may also choose professional development services that require additional production, photography, printing, or individualized coaching.

Starting at $50

Professional Model Digitals

Clean, professional digital photos used for agency submissions and casting calls.

Starting at $75

Comp Card Development

Design and production of professional model comp cards for industry use.

Starting at $500

Professional Portfolio Photoshoot

A curated photoshoot session to build or refresh your modeling portfolio.

$50 per hour

Private Model Coaching

One-on-one coaching sessions focused on your individual development goals.

Pricing varies

Portfolio Development

Full portfolio strategy, curation, and development based on services selected.

Starting at $75

Agency Submission Preparation

Guidance and materials preparation for submitting to modeling agencies.

Pricing varies

Specialty Masterclasses

Focused workshops on specific modeling skills, techniques, or industry topics.

Pricing varies

Fashion Week Intensives

Intensive preparation programs aligned with fashion week productions and events.

Training is included within each Model Code program level. Professional photoshoots, printed materials, personalized portfolio services, hair and makeup, and other outside production services may require additional fees.

How Progression Works

YOUR MODEL CODE JOURNEY

01

FOUNDATIONS

Learn the fundamentals.

02

DEVELOPMENT

Strengthen your skills and professional identity.

03

PRO

Prepare for professional opportunities.

Model Code is designed as a developmental training system rather than a traditional one-size-fits-all modeling class.

—Students do not automatically advance based only on how long they have attended classes.

—Instructors evaluate each model based on demonstrated skills, professionalism, consistency, confidence, growth, and readiness.

Once a student demonstrates readiness in the required areas, an instructor may recommend advancement to the next Model Code level.

Model Code Skills Checklist

Runway walk
Posture
Turns and transitions
Stage presence
Posing
Facial expressions
Camera presence
Casting preparation
Professional etiquette
Personal branding
Communication
Industry knowledge
Reliability and professionalism

Where We Train

FIND MODEL CODE NEAR YOU

Model Code training is currently offered in Central Illinois with programs designed to provide aspiring models access to professional development close to home.

Model Code Peoria instructor

PEORIA, ILLINOIS

Instructor Name: Rayniah Anderson

Model Code Instructor — Peoria, Illinois

Instructor biography and background coming soon.

Experience

Experience details coming soon.

Credentials

Credentials coming soon.

Class Schedule

Class schedule coming soon.

Training Location

Distillery Labs, 201 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602

Contact

thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com

REGISTER NOW
Model Code Bloomington instructor

BLOOMINGTON/ PEORIA, ILLINOIS

Instructor Name: Leilani Delivia Taylor

Model Code Instructor — Bloomington/ Peoria

Instructor biography and background coming soon.

Experience

Experience details coming soon.

Credentials

Credentials coming soon.

Class Schedule

Class schedule coming soon.

Training Location

TBA Room, Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal, IL

Contact

thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com

VIEW BLOOMINGTON CLASSES

Find Your Level

WHICH MODEL CODE LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

I'M JUST STARTING

MODEL CODE: FOUNDATIONS

$20 Per Class

Best for

  • —First-time models
  • —Students with little or no training
  • —Models rebuilding basic skills
  • —Anyone who wants to try modeling before committing to a larger program
START HERE

I'M READY TO DEVELOP

MODEL CODE: DEVELOPMENT

$150 Per Month

Best for

  • —Models with basic runway experience
  • —Students ready for more structured training
  • —Models wanting portfolio and branding development
  • —Students interested in castings and professional opportunities
EXPLORE DEVELOPMENT

I'M PREPARING FOR THE INDUSTRY

MODEL CODE: PRO

Starting at $250 Per Month

Best for

  • —Experienced developing models
  • —Models interested in agencies
  • —Models preparing for paid opportunities
  • —Models interested in larger markets
  • —Students building professional portfolios and materials
EXPLORE MODEL CODE PRO

Common Questions

MODEL CODE FAQ

Model Code — fashion runway training

YOUR WALK IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

Model Code develops more than runway technique.

We help aspiring models build confidence, professionalism, personal branding, industry knowledge, camera presence, and the skills necessary to navigate opportunities on and beyond the runway.

Start where you are. Develop at your pace. Build toward where you want to go.

START WITH FOUNDATIONS — $20 PER CLASSEXPLORE ADVANCED MODEL CODE

Our Programs

Three Pathways. One Mission.

Fashion mentor working one-on-one with a student
Mentorship

Mentorship

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP

One-on-one guidance from industry professionals — models, designers, photographers, and producers. Our mentors are working creatives who bring real-world knowledge directly to emerging talent in the Peoria region.

  • Direct access to working industry professionals
  • Personalized guidance for your creative goals
  • Flexible scheduling around your availability
  • Real-world knowledge and career insight
APPLY FOR MENTORSHIP
Community fashion workshop with students working together
Community

Community

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Hands-on workshops open to the community covering fashion design, sewing, styling, photography, and more. No experience required — just a passion for fashion and creativity.

  • Open to all skill levels and backgrounds
  • Hands-on learning in a creative environment
  • Topics rotate seasonally
  • Affordable and accessible to the community
VIEW WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Young students in a fashion design class
Youth

Youth

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Introducing young creatives ages 13–18 to fashion careers through hands-on academy programs. We believe every young person in Peoria deserves access to creative education and a pathway into the fashion industry.

  • Designed for ages 13–18
  • Hands-on fashion and design education
  • Career pathway introduction
  • Supportive and encouraging environment
ENROLL IN YOUTH PROGRAM

At a Glance

Stitch & Sew

Learn sewing, garment construction, design fundamentals, and how ideas become wearable creations.

Model Code

Develop runway skills, posing, confidence, personal branding, and professional modeling knowledge.

Photography / Editorial Eye

Learn photography, visual storytelling, fashion imagery, creative direction, and portfolio development.

DJ & Sound Engineering

Explore DJ fundamentals, audio production, sound engineering, music development, and performance.

Graphic Design / Creative Media

Learn visual branding, design, digital content, marketing materials, and creative communication.

Private Lessons

Receive individualized instruction based on your skill level, goals, and schedule.

Future Classes

New programs in development — fashion styling, hair & makeup, business, video production, and more.

BEGIN YOUR ACADEMY JOURNEY

All programs are open to Peoria and Central Illinois creatives. Reach out to learn which program is right for you.

CONTACT USEXPLORE THE TALENT MARKETPLACE