Analysis · 26 June 2026 · 7 min read
How the Cast Index scores a model
The four pillars, time decay and evidence confidence—explained without hiding the judgement behind the number.
By Kaiser Khan · Updated 2026-07-16
- Published
- 26 June 2026
- Updated
- 2026-07-16
- Sources
- 2 linked references
- Position
- Independent editorial
Direct answer
How does the Cast Index calculate a global model ranking?
The Cast Index combines runway presence (40%), campaigns (30%), editorial authority (20%) and cultural impact (10%). Dated evidence is weighted by prestige and recency, then published with a confidence label so readers can distinguish deeply verified profiles from developing evidence files.
01 / Analysis
What are the four ranking pillars?
Runway presence contributes 40 per cent. The assessment considers show volume, house prestige and whether a model opened, closed or held an exclusive. Campaign and commercial work contributes 30 per cent, with global luxury contracts carrying more weight than small or short-lived placements.
Editorial authority contributes 20 per cent. Major covers, respected independent titles and high-level photographer relationships are evaluated separately. Cultural impact supplies the final 10 per cent through verified ambassadorships, meaningful engagement and influence beyond a single booking.
02 / Analysis
How does time decay keep the ranking current?
A booking is not worth the same forever. Evidence keeps full weight in its current scoring year, loses substantial influence in the following year and becomes residual historical context after that. The mechanism prevents a famous archive from overpowering a quieter present.
There is no age ceiling. A model of any age can rank when the rolling evidence shows current demand; conversely, fame alone does not guarantee inclusion.
03 / Analysis
Why publish an evidence-confidence label?
Fashion records are fragmented across agencies, brands, magazines, show archives and interviews. A confidence label tells the reader how completely the desk has cross-referenced those records. High means multiple strong sources support the score; medium means the core case is supported but some detail remains incomplete; baseline means the profile is still being built.
The ranking is an editorial assessment, not an official industry award. Publishing the method, evidence and confidence is how readers can challenge or improve it.
Verification
Sources and further reading
- 01 The Cast Index — full methodology and weighting
- 02 The Cast Index — live rankings and confidence labels
Facts were checked against the linked sources on 2026-07-16. Rankings and schedules can change; send corrections to desk@thecastindex.com.
