You don't really have to know anyone actually. All you have to do is get 2 poloroids taken (1 of your face and 1 full body) and either e-mail them to an agency or go up there and do it in person. And thats for any high fashion agency.
As for fronting costs, you will never be asked to pay for a photoshoot. There are alot of scams that kids fall into and they always ask for money for a shoot or to goto "modelling school". It's all BS.
when it all comes down to it, youve either got it or you dont.