Fashion models around the world bring the brand’s visions to reality. They make the designer’s visions come to life. Here are 10 global fashion models that you should learn about.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai was born in Cairo, Egypt. She was discovered in 2017 at Howard University’s homecoming week when professional photographer TheSUNK took her picture and posted it on Instagram, gaining viral attention. Along with the social media likes, modeling agencies reached out, and Anok signed up with Next Model Management. The model became the first Sudanese and second Black woman within the first months of signing with Next Model Management to open the Prada Fashion Show in February 2018 during Milan Fashion Week. In the September 2022 W cover for its 50th anniversary, she was officially recognized as a supermodel.
Via Instagram @anokyai
Liu Wen
Liu Wen is China’s first supermodel. Her multitasking, work habits, and breaking into high-fashion campaigns and runway work worldwide have carved her career, which has helped knock down barriers toward Asian representation across the globe in modeling. She was the second Chinese model to be on American Vogue back in March 2017, and in May 2023, she became the first Chinese model to make it on the cover of Vogue three times. Liu Wen has done the runway work of some of the great high-fashion designers. She has worked with the greats, including Chanel, Dior, Prada, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Valentino, and Givenchy.
Via Instagram @liuwenlw
Adut Akech
Adut Akech is a South Sudanese-Australian supermodel and has made headlines in fashion; this role has really cemented her globally as an ambassador for diversity and inclusivity. She has modeled designers such as Chanel, Valentino, and Givenchy. The model graced multiple magazine covers including Vogue Italia’s June 2022 cover, in addition to being named the “Model of the Year” by the British Fashion Council in 2019, further concretizing her influence to change industry standards.
Via Instagram @adutakech
Jourdan Dunn
British supermodel Jourdan Dunn has secured an uncountable number of magazine covers, including British Vogue’s February 2015 cover, symbolizing representation in high fashion. She was the first solo Black model on Forbes’ top-earning model list, making her a name in history both as a style icon and an industry pioneer.
Via Instagram @jourdandunn
Imaan Hammam
Imaan Hammam is a Dutch supermodel of Moroccan and Egyptian descent who has often celebrated her heritage in her work gracing the runways to fronting campaigns for several top designers. A vocal advocate for embracing natural beauty and cultural identity, she also does much more to support women’s rights and to advocate for refugees, further solidifying her influence off the runway. Hammam has worked with such prominent brands as Fendi and Bottega Veneta to cement her position as one of the most sought-after models of her generation.
Via Instagram @imaanhammam
Shanina Shaik
International icon Shanina Shaik covered several international magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and GQ, to seal her international status. Her work for Balmain, Stella McCartney, and Jason Wu shows her versatility and consistency with ever-changing trends within the fashion world. She has further been an activist in body positivity and mental health awareness using her platform to build self-confidence and mental well-being among the audiences.
Via Instagram @shaninamshaik
Yasmin Wijnaldum
Dutch supermodel Yasmin Wijnaldum was known for her features and confident walk; she modeled for Prada and then walked for Versace, Chanel, and Tom Ford, followed by campaigns for Givenchy and Moschino, further sealing her place as a rising star in high fashion. After featuring in key campaigns like Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, this model sealed her name in this industry.
Via Instagram @yasminwijnaldum
Kaia Gerber
Kaia Gerber is the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and has risen through the ranks to fame in the fashion sphere through innately effortless style and iconic runway presence. Kaia’s fresh but unusually chic modeling means she’s worked with some of the biggest brands: Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and Burberry, to name a few. Away from the runway, she is the founder of her own book club called Library Science.
Via Instagram @kaiagerber
Vittoria Ceretti
Vittoria Ceretti is among the most in-demand models. Having walked for some of the great designers such as Valentino, Dior, and Gucci, she has established a presence within the fashion world. She features as one of the most striking runway and campaign faces of recent dates. She has been highly acclaimed throughout her career for the ability to show powerful emotions in her work and connect with her audience at a deeper level.
Via Instagram @vittoria
Ming Xi
Chinese supermodel Ming Xi gained international fame for her collaborations with luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, and Valentino. On the runway, she is classy and elegant. She is a role model in opening the floodgates to Asian representation across the globe within the fashion world.
Via Instagram @mingxi11
Author name: Salomée Levy, Intern at Fashion Law Journal