If you’ve looked at a magazine, scrolled through fashion TikTok, or just opened Instagram this year, you’ve probably noticed something’s changing—big time. The faces, bodies, and voices of today’s top models look nothing like the ones our older siblings pinned on their walls. You’ve got models with shaved heads, prosthetic limbs, visible scars, and curves that break more than just hearts; they break old rules. Beauty in 2025 doesn’t fit inside a skinny box or neat little category. Models are doing more than just walking runways; they’re turning the whole idea of beauty inside out, giving space for authenticity, bold choices, and true individuality. And honestly? The trend isn’t slowing down—it’s taking off like Luna when the treat bag rattles.
New Faces, New Stories: How Today’s Top Models Are Rewriting the Rulebook
Scroll through almost any fashion campaign lately, and the old stereotype simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Brands are finally waking up to what people always wanted: to see real beauty, not edited illusions. Take Jillian Mercado, for example—a model with muscular dystrophy who just headlined an international campaign for Tommy Hilfiger. Or Aaron Rose Philip, who uses a wheelchair and has landed magazine covers by sheer force of personality and style. It’s not charity work—it’s smart business and better storytelling. When you highlight real, lived experience, people feel seen. And when people feel seen, they buy in.
That leads to some pretty cool facts. According to Forbes’ most recent fashion industry survey, campaigns featuring models with visible disabilities, different skin conditions, or plus-size bodies get nearly 20% more engagement on social media than traditional ones. That’s not just a trend; it’s a tidal wave. Take Paloma Elsesser, who’s now headlining both high fashion and popular streetwear brands. Or Quannah Chasinghorse, who brings her Indigenous Han Gwich’in heritage into the biggest runways around the globe. She’s not just wearing the clothes; she’s telling her story, showing her tattoos, and making it clear that culture isn’t something to hide. When she walked for Chanel last spring, she refused to let the stylists cover her facial tattoos, and the brand actually listened. Suddenly, fashion had a heartbeat again.
It’s not just about looks. Models are stepping off the runway and onto activist podiums or social media platforms where their voices shape real conversations. Adut Akech, once a refugee, is now a face of Estée Lauder, using her platform to amplify issues about migration and mental health. Winnie Harlow, with vitiligo, is now more recognized for her outspokenness than her skin. Their influence reaches far beyond glossy pages—they’re sparking actual change within and beyond fashion.
How did we get here? Well, the fashion world’s not exactly known for moving fast—but there’s money at stake, and brands know authenticity sells. Social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, puts fresh faces center stage, and ordinary users demand realness. You see someone like Tess McMillan, with blazing red hair and soft, round features, in a Marc Jacobs ad and think: if she can pull off that pastel suit, why can’t I? Or check out online buzz for campaigns like Savage X Fenty, where Rihanna puts all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds on the same stage and sales skyrocket. It’s not a stunt. This is the new baseline.
Here’s a look at some models holding the torch right now:
- Adut Akech – South Sudanese-Australian, refugee background, international covers.
- Quannah Chasinghorse – Indigenous American, activist, tattooed, globally booked.
- Jillian Mercado – Disabled model and advocate changing the game.
- Paloma Elsesser – Plus-size powerhouse seen in Vogue and Calvin Klein.
- Winnie Harlow – Vitiligo, “America’s Next Top Model” breakout, creator.
- Aaron Rose Philip – Trans, Black, disabled and unstoppable.
- Alton Mason – Dancer, the first Black male model to walk for Chanel.
- Valentina Sampaio – Transgender model, breaks ground with Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated.
If you’re someone wondering where to start appreciating this new wave, just follow these names. Their social feeds are a masterclass in bold self-expression and celebrating what makes people unique. Want to stand out? Take a cue: wear what you love, show your quirks, champion your culture, and speak up for what matters to you. The world is listening now more than ever.
Now, here’s something you may not have known: agencies today scout for more than just chiseled cheekbones. They look for uniqueness, talent, and a strong personal brand. If you’re interested in modeling or building your Instagram account, focus on what makes you different, not what you think others want to see. The days of one-size-fits-all beauty are gone for good.
| Model | Background | Defining Feature | Major Brand(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adut Akech | Refugee, Australia | Dark skin, activism | Estée Lauder, Valentino |
| Quannah Chasinghorse | Indigenous American | Facial tattoos | Chanel, Vogue |
| Winnie Harlow | Canada, Caribbean descent | Vitiligo | Dior, CoverGirl |
| Valentina Sampaio | Brazil | Transgender woman | Victoria's Secret, SI Swimsuit |
| Jillian Mercado | USA | Wheelchair user | Tommy Hilfiger, Target |
This is where fashion’s heartbeat lies now. Long story short: real is trending, and the best way to get noticed is to be unapologetically yourself.
Beyond Stereotypes: The Real Impact of Diverse Models on Fashion and Culture
Ever notice how when things change in fashion, everything else tends to follow? That’s no accident. Fashion’s always been a mirror to society’s obsessions—sometimes flattering, sometimes pretty harsh. But when models start coming in all colors, genders, and abilities, regular people start seeing themselves at the center of the scene. That ripple effect isn’t just making headlines; it’s changing everyday lives.
Think of fashion as the first domino. For decades, runways sent out a message: “If you don’t look like this pencil-thin, Eurocentric ideal, you’re not really supposed to be here.” The new guard says, “There’s a spot for you, too.” Some people ask if it’s just a trend, but when you peek behind the numbers, it’s clear—this movement is sticky. According to a 2025 Business of Fashion report, sales for brands featuring diverse models rose 18% in just one fiscal year. This isn’t just the media patting itself on the back; money talks, and inclusive brands are raking it in.
But sales aren’t the most important thing here. It’s about representation: who gets to feel beautiful, wanted, and powerful. Imagine being a little kid with albinism, like model Diandra Forrest, and suddenly seeing someone who looks just like you on the side of a bus. That’s magic. Luna (my always curious cat) might not understand modeling, but even she perks up when someone walks down the hallway who’s truly unique—that’s the effect we’re talking about. Representation opens the door for new stories, and new sides to beauty, that just never got airtime before.
The shift isn’t stopping at race or size, either. Gender fluid models like Oslo Grace are closing fashion shows, while models with Down syndrome such as Ellie Goldstein are fronting Gucci ads. Even beauty pageants are shaking off old cobwebs: in 2024, Miss Netherlands crowned Rikkie Kollé, a transgender woman, for the first time. TV, movies, and even the beauty aisle at your favorite drugstore have to keep up if they want to stay relevant. We’re getting closer to a world where, whoever you are, you get to see yourself reflected somewhere big—and that trickles into body confidence, media, even daily conversations.
Ever wondered how to support this momentum? Start with your own choices. Avoid brands that Photoshop the soul out of their models or run ad campaigns that feel stale and monotonous. Follow diverse creators; interact with posts that highlight authenticity. If you’re in a hiring position or manage a local event, think about whose faces and voices you’re promoting. The small steps add up—just like every single like, share, or comment counts in moving the needle forward.
Here’s a pro tip for keeping up: use social media algorithms to your advantage. Curate your feeds on TikTok and Instagram to follow models, MUAs (makeup artists), or stylists from all backgrounds—their behind-the-scenes content often dives into what it really looks like to get ready, face setbacks, or break through ancient industry barriers. Check out tags like #ModelsofDiversity, #FashionForAll, or #RunwayRevolution for daily inspo. You’ll see so many styles, body types, abilities, and personalities that magazine racks never showed.
How about stats? Here’s a handy table with real 2024 data:
| Year | Percent of Runway Models of Color | Percent of Plus-Size Models | % of LGBTQ+/Transgender Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 15% | 1.5% | 2% |
| 2020 | 33% | 4.1% | 6% |
| 2024 | 48% | 8.9% | 13% |
That’s nearly triple the inclusion in under a decade. None of this happened overnight, but every new face chips away at old walls so that more folks feel comfortable on the main stage—or simply in their own skin. If you take away one thing, make it this: whenever you hype up individuality, you’re part of the force shaping tomorrow’s standards, too. Who knows? Maybe next year, it’ll be your style that pushes the whole world forward.
Authenticity, Social Change, and How to Stand Out in the Modern Modeling World
By now, you might be thinking: if everyone can join in, what does it take to really stand out in modeling anymore? The beauty of this new era is that “standing out” isn’t about being flawless. It’s all about authenticity—owning your quirks, heritage, style, or even your scars. Every agent I’ve spoken to lately says the same thing: people stop scrolling for someone who wears their truth out loud, not for another copy-paste “look.”
Want some practical tips to get started? First, don’t try to erase your differences. Maybe you have a gap in your teeth, or your hair never falls the “right” way. Feature it. Models like Georgia May Jagger and Slick Woods turned “imperfections” into career trademarks. Next, share your story—brands now want the backstory just as much as they want the photograph. If you have a unique experience, cultural background, or personal journey, put it out there. The line between influencer and model gets blurrier every day, so your voice really does count.
Now, about building your portfolio or social presence: work with photographers who understand what makes you unique. Don’t settle for the same-old white studio shots; play with locations and casts that mean something to you. If you love the city lights, shoot on a rooftop. If you’re into nature, try a forest or rainy day vibe. Remember, casting agents spend hours scrolling—show them something they haven’t seen.
If you’re aiming for bigger agencies, research those already representing diverse talent. In 2025, names like IMG Models and The Society Management have specific departments for unconventional and emerging talent. You can also find smaller agencies specializing in LGBTQ+, disabled, or plus-size models. But don’t get hung up on immediate success. Models like Tess Holliday fought for years before making history as the first size-22 woman on a major fashion magazine cover. Persistence is part of the package. If you see rejection, take it as redirection—sometimes it just means they’re not the right fit for your story.
As for brands, keep an eye on those championing realness. Fenty, Chromat, Dove, and Aerie are a few big names that consistently use unfiltered, diverse casting in ads. But smaller brands often lead the way, too—independent designers like Christian Siriano or Collina Strada take risks before anyone else. Don’t be afraid to start local; your next big opportunity could be at a community fashion show or on a viral TikTok clip, not at Fashion Week in Paris.
One of the best things you can do as a fan, aspiring model, or just someone who loves a good glow-up? Support, amplify, and share content from voices who rarely get a seat at the table. Recommend their accounts, comment, offer genuine encouragement—the algorithms notice. This is a team sport now, so boosting others might just create your own opportunity, too.
For those craving even more stats, here’s a side-by-side to show just how much the game’s changed for modern models compared to those who came before:
| Year | Typical Model Height (cm) | Average Age on Runway | Most Common Nationalities | Percentage With Social Media Influence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 178 | 19 | USA, France, UK, Russia | 8% |
| 2025 | 165-188 | 17-40 | Global: including South Sudan, Brazil, Native American, trans, disabled | 92% |
So, here’s your takeaway: the modeling world has never been wilder, more open-minded, or more creative. The ones who break the mold are making the rules now, while the rest of us get to watch (and cheer them on) as the industry finally starts catching up to the world outside its old velvet ropes. If you want to join them, or just want to support the change, you’ve got all the tips you need—now get out there and help keep beauty real, relevant, and revolutionary.
You might not end up on a runway tomorrow, but embracing what sets you apart will always get you noticed—on camera, IRL, anywhere. That’s the magic these top models are showing us, every single day.
