Top 10 Models in the World: Their Journey towards Stardum
The world of modeling is as glamorous as it is competitive, with only a select few reaching the pinnacle of success. Here’s a look at the top 10 models globally, highlighting their origins and the paths that led them to become icons in the fashion industry.
1. Gisele Bündchen (Brazil)
Country: Brazil
Journey: Gisele Bündchen’s rise to fame began when she was discovered by a modeling scout at a shopping mall in São Paulo at the age of 14.
Her breakthrough came after she walked in Alexander McQueen’s 1998 runway show, which was a pivotal moment for her career.
Bündchen’s unique look and runway presence led her to become one of the highest-paid models in the world, and she has graced the covers of numerous top fashion magazines, including Vogue.
2. Kendall Jenner (USA)
Country: United States
Journey: Kendall Jenner’s entry into modeling was facilitated by her visibility on the reality TV show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
She signed with Wilhelmina Models at age 14 and gradually built her career.
Her breakthrough came during the 2014 and 2015 fashion weeks, where she walked for high-profile designers like Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, and Chanel.
Jenner’s social media presence has also significantly boosted her modeling career.
3. Bella Hadid (USA)
Country: United States
Journey: Bella Hadid was signed to IMG Models in 2014, and her career quickly took off. She has appeared on numerous international Vogue covers and has walked for top designers such as Versace, Dior, and Chanel.
Hadid’s unique features and versatility have made her one of the most sought-after models in the industry.
4. Adut Akech (South Sudan/Australia)
Country: South Sudan/Australia
Journey: Adut Akech was born in South Sudan and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya before moving to Australia. She was discovered by a local modeling agency at the age of 16.
Akech’s big break came when she walked exclusively for Saint Laurent during the Spring/Summer 2017 show.
Since then, she has become a muse for designers like Karl Lagerfeld and has won several “Model of the Year” awards.
5. Liu Wen (China)
Country: China
Journey: Liu Wen began her modeling career in 2005 after participating in a Chinese reality TV modeling contest.
She became the first Chinese model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the first Asian model to become a spokesperson for Estée Lauder.
Wen has since been a regular on the runway for top brands and featured on international magazine covers.
6. Kaia Gerber (USA)
Country: United States
Journey: The daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber was born into the fashion world.
She signed with IMG Models at a young age and made her runway debut at 16 during New York Fashion Week, walking for major brands like Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs. Gerber’s striking resemblance to her mother and her own unique appeal have catapulted her to supermodel status.
7. Ashley Graham (USA)
Country: United States
Journey: Ashley Graham was discovered at a mall in Nebraska at the age of 12. She has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, advocating for body positivity and size inclusivity.
Graham broke barriers by becoming the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in 2016. Her success has paved the way for greater diversity in modeling.
8. Jourdan Dunn (UK)
Country: United Kingdom
Journey: Jourdan Dunn was discovered in a London Primark store at the age of 16. She quickly rose to fame and became the first black model to walk a Prada runway in over a decade.
Dunn has been featured on the covers of major fashion magazines and has walked for nearly every top designer. She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion industry.
9. Irina Shayk (Russia)
Country: Russia
Journey: Irina Shayk began her modeling career after winning a beauty contest in her hometown. She gained international fame as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model and has worked with prestigious brands like Victoria’s Secret, Versace, and Givenchy.
Shayk’s striking looks and work ethic have made her one of the most recognizable faces in fashion.
10. Winnie Harlow (Canada)
Country: Canada
Journey: Winnie Harlow, born Chantelle Brown-Young, was discovered by Tyra Banks on Instagram, which led to her participation in “America’s Next Top Model.
Harlow, who has the skin condition vitiligo, has challenged traditional beauty standards and become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has walked for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and appeared in major campaigns, promoting diversity and acceptance.
These top 10 models have not only dominated the runways and magazine covers but have also become icons in their own right. Their journeys to the top have been marked by unique stories of discovery, perseverance, and breaking barriers, making them true inspirations in the world of fashion.
