10 Up and Coming Models You Won’t Have Heard of Yet
This year’s runway season was one to remember: every show had a mix of reigning supermodels and some fresh new faces whose careers we’ll definitely want to follow. Keep reading for our roundup of some of the newest up and coming models you’ll be seeing in the years to come.
2018’s breakout stars were a diverse crowd of women, with several African refugees-turned models and some unbelievable scouting stories, all of whom are helping give the fashion industry some of the diverse, unique talent that is so needed.
Anok Yai
Anok Yai made history this season by being the first black model to open Prada since Naomi Campbell’s 1997 walk. She’s and her family are survivors of the Sudanese genocide and now reside in Manchester, NH by way of Egypt. Discovered after an Instagram photo of her at Howard University’s homecoming went viral (above), her career instantly took off. She told Vogue in February: “This is bigger than me. Me opening for one of the top fashion houses is a statement to the world – especially for black women – that their beauty is something that deserves to be celebrated.”
2. Heejung Park
Known for her edgy, bold look and personal style, South Korean model Heejung Park was a former Louis Vuitton exclusive and now is a frequent face on many major runways.
3. Remington Williams
Discovered while working at Chipotle just days before her runway debut, this 20-year-old from Austin Texas has bright red hair and an eclectic look that made her a model to watch this season.
4. Adesuwa Aighewi
Though Adesuwa’s been around for some time, sometimes best known for her courage to speak her mind, she’s finally enjoying the fruits of her hard work after an amazing season. Native to Nigeria with Chinese and Thai descent, she found management that let her embrace her unique qualities and signature dreadlocks. Her career subsequently hit an incredible stride as she walked shows for Chanel, Alexander Wang, Miu Miu, Dior, Fendi, and many more.
5. Ansolet Roussow
This newbie from Bloemfontein, South Africa was discovered from a class photo where she stood out from the crowd, even in a school uniform. With quirky ears and a versatile appeal, her strong pout is definitely going to be popping up on runways for seasons to come.
6. Akiima
Like Anok Yai, this Kenyan-Australian model was also a refugee–turned Prada exclusive, and is now walking some of the biggest shows. She closed Kenzo and Chalayan this year and appeared in several magazine editorials.
7. Loane Normand
This versatile, tomboyish beauty from Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, France turned heads this year with her gamine cut and adorable beauty mark, as well as her effortless ability to rock any style.
8. Shanelle Nyasiase
A Nairobi, Kenya native, Nyasiase walked in over 40 of the top shows this year, making her a face we won’t forget. Her radiant smile and bold runway walk cemented her spot in this year’s group of up-and-comers and African stars.
9. Rocio Marconi
At only 16, Rocio Marconi walked in some of the biggest shows this season. Her lanky glamour and half-Italian, half-Cuban heritage made this Buenos Aires native an up and coming model that took the season by storm.
10. Fran Summers
With a classic Brit-girl vibe and chic shaggy bob, Yorkshire-born Fran Summers is a strong newcomer with a season to prove it. She opened Chloe, closed Prada, and hit up every other major show in between.
From the tomboyish beauty of Loane Normand to Shanelle Nyasiase’s striking cheekbones, our favorite up and coming models of 2018 are all stunning and unique. We look forward to seeing their careers grow and draw inspiration from these fresh-faced beauties.
