You’ve seen them on billboards, magazine covers, and Instagram feeds-faces that define trends before they even hit the streets. But who are the top models really? Not just the ones with the highest follower counts or the most runway gigs, but the ones who changed how we see beauty, power, and confidence.
It’s not just about looking good. It’s about breaking rules, rewriting standards, and making people rethink what’s possible. The top models of today aren’t just walking clothes-they’re shaping culture.
What Makes a Model "Top"?
Being called a "top model" isn’t just a title handed out by a magazine. It’s earned over years, through consistency, versatility, and influence. These are the women and men who walk for Chanel one day and star in a global ad campaign for Apple the next. They don’t just wear fashion-they elevate it.
Think about it: when Naomi Campbell walked in the 1990s, she didn’t just show off a dress. She commanded the runway like a queen. When Tyson Beckford stepped onto the scene, he shattered the idea that male models had to look a certain way. These weren’t just faces-they were movements.
Today, the bar is even higher. Top models need to be brand ambassadors, social media influencers, and sometimes even entrepreneurs. They launch skincare lines, design clothing collections, and speak out on issues like body diversity and mental health. Their value isn’t measured in inches or pounds-it’s measured in impact.
The Evolution of Top Models
The 1980s and 90s gave us the first true supermodels: Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss. They were everywhere-on magazine covers, in music videos, even on cereal boxes. They made modeling a celebrity career.
Back then, agencies controlled everything. Photoshoots were expensive. Access was limited. You had to be discovered in a mall or at a fashion show. Now? A teenager in Lagos or Buenos Aires can post a photo on Instagram and get scouted by a global agency within days.
The rise of social media flipped the script. Today’s top models don’t wait for magazines to find them-they build their own audiences. Bella Hadid has over 40 million followers. Adwoa Aboah uses her platform to talk about mental health. Gigi Hadid doesn’t just model for Versace-she co-designs collections with them.
The industry shifted from exclusivity to authenticity. The models who thrive now aren’t just beautiful-they’re real. They show stretch marks, speak about anxiety, and post unfiltered selfies. That’s the new standard.
Who Are the Top Models Right Now?
Let’s talk names. These aren’t just faces you’ve seen-they’re forces.
- Hailey Bieber-She didn’t start as a runway star, but her natural style and social media presence turned her into a global icon. She’s walked for Savage X Fenty, Justin Bieber’s brand, and became a face for Calvin Klein.
- Zendaya-Yes, she’s an actress, but her fashion choices make her one of the most influential models today. She doesn’t just wear clothes-she tells stories with them. Her Met Gala looks are studied by designers.
- Amber Valletta-She’s been in the game since the 90s and still walks for Prada and Chanel. She’s proof that longevity isn’t about age-it’s about presence.
- Jourdan Dunn-One of the first Black models to dominate high fashion in the 2010s. She broke barriers and opened doors for a generation of diverse models.
- David Gandy-One of the few male models who became a household name. He’s been the face of Dolce & Gabbana for over a decade. His look defined modern masculinity in fashion.
These aren’t just models. They’re cultural anchors. Their faces appear in ads that sell everything from luxury watches to deodorant. They’re on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and even Time magazine.
Why Style Matters More Than Ever
Style isn’t just about what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself. It’s confidence, attitude, and intention.
The top models don’t just follow trends-they create them. When Gigi Hadid wore those wide-leg jeans in 2023, they sold out in 48 hours. When Bella Hadid showed up to a fashion week in a cropped hoodie and combat boots, streetwear became high fashion overnight.
It’s not about having the perfect body. It’s about owning your look. The top models today aren’t trying to fit into someone else’s mold. They’re carving out their own.
And that’s why they matter. They show us that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not about being tall, thin, or symmetrical. It’s about being bold. Being real. Being you.
How the Industry Is Changing
The modeling world used to be rigid. Agencies had strict rules: no tattoos, no scars, no curves, no dark skin. That’s not the case anymore.
Brands are finally catching up. Savage X Fenty features models of all sizes, skin tones, and abilities. Aerie runs unretouched campaigns. Nike puts pregnant athletes on billboards.
And the top models are leading the charge. They’re demanding better contracts, creative control, and mental health support. Some have started their own agencies. Others are training the next generation through mentorship programs.
It’s not perfect-but it’s moving. And the models who are pushing for change are the ones who will define the next decade.
What You Can Learn From Top Models
You don’t have to be a model to take inspiration from them. Here’s what you can borrow:
- Own your look-Don’t wait for permission to wear what you love. If you like bold colors, wear them. If you like vintage, rock it.
- Be consistent-Top models don’t disappear for months. They show up. Whether it’s a photoshoot, a post, or a public appearance-they’re reliable.
- Speak up-They use their voice. You can too. Whether it’s about body image, sustainability, or mental health, your opinion matters.
- Don’t compare-The best models don’t compete. They elevate each other. That’s the energy you want to bring to your life.
Style isn’t about looking like someone else. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself. And that’s what the top models are teaching us.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just About the Face
The next time you see a top model on a billboard, remember this: they didn’t get there because they were handed a contract. They got there because they showed up, spoke up, and refused to be boxed in.
They turned fashion into a movement. And you don’t need a runway to do the same.
Who are the most famous top models today?
Some of the most influential top models today include Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, Bella and Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, and David Gandy. They’re known not just for their looks, but for their impact on fashion, culture, and social issues. Many have launched their own brands or use their platforms to advocate for diversity and mental health.
What’s the difference between a model and a supermodel?
A model works in fashion-walks runways, does photoshoots. A supermodel is a model who’s become a cultural icon. They’re recognizable worldwide, earn high fees, and often have careers beyond modeling-like acting, designing, or launching products. Supermodels shape trends, not just follow them.
Do you need to be tall to be a top model?
Traditionally, yes-most runway models are 5’9” or taller. But that’s changing fast. Brands now prioritize personality, uniqueness, and marketability over height. Many top models today, like Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser, are celebrated for their curves and confidence, not their inches. The industry is finally catching up to real diversity.
How do top models make money?
Top models earn from runway shows, magazine covers, advertising campaigns, brand partnerships, and social media posts. Many also launch their own product lines-like Gigi Hadid’s内衣 line or Bella Hadid’s fragrance. Some earn over $1 million per campaign. Their income isn’t just from modeling-it’s from influence.
Can anyone become a top model?
There’s no single path. Many top models were discovered on Instagram or at local events. What matters most isn’t your height or weight-it’s your presence, your confidence, and your ability to connect with a camera or audience. If you have a unique look and the drive to keep showing up, you have a shot.
Aswinraj Rajendran
Man, I remember when my cousin in Delhi saw a pic of Jourdan Dunn and just stared at her screen for like 10 minutes. Said she finally felt seen. That’s wild, right? Modeling used to feel like this exclusive club, but now? Anyone with grit and a good angle can break in. Instagram didn’t just change fashion-it gave voice to people who were never allowed to speak.
Danielle Yao
Actually, it’s ‘underwear,’ not ‘内衣.’ Just saying. Also, Gigi’s line is called ‘Love, Gigi’-not ‘内衣.’ Minor detail, but accuracy matters, especially when people are using this as a reference. And yes, Bella’s fragrance is ‘Bella Hadid Eau de Parfum.’ Please, folks, do a quick Google before you type.
Rehan Rasheed
Y’all need to stop underestimating how powerful this is. These women and men aren’t just posing-they’re rewriting the rules while wearing heels. Think about it: when Hailey Bieber rocks a hoodie and combat boots on the cover of Vogue, it’s not fashion-it’s a revolution. And you don’t need a runway to be part of it. Just wear what makes you feel like a goddamn king or queen. No permission needed. Go out there and own it. Today. Right now. I believe in you.
Caleb Wingate
So wait, you’re saying Zendaya’s a model because she wears cool clothes? Isn’t she an actress? Like… isn’t that her job? And why are we calling her a top model? This feels like a stretch. I mean, I get the vibe, but calling every celebrity who wears a nice dress a model is kinda lazy. Just say they’re style icons. Don’t bend the definition.
Robert Stoots
I love this so much. Seriously. The fact that models are now speaking up about mental health, launching brands, and demanding better treatment? That’s not just progress-that’s evolution. And it’s not just about looks anymore. It’s about heart. It’s about truth. It’s about showing up, even when the world tells you to shrink. I’ve been telling my niece this for years: your worth isn’t measured in inches. It’s measured in courage. Keep going. You’re already enough.
Ross Silvis
Top models? More like top influencers with free clothes. Let’s be real. Half these ‘icons’ got famous because they dated a pop star or posted a selfie in a bikini. Naomi Campbell? Legendary. But Hailey Bieber? She’s a Kardashian-lite with a good PR team. And don’t even get me started on ‘body diversity’-they still only pick the ‘hot’ curvy girls. Real diversity? Nah. Just a new filter.
Schechter Donovan
Okay but Ross? You’re kinda right… but also kinda not? Like yeah, the industry still has a long way to go-but we’re not where we were in 1995. And honestly? The fact that someone like Jourdan Dunn could walk for Prada and then turn around and mentor a 16-year-old girl in Lagos? That’s the real win. It’s messy. It’s imperfect. But it’s moving. And that’s worth celebrating, even if it’s not perfect.
Anant Raj Bharti
The evolution of modeling is one of the most fascinating cultural shifts of the last 30 years. From the rigid, Eurocentric standards of the 80s to today’s global, inclusive, self-made icons-it’s not just fashion, it’s a societal redefinition of beauty, power, and identity. Social media didn’t just democratize access; it shifted the power dynamic from agencies to individuals. Models today aren’t products-they’re CEOs of their own brand. And that’s not just change. That’s liberation.