20 Rising Model Stars to Watch in 2017 Inline
Photo: Courtesy of Aiden Curtis / @aidencurtiss1/20Aiden Curtiss
As the daughter of modeling legend Katoucha Niane, Aiden Curtiss is the latest second-generation model to command the attention of the fashion industry. Though she has her mother’s graceful walk—as evidenced by her opening spot at Roland Mouret’s Spring 2017 show— Curtiss brings a fresh beauty all her own.
Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Steele / @amandasteele2/20Amanda Steele
A YouTube sensation with a love of fashion and makeup, Amanda Steele’s outfits-of-the-day and how-to beauty moments are watched by millions. Expanding her brand with a step into modeling, Steele could be the next Cameron Dallas–style crossover.
Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Micu /@alexxandramicu3/20Alexandra Micu
Romanian newcomer Alexandra Micu had an impressive 2016, snagging a Louis Vuitton exclusive and walking the runway for brands such as Prada and Jil Sander, but 2017 offers the classic beauty a chance to distinguish herself. With her bushy brows and perfect bone structure, Micu seems like an ideal candidate for a beauty contract.
Photo: Courtesy of Amber Rose Witcomb / @amberwitcomb4/20Amber Witcomb
A breakthrough season in Spring 2017 put Amber Witcomb on fashion’s radar, but the Canadian beauty is notable for more than an impressive show list. Witcomb’s one-of-a-kind beauty is attention-grabbing all on its own.
Photo: Courtesy of Brittany Noon / @ brittanynoon5/20Brittany Noon
Growing up on the island paradise of Antigua, Brittany Noon dreamed of becoming a model, so the moment she could, she started submitting her pictures to agencies. The move paid off and Noon just wrapped a stellar debut season. With a passion for studying languages, Noon puts her skills to good use traveling the world for work.
Photo: Courtesy of Silent Models NY / @ silentmodelsny6/20Cara Taylor
As one of the cool girl models putting a fresh spin on the term Southern Belle, Alabama beauty Cara Taylor spent 2016 on the runway for Alexander Wang, Dior, and Prada. Now posing for Patrick Demarchelier and Daniel Jackson while finishing up school, the brainy Taylor plans on studying microbiology once it’s time for college.
Photo: Courtesy of Diana Veras / @mynamesdiana7/20Diana Veras
Outspoken on issues surrounding body image and diversity, Diana Veras isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Using her platform to showcase her personality and connect with fans directly, Veras is refreshingly real about conventional beauty standards, empowerment, and what it’s really like being a model.
Photo: Courtesy of Dilia Martins / @diliamartins8/20Dilia Martins
As one of the latest baby-faced beauties to take modeling by storm, Dilia Martins has become a regular at Miu Miu and a presence in editorials by photographers including Alasdair McLellan. A fashion fan in addition to being a model, Martins regularly shares Instagram updates with icons such as Lauren Hutton and candid snaps from backstage.
Giannina Oteto Photo: Courtesy of APM Models / @apmmodels9/20Giannina Oteto
Odds are you’ve seen Giannina Oteto’s face before; the Kenyan stunner has been featured everywhere from one of Yeezy’s seasonal presentations to the cover art for Childish Gambino’s latest album. Oteto has been working steadily within the industry for years: 2017 could provide her with her breakthrough moment.
Photo: Courtesy of Hannah Ferguson / @hannahfergusonofficial10/20Hannah Ferguson
In search of the next bombshell? Hannah Ferguson has all the makings of a superstar. An athlete and former ballerina, Ferguson took up modeling after a volleyball injury halted her sports career. Now in the pages of Sports Illustrated and the face of countless swimwear ads, Ferguson is becoming one of modeling’s most recognizable faces.
Photo: Courtesy of Hiandra Martinez / @hiandramartinez11/20Hiandra Martinez
Some girls just have the It factor. When Hiandra Martinez stepped onto the runway during Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent debut, she made an instant impact; her ease on the runway, sleek cornrows, and singular beauty all demanded attention. Fast-forward a few months and Martinez is now the face of all things Saint Laurent, and her 2017 is set to be even bigger.
Photo: Courtesy of Hyunjoo Hwang / @hyunjoo_hwang12/20Hyunjoo Hwang
Korea’s Next Top Model alums have a proven track record for success and the show continues to introduce fashion to new talent. The stunning Hyunjoo Hwang was a finalist during season four and she’s set to be the franchise’s latest runway winner.
Photo: Courtesy of Inka Williams / @inkawilliams13/20Inka Williams
Born and raised in Bali, petite beauty Inka Williams has been modeling since she was around 6 months old. Now 17, Williams balances work with school and advocacy for causes close to her heart, like wildlife preservation.
Photo: Courtesy of Laurijn Bijnen / @laurijnbijnen14/20Laurijn Bijnen
Though she may still be in braces, Laurijn Bijnen has already managed the kinds of career accomplishments for which most models wait a lifetime. Landing an exclusive at Prada and traveling to Milan for fashion month all before her 17th birthday, Bijnen is ready for the big leagues.
Photo: Courtesy of Molly Constable / @mollyconstable15/20Molly Constable
Discovered on Instagram, Molly Constable has already been photographed by Tim Walker and Tom Ford, but 2017 is poised to take her career even further. Constable’s combination of sultry beauty and witty social media presence make her a must-follow.
Photo: Courtesy of Radhika Nair / @b.y.o.s.d16/20Radhika Nair
A standout at Balenciaga’s Spring 2017 show, Radhika Nair was one of the highlights of an exceptionally strong cast and the first Indian woman ever to walk for the brand. A photographer in addition to being a model, Nair has a sense of creativity that makes her one of the year’s most interesting rising stars.
Photo: Indigital.tv17/20Sara Grace Wallerstedt
Sara Grace Wallerstedt’s freckles and otherworldly prettiness have already caught the attention of photographers such as Steven Meisel and Gregory Harris, so she heads into the new year with added buzz. Her debut season featured a key exclusive at Proenza Schouler.
Photo: Courtesy of Sonoya Mizuno / @sonoya18/20Sonoya Mizuno
Actress and dancer, Sonoya Mizuno is already making a name for herself on the big screen with parts in Ex Machina and La La Land, but she’s no slouch in the fashion department either. With Calvin Klein and Uniqlo campaigns under her belt and adventurous personal style, she could be the next triple threat.
Photo: Courtesy of Stav Strashko / @stravstrashko19/20Stav Strashko
Modeling beyond gender boundaries, Stav Strashko has found success by simply being herself. Though her work speaks for itself—a recent turn on the runway for Coach’s 75th anniversary providing a star-making moment—Strashko has also spoken up about gender fluidity and the importance of representation in fashion.
Photo: Courtesy of Theresa Hayes / @teeee_yourfav20/20Theresa Hayes
A bubbly Louis Vuitton exclusive with a charming social media presence, Theresa Hayes is the latest Brooklynite to join the modeling industry. With her impressive walk and striking good looks, Hayes will be one to watch once show season starts.
