10 Supermodels Catapulted From Instagram To The Runway

Jessica Wilson
Nov 23, 2023
Nov 23, 2023

It is true that some models were discovered in the most unexpected places – like Kate Moss at an airport or Gisele Bündchen approached while dining at McDonald's. With the rise of social media, particularly Instagram, the game has changed. Undeniably, social media has revolutionized the path to stardom for models.

Standing out in the vast Instagram crowd isn't a walk in the park, and accumulating over thousands of followers has become a marker of influence. Now, brands often seek models with social media engagement, making the journey to fame both different and equally demanding.

Today, we’ll introduce you to the stories of 10 models who kicked off their careers online and how the digital stage shaped their rise to stardom.

#1. Elizabeth Bishop

Source: elizabethjanebishop/Instagram

Elizabeth Bishop started her career online. Back in her teenage years, she shared her work on Tumblr, and when Instagram came along, her popularity soared with thousands of followers. Agencies took notice of her creativity and style, leading to her signing with Elite Models. In 2020, like many others, she adapted to Facetime photoshoots, as shown above, and aced it!

#2. Anok Yai

Source: anokyai/Instagram

Anok Yai's life took a turn when a picture she posted from a music festival went viral. Her phone didn't stop ringing, and soon enough, she signed with Next Models. Now, she graces the covers of magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

#3. Kendall Jenner

Source: kendalljenner/Instagram

Kendall Jenner, known from Keeping Up With The Kardashians, owes much of her career to Instagram. She's even credited with the "Kendall Jenner Effect," influencing brands to prefer models with at least 10 thousand followers. With nearly 300 million followers herself, she now holds the title of the world's highest-paid model, dethroning Gisele Bündchen, who held the crown for over a decade.

#4. Matthew Noszka

Source: matthew_noszka/Instagram

Matthew Noszka, a regular guy working in a restaurant, caught the attention of Luke Simone from Wilhelmina Models through his Instagram pictures. Despite hesitating, his mother convinced him to sign a contract.

It was “$1,500 to fly to New York for one day. I was making $7 an hour!” he said. As his career skyrocketed, he appeared on TV shows, walked the runway for Moschino, and even shot a campaign for Calvin Klein.

#5. Nadia Rahmat

Source: skinnykatwoman/Instagram

Nadia Rahmat, a model of Indian and Arabic descent born in Singapore, was discovered on Instagram for a Marc Jacobs campaign in 2015. This kick-started her career, and her unique style drew comparisons to FKA twigs.

#6. Winnie Harlow

Source: winnieharlow/Instagram

Tyra Banks discovered Winnie Harlow on Instagram and quickly cast her in America's Next Top Model. This move catapulted Harlow to fame, making her one of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry.

#7. Toks Adewetan

Source: toks.ade/Instagram

Toks Adewatan was a teacher's assistant when he saw Marc Jacobs looking for models on Instagram. He decided to try, got chosen for the spring campaign, and that's how he started his modeling career. He even inspired Kehinde Wiley in one of his impressive works.

#8. Gina Pacak

Source: miss.ginapacak/Instagram

Gina Pacak dreamed of being a model, so she created an Instagram account for more visibility. It paid off when the vice-president of IMG contacted her and soon after, she flew to New York. Now, she is traveling the world as a model.

#9. Yoon Young Bae

Source: mulan_bae/Instagram

At 19, Yoon Young Bae was discovered on Instagram in 2007. With over 40 thousand followers, her delicate looks caught the attention of agencies. She debuted in the industry at a Prada fashion show and has since built an impressive portfolio, working with brands like Chanel, Moschino, Valentino, Versace, and more.

#10. Lameka Fox

Source: lamekafox/Instagram

Thanks to IMG's We Love Your Genes Campaign on Instagram, new faces like Lameka Fox were discovered. Shortly after, she found herself in fashion shows and collaborated with brands like Marc Jacobs and Victoria's Secret.
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