10 Super Models Who Changed How We See Beauty

In a world that has such a large focus on the portrayal of perfection, beauty standard is now shifting to see a new breed of models who are showing that flaws and imperfection can be also beautiful. These models are being praised for embracing their natural beauty and refusing to follow industry standards. For decades, most models that walk on the catwalks around the world are considered to be thin, tall, white, and non-disabled. Thankfully, many new faces are trying to make their way into this selective business and bring more diversity.
The Rihanna Savage x Fenty fashion show was an example that consumers want people to relate to on the catwalk and magazine covers. Let’s hope this positive progress keeps going on and the standards of the modeling industry evolve to represent a wider range of looks.

#1 Twiggy

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During the '60s, films were taken over by the image of bombshells like Marilyn Monroe. So when Twiggy appeared with her small p and became the first international model in the world, it caused a surprise, and it changed the way people perceive beauty.
She was only 16 years old and became well-known for her dramatic eyes and her cropped hairstyle. Twiggy started the trend where models should be thin, something that lasted for decades, and many people are still trying to bring more diversity into the fashion industry.

#2 Donyale Luna

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Long before Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbel took over the fashion industry during the '90s, Donyale Luna was known as the first black supermodel in the '60s. The New York Times compared her beauty to Nefertiti, and she was the first black model to be on the cover of Vogue magazine in 1966.
The model soon turned into a sensation in Europe, and all the high-profile photographers wanted to work with her. Still, she struggled in the US, and some photographers say that the magazine industry was not ready for her back then.

#3 Ashley Graham

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For decades-long, people have complained about the limitation of representativity in the fashion industry. The most common of them is how slim the models are and how they don't represent the majority of women out there.
There were a few plus-size models that found success, but Ashley Graham was the first one who made it into the top ten list of highest-paid models in the world, with names such as Kendall Jenner and Gisele Bundchen.

#4 Madeline Stuart

Source: bebeautifulbeyourself

Madeline Stuart is an Australian model who is in high demand at the moment, and she has a chance to be the first supermodel with Down Syndrome. The 23-year-old model exudes confidence on the catwalk and also in pictures and even appeared in the New York Fashion Week.
She traveled to some countries and has a schedule that many young models dream about. More than beauty, Madeline Stuart also has an entrepreneurial spirit and established her fashion brand last year.

#5 Valentina Sampaio

Source: refinery29

Valentina Sampaio was the first transgender model to be part of the Victoria's Secret cast in 2019. Her hiring came after the polemic after the CMO of the company claimed that they would never work with transgender models.
She was also the first transgender to be on the cover of Vogue in numerous countries: Brazil, Germany, and France. Sampaio is aware of her importance in the business. "The fashion industry is an instrument to raise flags encouraging diversity, where things are more fluid, and beauty evolves. Fashion is a freer world," she once said.

#6 Yasmina Rossi

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People often think about youth when they mention modeling careers. It makes sense since most models start working when they are teenagers, and they get fewer jobs when they get older. There are a few exceptions for A-list models, such as Naomi Campbel or Cindy Crawford.
So thinking about a 64-year-old model, who makes bikini editorials and magazine covers. Yasmina Rossi is still rocking the fashion industry and motivating other women to embrace their white hair.

#7 Deshun Wang

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It is not only women who encounter challenges in finding modeling gigs when they get old. Men also struggle when they get older, and names such as Deshun Wang. The 83-year-old runway model is still rocking when he appears shirtless. Certainly, the Chinese model has this appeal because he gives the feeling of Eternal youth.
Deshun Wang is also a sensation on Instagram, where he owns thousands of followers. He is also known as an actor and has appeared in some Chinese movies.

#8 Jillian Mercado

Source: teenvogue

Some years ago, it was unbelievable to imagine a model in a wheelchair in the main fashion shows of the world. But thanks to Jillian Mercado, things began to change.
The model is part of the IMG cast and has been on the cover of Teen Vogue and also had contracts with Target and Nordstrom. She has muscular dystrophy, and uses her voice to speak about it, and fight for more representativity in the industry. She is, clearly doing a great job!

#9 Laith Ashley

Source: imdb

Laith Ashley is another transgender model to deserves to be on this list. He started his career after posting some photos wearing Calvin Klein underwear on his Instagram.
Since then, he appeared in some advertisements and also in some tv shows. Still, he works hard to don't be limited.

#10 Winnie Harlow

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We can't ignore the presence of Winnie Harlow. The model and activist were discovered on Instagram by Tyra Banks, and she was invited to be part of America's Next Top Model. She suffers from vitiligo, a condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells, and millions of people around the world could relate to her.
Since she started modeling, Winnie Harlow has worked with big names such as H&M, Swarovski, and Diesel. She was known for being the first model with vitiligo to walk in Victoria's Secret Fashion show.