The 12 Most Unusual Models That Prove Modern Beauty Standards Have No Limits
The times when a model had to have an impeccable appearance, a tall stature, and a low body weight are slowly fading into the past. Today, fashion magazines and famous designers willingly collaborate with unique models who have unique appearances, different ethnic origins, weights, or ages.
1. Winnie Harlow
Canadian model Winnie Harlow was diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 4, but this did not stop her from achieving great success. However, despite this, Winnie built a successful modeling career. Her journey began with America’s Next Top Model, with Tyra Banks. After the project, fame fell on Harlow, she starred in magazines, clothing brands, and more. In 2018, Winnie became a new “angel” for the Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand.
2. Shaun Ross
American Shaun Ross became the first albino male model. At the age of 16, Shaun was seen on YouTube and began his modeling career. A young man with an unusual appearance attracted the attention of photographers and celebrities. Sean Ross starred in music videos for Katy Perry, Gold Fields, Lana Del Rey, and Beyoncé. Sean is also pursuing his own solo career.
3. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model who has a very feminine shape. This does not prevent her from successfully appearing in advertising campaigns for lingerie brands and periodically appearing on the covers of glossy magazines. In addition, Graham was the host of several beauty contests, and also developed her own line of underwear. Ashley Graham is an active advocate and activist for the body positivity movement.
4. Jillian Mercado
Jillian Mercado is an American fashion model and actress with muscular dystrophy. Mercado began her career in the fashion industry in 2014, in an advertising campaign for the Diesel brand. The campaign was successful and very soon she signed a contract with one of the main international modeling agencies, IMG Models. Jillian worked in one of Beyoncé’s advertising campaigns, and also starred in the TV series The L Word: Generation.
5. Viktoria Modesta
Victoria Modesta is an alternative fashion model of Latvian origin. At birth, due to a medical error, the hip of her left leg was severely dislocated. In 2007, Modesta decided to amputate her leg to the knee, after which she began to build the life of a singer and fashion model. During her career, she has worked for magazines such as Bizarre, Skin Two, Elle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. With her activities, Victoria is trying to change public opinion about beauty standards and on the use of augmented body parts.
6. Lily McMenamy
Lily McMenamy is a model who doesn’t have the most “typical” model-like appearance: large facial features and protruding ears. In addition, Lily is the daughter of the popular American model Kristen McMenamy. However, McMenamy was not in the modeling industry because of her mother’s name. She started her modeling career at the age of 18. It took about 2 years for Lily to be noticed, after which she started working with big brands. During her career she has worked with global brands like Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Moschino, Balmain, Kenzo, and many others.
7. Tess Holliday
Tess Holliday is an American plus-size model, blogger, and makeup artist. Tess dreamed of being in the modeling business from her youth. However, it took quite a long time for her to be noticed. In 2011, she became a professional model, and appeared in several magazines like Vogue Italia and Nylon. Holliday advocates for body positivity.
8. Zach Miko
Zach Miko is the first plus-size male model in history. Miko inspired the prestigious modeling agency IMG to launch their new Brawn division, which was entirely designed for plus-size men. During his career, he has worked on the runway for Dolce & Gabbana and in Gap advertising campaigns.
9. Karen Vega
Karen Vega is a young model from the small town of Oaxaca in Mexico. Despite her young age, she has already appeared on the cover of Vogue Mexico. Vega’s first step into the professional world was made in a joint project by designer Pompi Garcia and photographer Enrique Leyva. They invited her to be a part of it as they wanted to show more people with indigenous looks. Vega sees, as one of her main tasks, the representation of Mexican culture in the world of high fashion.
10. Daphne Self
British supermodel Daphne Self boasts one of the longest careers in the fashion industry, posing for cameras since the ’50s. At 94, Self has never resorted to the use of invasive cosmetology, and she maintains beauty and youth with the help of yoga, nutrition, and smiles. She’s proven that aging doesn’t have to be the end of beauty.
11. Diandra Forrest
Diandra Forrest is an albino African American. She became the first woman with albinism to sign with a major modeling company. Despite the fact that in childhood, her special appearance brought Forrest a lot of difficulties, over time, it was this feature that made her a successful and famous model.
12. Sophia Hadjipanteli
Sophia Hadjipanteli model of Cypriot-Greek origin. The main “trick” in the appearance of the girl is a wide eyebrow fused on the bridge of her nose. This detail makes her special and unlike other girls. For many, such unconventional beauty may be incomprehensible. However, despite this, the girl has a successful career in the modeling world. She has appeared in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, New York Times, and has also collaborated with brands such as Chanel and Fenty Beauty.
In your opinion, should the fashion world have strict limits and limitations? Share your opinion in the comments!