The New Vanguard: Supermodels of the 2020s

From left to right: Paloma Elsesser, he cong, Adut Akech, alton mason, and sang woo kim

Once upon a runway, the word “supermodel” conjured a rarefied echelon of glamour and influence—Iman, Naomi, and Tyra, to name a few—whose faces defined decades and whose strides recalibrated beauty standards across the globe. They weren’t just mannequins draped in designer silk; they were cultural beacons, editorial forces, and, often, the only faces of color seen on the world’s most prestigious catwalks.

Fast-forward to the 2020s, and the fashion frontier looks and walks very differently. Today’s supermodels are digitally savvy, globally sourced, and unapologetically individualistic. Many of them use their platforms to advocate for social change, uphold narrow beauty norms, and reframe the idea of what it means to be iconic in an industry still struggling to fully reflect the people it serves.

from left to right: hu bing, pat cleveland, Tyra Banks, tyson beckford, Iman Abdulmajid, beverly johnson, naomi campbell and alek wek

But they are not anomalies—they are the latest in a lineage that began with first-generation icons like Beverly Johnson and Hu Bing, evolved through transitional figures like Oluchi Onweagba and Devon Aoki, and solidified with the rise of pan-global faces like Liu Wen, Joan Smalls, and David Agbodji in the early 2000s and 2010s.

So, who are the new vanguard of this decade—the models who are walking the runways, fronting campaigns, and reshaping the very face of fashion? From Senegal to South Korea, Harlem to Copenhagen, these 13 standout figures—five men and eight women—are not just modeling clothes; they’re modeling the future.

To understand the supermodel of today, one must first honor the lineage. The term “supermodel” wasn’t always so broadly applied—it once denoted an elite few whose cultural influence rivaled that of movie stars and pop icons. In the late 20th century, a constellation of groundbreaking Black and Asian models redefined the fashion industry’s possibilities. Iman Abdulmajid, with her regal elegance and Somali pride, helped shatter Eurocentric standards in haute couture. Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell brought edge, energy, and undeniable power to Victoria’s Secret runways and Versace shows alike, while also becoming household names who made modeling aspirational to an entire generation. Pat Cleveland’s balletic runway style, Naomi Sims’ fashion editorials, and Beverly Johnson’s historic 1974 Vogue cover proved that beauty wasn’t monolithic. Beverly Peele, Veronica Webb, and Alek Wek continued to expand representation in the '80s and '90s, challenging conventional norms with every strut and stare. On the men’s side, Tyson Beckford and Hu Bing were seminal—Black and Asian men whose looks and charisma propelled them beyond niche markets and into fashion’s mainstream. Beckford’s breakthrough as the face of Ralph Lauren and Hu Bing’s dominance in Asian and European markets marked a pivotal moment, where men of color were no longer relegated to the margins but front and center in global campaigns. Together, these trailblazers didn’t just walk the runway; they reshaped it, laying the foundation for a more inclusive, expansive vision of beauty that continues to evolve today.

from left to right: devon aoki, Oluchi Onweagba, and debra shaw

As the 1990s melted into the 2000s, a new wave of boundary-pushers emerged, bridging eras and broadening the lens. Devon Aoki’s doll-like features and rebellious presence made her an offbeat muse for designers like Versace and Chanel. Debra Shaw became a fixture of European couture, revered for her sculptural frame and editorial ferocity. Nigerian model Oluchi Onweagba—winner of the first Face of Africa competition—helped globalize the notion of the African supermodel, building a career that spanned continents and decades.

From there, the second-generation stars began to rise. The 2000s and 2010s were shaped by a more expansive—and sometimes chaotic—fashion ecosystem, one in which beauty was no longer static but plural. Models like Adwoa Aboah, Jourdan Dunn, and Sora Choi injected personality and activism into the once-silent world of modeling. Mica Argañaraz’s shaggy bangs and rock-and-roll cool; Liya Kebede’s timeless grace; Lineisy Montero’s natural hair and Dominican flair—they became avatars for a shifting, globalized industry. Asia produced icons like Sui He, Xiao Wen Ju, Du Juan, Fei Fei Sun, and Liu Wen, all of whom broke new ground for Chinese models on the international stage. Joan Smalls and Binx Walton brought Latina and Afro-Caribbean energy to editorials and runways alike, while Adriana Lima and Lakshmi Menon showed that sensuality and strength weren’t mutually exclusive.

from left to right: Sora Choi, Liu Wen, Sui He, Liya kebede, joan smalls, Mica Argañaraz, lakshmi menon, binx walton, Adwoa Aboah, adriana lima, and jourdan dunn

Male models, too, saw their moment—albeit with less fanfare. David Agbodji’s striking presence made him a Givenchy favorite; Armando Cabral brought intellectual cool; and Marlon Teixeira carried the legacy of Brazilian modeling into the new millennium. From Philip Huang’s versatility to Zhao Lei and Paolo Roldan’s underrepresented Asian masculinity, these men laid the groundwork for a future where male modeling could be expansive, expressive, and diverse.

Together, these generations didn’t just set the stage—they built the foundation. And currently, the supermodels of the 2020s are walking forward with purpose, inheriting an industry still in flux, but more inclusive, expressive, and global than ever before.

from left to right: zhao lei, philip huang, marlon teixeira, paolo roldan, armando cabral, and David Agbodji

Now, with the foundation laid and the stratospheric rise of global modeling mapped out, we turn our attention to the faces defining this decade—the supermodels of the 2020s. No longer just muses or mannequins, these models are brand architects, content creators, social critics, and cultural barometers all at once. They aren't just walking in the show; they're shifting the narrative.

In an era shaped by social media, luxury streetwear, and a long-overdue reckoning with beauty’s biases, the new vanguard is equal parts charisma, commentary, and couture. Their appeal isn't just in their symmetry—it’s in their stories, the way they move through the world, and the ways they insist on being seen, heard, and felt. These are models who call the shots on set, crash through casting stereotypes, and rewrite what it means to be aspirational.

What follows is a curated look at the boldest names walking today’s global runways and fronting our favorite campaigns—those who are not just modeling fashion but modeling the future. We begin, naturally, with the boys who came to serve.

MALE MODELS

Malick Bodian

Age: 27
Nationality: Senegalese

From the village of Toubab Dialaw to the most elite runways in Paris, Malick Bodian’s rise in fashion feels less like a story of discovery and more like a recalibration of what the industry considers beautiful. Scouted while studying photography, Bodian’s artistic eye translates into a modeling style marked by poise, quiet charisma, and a cinematic presence.

His breakout came walking for Saint Laurent in 2019, soon followed by campaigns with Dior, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. He’s a staple on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, and his work with photographers like Ethan James Green and Rafael Pavarotti further proves his editorial range.

Bodian’s aesthetic—clean, sculptural, subtly regal—recalls classic fashion imagery while exuding a fresh, global masculinity. His presence in campaigns for luxury brands signals a shift in who fashion is for and who gets to define elegance.

He represents the modern supermodel archetype not just by being a face of fashion, but by understanding the power behind it.

Alpha Dia

Age: 32
Nationality: Senegalese-German

Alpha Dia has become a symbol of runway elegance and cultural intention, blending his poised strut with a commanding presence rooted in his Senegalese heritage. Discovered in Hamburg, Dia first entered modeling through a chance encounter that led him to international fashion weeks. He quickly became a favorite among top-tier houses like Balmain, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton, known for his strong features and quiet intensity.

His breakthrough came during a Paris Fashion Week season where his appearances in consecutive marquee shows helped cement his status as a top model. It wasn’t just his walk—it was the dignity, depth, and discipline he carried with him, drawing designers and audiences into his orbit. Alpha not only models clothes—he models values.

Outside the runway, Dia is a passionate advocate for sustainability, education, and equity. He founded the AlphaDia Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports education and community development in Senegal. He uses his platform to drive lasting impact, proving that fashion can be a tool for change—not just expression.

In a time when the fashion world demands depth alongside beauty, Alpha Dia stands out for the way he balances activism and artistry. He is, undoubtedly, a blueprint for the socially conscious supermodel of this decade.

Sang Woo Kim

Age: 29
Nationality: British-Korean

Sang Woo Kim is the anti-template model who helped redefine what it means to be a male muse in the 2020s. Born in Seoul and raised in London, Sang Woo’s path to the runway was unconventional. He was studying fine art at Central Saint Martins when a street casting launched his career. Since then, he's balanced high fashion with raw authenticity, walking for Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, and DKNY while also maintaining a thriving career as a painter.

Sang Woo’s look is distinctive—part punk, part poet—with a buzzed head, heavy brows, and a vibe that fuses Seoul streetwear and London grit. His modeling has always felt like an extension of his creative aura, and his refusal to play to industry expectations has made him both unpredictable and unforgettable.

Beyond his work in fashion, Kim has become an important voice on race, masculinity, and representation. He’s spoken openly about the complexities of being Asian in an industry long dominated by Eurocentric ideals and how he uses both his art and modeling to challenge that narrative.

Where others conform, Sang Woo carves space. He’s more than a model—he’s a cultural disrupter, and exactly the kind of icon the 2020s calls for.

Alton Mason

Age: 26
Nationality: American

Alton Mason moves like a poem—fluid, bold, and unforgettable. The first Black male model to ever walk for Chanel, Alton has emerged as a generational talent whose stage presence feels more like performance art than traditional modeling.

Originally a trained dancer, Mason’s background in movement is evident in every runway appearance and campaign shoot. His breakout moment came with his turn in Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 3, but he quickly transcended streetwear and became a staple in luxury circles. With frequent appearances in campaigns for Gucci, Tom Ford, and Versace, Alton’s appeal is kinetic and boundary-shattering.

Whether he’s backflipping on the runway or delivering a sultry stare in a still image, Mason refuses to be boxed in. He’s known for channeling his creativity into multiple outlets—from film and music to fashion activism. Alton is both a muse AND a movement.

In the era of multi-hyphenates, Mason’s unique ability to merge art, style, and cultural storytelling is what makes him a true vanguard. He doesn’t simply follow the rules—he rewrites them.

Xu Meen

Age: 27
Nationality: Chinese

Xu Meen is the embodiment of quiet luxury with sharp edges. Born and raised in China, Xu Meen’s entry into modeling came after being scouted while working in retail. What started as a spontaneous opportunity quickly became a defining force in luxury fashion, with Xu commanding attention in campaigns for Prada, Dior, and Hermès.

His breakthrough came when he walked exclusively for Balenciaga, his chiseled features and enigmatic stare capturing the mystique that the brand is known for. Soon, he was gracing runways in Milan and Paris, building a reputation for being the model who could elevate minimalism into high art.

Xu’s appeal lies in his restraint. He isn’t loud or flamboyant—he’s studied, precise, magnetic. His modeling style reflects a polished detachment that feels incredibly modern, and his presence suggests that elegance doesn’t require performance—it only requires presence.

In a fashion landscape often driven by spectacle, Xu Meen reminds us of the power of subtlety. He represents the new masculine ideal: minimalist, elegant, and supremely assured.

From Runway Kings to Reigning Queens

If today’s male models represent a redefinition of strength, style, and soul, the women commanding the catwalks of the 2020s are rewriting the rules entirely. They are architects of beauty standards, social critics with mascara wands, and muses who move markets. In an industry long dominated by Eurocentric ideals, the new guard of female supermodels is global, grounded, and gloriously unapologetic. With a cultural currency that spans high fashion, streetwear, activism, and editorial storytelling, these women aren’t asking for space—they’re taking it. And they’re doing it on their terms.

Let’s begin with the women who are not only walking runways but redefining them.

FEMALE MODELS

Adut Akech

Age: 25
Nationality: South Sudanese-Australian

Adut Akech doesn’t just walk into a room—she reigns. Born in South Sudan and raised in Australia, her fashion journey began at 16 and has since unfolded into one of the defining careers of the decade. She was a Karl Lagerfeld muse at Chanel, a Met Gala standout, and a mainstay in campaigns for Valentino, Fendi, and Estée Lauder.

Her breakthrough was more than just a booking—it was a statement. When Akech closed Chanel’s Fall 2018 couture show as a bride, she became only the second Black model to do so, following Alek Wek. That moment cemented her as a torchbearer for the generation of African models rewriting fashion’s Eurocentric rulebook.

Known for her radiant skin, statuesque poise, and palpable runway presence, Akech commands the camera and catwalk with rare emotional precision. She’s also been vocal about racism in the industry, especially in media mislabeling incidents, using her voice to advocate for accuracy, respect, and visibility.

In today’s supermodel lexicon, Adut Akech is not a trend—she’s a tectonic shift.

He Cong

Age: 28
Nationality: Chinese

There’s something hypnotic about He Cong’s presence on a runway—an almost cinematic precision that blends classic elegance with modern mystique. Discovered in 2013 after winning a modeling competition in China, He Cong exploded onto the scene when she walked for Dior and Valentino, quickly becoming a mainstay on the European fashion circuit.

Her doll-like features, porcelain skin, and immaculate posture made her a natural fit for luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, and Alexander McQueen, where she’s often cast for her ethereal, almost otherworldly appeal. But beyond aesthetics, it’s her professionalism and quiet power that has earned her the respect of editors and designers alike.

He Cong doesn't speak loudly, but she’s always heard. In an era of overexposure, she remains elusive, editorial, and enduring. She is a true symbol of timeless modernity.

Paloma Elsesser

Age: 33
Nationality: American (Chilean-Swiss and African-American heritage)

Paloma Elsesser didn’t walk through the door of high fashion—she kicked it open and reupholstered the room. Discovered by makeup mogul Pat McGrath on Instagram, Paloma became the face of a new body-positive era, redefining what it means to be desirable and dynamic on the runway.

A fixture in campaigns for Fenty, Nike, and Lanvin, and on the covers of Vogue, i-D, and Dazed, Paloma brings a rare blend of intellectualism and sensuality to her work. She’s not just a model; she’s a cultural force who speaks on identity, visibility, and wellness without sacrificing style.

Paloma’s aesthetic is rich in warmth, earthiness, and emotion—a tapestry of 90s nostalgia, luxury minimalism, and future-forward body confidence. In a fashion world often slow to evolve, she’s fast-tracking inclusivity and doing it with undeniable flair.

Imaan Hammam

Age: 28
Nationality: Dutch (Moroccan-Egyptian heritage)

There’s something undeniably regal about Imaan Hammam. Maybe it’s her impossibly statuesque frame, her halo of curls, or the way she commands a camera with ease and intimacy. Raised in Amsterdam, Imaan was scouted at 14 and made her global debut opening for Givenchy—and since then, she’s walked nearly every major runway imaginable.

With a magnetic presence that has captivated Vogue, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, and Versace, Imaan bridges elegance and edge like few can. She carries the legacy of North African beauty with deep pride and pushes for Muslim and Afro-Arab visibility in fashion spaces that have long ignored it.

What makes Imaan so magnetic isn’t just her look—it’s her voice. As a UNICEF ambassador and vocal supporter of mental health awareness, she models a kind of beauty that has substance, softness, and strength in equal measure.

Hoyeon Jung

Age: 30
Nationality: South Korean

Hoyeon Jung’s red hair may have caught the industry’s attention, but her range is what made her a phenomenon. Initially known as Korea’s top model, her breakout role in Netflix’s Squid Game catapulted her from the pages of Vogue to the global stage almost overnight. Yet even before her acting career, Hoyeon was walking for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Miu Miu, blending punk sensibility with serene poise.

Her look is sharp, her stride confident, and her fashion sense inherently cool—like Seoul streetwear met Paris runway chic. But it’s Hoyeon’s ability to move between disciplines—modeling, acting, advocacy—that solidifies her as a multihyphenate for the modern age.

Equal parts fashion girlie and global It-Girl, Hoyeon represents a new kind of supermodel: one who transcends the industry she came from without ever leaving it behind.

Precious Lee

Age: 35
Nationality: American

With a name like Precious and a presence that stops traffic, she’s impossible to overlook. As the first Black plus-size model to appear in the pages of American Vogue, she has become a lodestar for a fashion world finally waking up to the full spectrum of beauty.

From Versace and Savage X Fenty to Moschino and Balmain, Precious brings drama, glamour, and unapologetic Southern heat to everything she touches. Her modeling style is high-octane and unmistakably hers: big hair, bold looks, and a body that refuses to shrink itself for anyone.

But behind the opulence is a deep commitment to representation. Precious isn’t just modeling clothes—she’s modeling confidence, joy, and a new visual narrative for curvier Black women. She's the moment, every moment.

Mona Tougaard

Age: 24
Nationality: Danish-Somali

Mona Tougaard emerged as a breath of fresh, boundary-pushing air on the international modeling scene with her chameleon-like ability to embody any aesthetic. Discovered at a young age in Copenhagen, she quickly ascended to the global stage, gracing runways for Chanel, Prada, and Versace with effortless grace.

Mona Tougaard moves like a contradiction in perfect balance—sleek minimalism meets soulful edge. Her look shifts effortlessly from high-concept couture to raw street energy, embodying a modern kind of beauty that resists definition. She doesn’t just adapt to a designer’s vision—she expands it, channeling both restraint and rebellion with equal force. In Mona, fashion finds its future: fluid, fearless, and endlessly expressive.

Off the runway, Mona uses her platform thoughtfully, advocating for diversity and environmental sustainability, embodying the modern supermodel’s purpose as inspirational—whether it’s behind a camera or refusing to stay silent about societal issues.

Anok Yai

Age: 25
Nationality: American (Sudanese heritage)

Anok Yai’s rise was meteoric—first spotted at Howard University’s homecoming, she became a viral sensation and soon after made history as the first African-born model to open a Prada runway in over two decades. But her breakthrough wasn’t just about beauty; it signaled the arrival of a powerful new voice in fashion—one that demands visibility, reclaims space, and redefines what it means to be iconic.

Anok’s statuesque frame, piercing gaze, and regal poise have landed her covers on Vogue, campaigns for Versace and Givenchy, and collaborations with visionary photographers. Her aesthetic is striking — simultaneously modern and timeless, fierce yet approachable.

More than a model, Anok is a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, challenging fashion’s Eurocentric standards with every step she takes and reminding a generation that looks like her to dream bigger.

The Future Wearing Heels (and Loafers)

The supermodel of the 2020s is more than a face—they are a force. They walk runways and simultaneously rewrite the runway’s rules. They don’t just pose; they provoke, challenge, and expand the cultural narrative around beauty, identity, and power. Whether draped in couture or fronting a campaign in head-to-toe denim, today’s models reflect a world that is finally more inclusive, more dynamic, and more global than ever before.

From Malick Bodian’s timeless elegance to Adut Akech’s defiant grace, this new guard doesn’t inherit the title of "supermodel,” they redefine it. They represent not just brands, but movements. They shift conversations. They influence not only what we wear, but how we see ourselves.

If the ‘90s gave us supermodels as icons, and the 2000s gave us them as celebrities, then the 2020s gave us the supermodel as mirror, reflecting a generation that demands beauty with backbone, image with impact, and style that speaks. The New Vanguard has arrived, and they aren’t asking for permission—they’re taking the spotlight and bringing their communities with them.