Top 10 Female Models in the World 2025
The world of modeling keeps changing in 2025, with new and familiar faces ruling the runway, campaigns, and the social media platform. The most successful models not only have been commercially successful but have also used their platforms to champion great causes, start successful businesses, and redefine beauty. Following is the list of the world’s top ten most powerful women models of 2025.
- Bella Hadid
After a temporary break to concentrate on her health, Bella Hadid was back stronger than ever. Hadid, who is known for her unique looks and chameleon face, is still leading the bill for high-end fashion brands as she grows her business empire. Her political activism for the rights of Palestinians and mental health initiatives have also secured her status beyond the fashion world. Her 2024 comeback to Versace broke engagement records on all social media. - Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elsesser has shaken up the industry with her body-positivity activism and unapologetic passion. The initial plus-size model to grace multiple international versions of Vogue at once, Elsesser’s power only grew stronger in 2024-2025. Her collaborations with large brands in fashion have sold out time and time again, demonstrating the marketplace demand for diversity-driven fashion. Her latest appointment as creative director of a leading beauty brand is another highlight in her illustrious career. - Adut Akech
South Sudanese-Australian supermodel Adut Akech remains fashion’s go-to face. Her inspiring rise from refugee to supermodel goes on, and her efforts for UNHCR have raised millions for humanitarian efforts. In early 2025, Akech launched her own charity dedicated to the education of refugee children. Her new exclusive deal with a major luxury conglomerate was a reported record-breaking industry deal. - Quannah Chasinghorse
Climate activist and indigenous model Quannah Chasinghorse has revolutionized the game with her Hän Gwich’in traditional face tattoos and fierce activism. Her entry has forced the fashion industry to own up to its previous lack of indigenous models. Chasinghorse was the first indigenous woman to launch a sustainability-driven beauty brand in 2025 that has won critical acclaim for both its products and ethical standards. - Liu Wen
Chinese supermodel Liu Wen remains one of Asia’s highest-performing cross-border models. Her business acumen has carried her modeling career into a diversified portfolio of investments, namely green tech start-ups. With luxury growth continuing to be fueled by Asian markets, Liu’s double life as businesswoman and model has only picked up pace. Her new board appointment at one of the fashion world’s leading conglomerates marks her new position as industry leader. - Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham remains a force to be reckoned with in modeling and beyond. Her podcast, lingerie and swimwear lines, and television shows have made her a multi-hyphenate businesswoman. Graham unveiled a groundbreaking size-inclusive sportswear technology that adapts to evolving physiques in 2025, a reflection of her commitment to creating worthwhile solutions for women. Her activism continues to bring about meaningful changes in how the industry addresses size diversity.
- Jill Kortleve
Dutch model Jill Kortleve is still pushing boundaries as a mid-size model who has walked for almost every prominent fashion house. Her authenticity and relatability when it comes to body image have spoken to millions of people. Kortleve’s latest campaign promoting acceptance of postpartum body types was welcomed for how real and honest it was. Her consistent appearances on commercial and high-fashion runways prove the changing beauty standards in the industry. - Imaan Hammam
Dutch-Moroccan-Egyptian beauty Imaan Hammam used her unique look and business acumen to become the most sought-after face in the industry. Her curly hair-textured haircare line is a best-seller. Hammam’s commitment to diversification on the opposite side of the camera has led to the creation of a grant program for photographers of color, altering who gets to dictate fashion imagery. - Anok Yai
Sudanese-American model Anok Yai continues to make history with her powerful presence and activism. From being the first Black model to ever open a Prada show in decades since Naomi Campbell, Yai has utilized her platform to bring attention to issues in Sudan and to refugee rights. Her newly announced design scholarship for African students has already influenced dozens of up-and-coming talents. Her recent art show on identity was critically acclaimed. - Precious Lee
Precious Lee has redefined the term being a supermodel by her pioneering work in the high-fashion market. Having been the first African American plus-size model to appear on American Vogue, Lee remains a diversity champion with a high-profile client list to her name. Her 2024 foray into acting was a critical success, suggesting a seamless transition into show business. Her most recent memoir on how she survived the fashion business was a bestseller when it was released.
In Conclusion
These ten women are the model’s new face in 2025—a face that celebrates diversity, activism, entrepreneurship, and authentic personal branding alongside more conventional notions of modeling success. Their influence extends far beyond fashion editorial and the runway, changing the industry’s norms and using their platforms to create positive cultural change.