1. Ataui Deng
Alek Wek’s niece is making a name all her own. The Sudanese beauty is a mainstay on the runways of Diane von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Christian Siriano, Mara Hoffman and Tracy Reese.
2. Grace Mahary
Grace Mahary is a long way from her original career path (basketball!) but the Canadian is still putting her long legs to good use, walking the runway at Chanel, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez and more.
3. Fatima Siad
“America’s Next Top Model” was just the beginning for Fatima Siad. The Somali-Ethiopian stunner went on to star in campaigns for Herve Leger by Max Azria, Ralph Lauren and Aveda, and storm the runways at Dries van Noten, Hermès, Andrew GN and Ralph Lauren.
4. Cora Emmanuel
Born in Martinique, Cora Emmanuel has bone structure most models would kill for. The breathtaking beauty has sauntered down the runway for Alexander Wang, Michael Kors and Bottega Veneta, whose show she famously opened and closed.
5. Betty Adewole
If you’ve seen Tom Ford Beauty’s arresting ads, you’re familiar with Betty Adewole. Hailing from the UK, the gorgeous model strutted down the catwalk at Alexander McQueen, Ashish, Naeem Khan, Ralph Rucci, Opening Ceremony and more.
6. Diandra Forrest
The first model with albinism to be signed with a major agency, Diandra Forrest is a pioneer in the fashion industry. The Bronx-bred beauty, who was discovered while walking down 34th Street, has stormed the catwalk for Vivienne Westwood, Lois Samuels, Harlem’s Fashion Row and Mataano.
7. Grace Bol
Even if you don’t know her name, we’re pretty sure you recognize Grace Bol’s glowing skin and radiant smile. The Sudanese beauty is a favorite of designers from Riccardo Tisci to Vivienne Westwood.
8. Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes’ ancestry (white, black, Brazilian and West Indian) is as unique as her look. The California girl, who was discovered while shopping with her Mom, has walked for Versace, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, Prada and more.
9. Nyasha Matonhodze
At just 16, the Zimbabwe-born bombshell nailed the gig models dream of: she was picked to be the face of Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2011 ad campaign. She’s since walked for brands like Emanuel Ungaro, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Marc Jacobs and of course, Louis Vuitton.
10. Chantelle Young
One of the first major models with vitiligo, Chantelle Young went from being plucked from Instagram by Tyra Banks herself to appearing on “America’s Next Top Model” to walking the Ashish runway at London Fashion Week.
11. Jeneil Williams
Anyone who studies the collections each season is familiar with Jeneil Williams. The Jamaican beauty is a high-fashion designer favorite, having walked the runways at Lanvin, Burberry, Zac Posen, Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg and many others.
12. Imaan Hammam
From her thick hair to her radiant skin, designers can’t get enough of Imaan Hammam. The Dutch model of Moroccan and English descent is a veritable runway darling with designers like Givenchy, Hermes and Jean Paul Gaultier booking her season after season.
13. Georgie Badiel
It’s hard to pick what we love most about Georgie Badiel: her flawless skin, her deepset eyes or her perfect bone structure. Born in West Africa, the 26 year-old is a mainstay for designers like Tracy Reese, Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs.
14. Melodie Monrose
Melodie Monrose is a force to be reckoned with. Proof? She walked in 49 shows in her debut season. Since then, the Martinique stunner has graced the runways of everyone from Prada to Gucci to Marc Jacobs.
15. Ajak Deng
Hailing from Australia (but born in the Sudan), Ajak Deng brings a flair to the catwalk like none other. Her signature walk has graced the runways of Lanvin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Mary Katrantzou, Jason Wu and Givenchy to name a few.
