Now that you’ve had time to digest Fashion Month and the biggest street style trends spotted outside the AW17 shows, it’s time to look at the ladies who actually wore the pieces down the catwalk. The models cast in each show are chosen because they perfectly embody the collection and bring a designer's work and vision to life. These faces can then go on to feature in beauty and fashion campaigns, representing the brand and its ethos for seasons to come. Just look at the influence and legacy of Freja Beha Erichsen, Naomi Campbell and, of course, Kate Moss.
According to research carried out by Instagram, “this diverse group of global up and coming models dominated the scene this fashion month”. The 10 models ahead gained the highest percentage of followers during the fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris. They've walked the shows and shot the campaigns: here are the future faces of fashion, straight off the AW17 catwalks. Click through to see who made waves this season.
Naki Depass
Jamaican model Naki Depass' long limbs and high cheekbones saw her everywhere for AW17. John Galliano, Céline, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, Giorgio Armani... the list goes on. With an exclusive for Burberry’s AW16 show, she was named one of Vogue ’s Top 50 Black Models of 2016, and has been shot for i-D, Dazed and Bon magazine.
Selena Forrest
She fronted i-D ’s FUTUREWISE issue, had an exclusive with, and opened for, Proenza Schouler in SS16, and this season she strutted her stuff down the catwalks for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fenty x Puma, Valentino and Dior (to name a few). She’s already got a cool 12.9k followers on Instagram, and this year posed for Calvin Klein By Appointment’s latest campaign. Phew.
Alanna Arrington
You might recognise Alanna from Stella McCartney’s 'Love Is All' Spring 2017 campaign – her curly mop is one to remember. Alanna’s fit a lot into her 18 years – she’s a Victoria’s Secret model, has editorials in all the major publications (think American Vogue, i-D, Interview and Allure) and, for AW17, walked for everyone from Off-White to Chanel.
He Cong
Favoured by Rihanna for her Fenty x Puma campaign, Cong cites Freja Beha Erichsen as her style icon and her doll-like features, offset by razor-sharp cheekbones, caught the eyes of the fashion world this season. Walking for Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Sonia Rykiel and Dior, she also starred in Coach’s SS17 campaign, as well as Sephora China’s New Year 2017 ad.
Teddy Quinlivan
Watch this space: Teddy is the industry’s darling right now. Her fresh face and doe eyes are proving an inspiration for fashion’s powerhouses, from Mario Sorrenti and Paco Rabanne to Versace and Dior. She’s also known for sporting sequin nipple pasties, which we just can’t argue with. This season saw her run the catwalks for the likes of Valentino, John Galliano and Haider Ackermann.
Ratner
Ukrainian model Julia Ratner has an elfish vibe that caught the attention of the big hitters this season. For AW17, she strolled through a huge number of shows, including Chanel, Céline, Nina Ricci and Dior. You can spot her face in Vogue Japan, AnOther Magazine and Document Journal, as well as in Valentino’s SS17 campaign. She was discovered when her friend’s mum bought a cat from the director of Ukraine’s OK Models, who then passed on her portfolio. Cute.
Dilone
American-born Dominican model Dilone is one to watch – her boyish crop of curly hair and megawatt smile have proven a versatile asset for the likes of Stella McCartney, H&M and Coach. This season she was chosen by Hermès, Kenzo, Balmain and Chloé to show their collections. She’s already amassed a huge Instagram following (62k to be precise), and it’s only up from here for the 21-year-old.
Thylane Blondeau
Blondeau is a French actress and model, and comes from an established gene pool – her father is a footballer and mother a television presenter. She’s only 15, but her Gen Z credibility can’t be denied (just ask her 1 million Instagram followers). Shot for L’Officiel, Jalouse and Teen Vogue. You may have also spotted her dancing in the streets of Capri with Zendaya for Dolce & Gabbana’s SS17 campaign.
Mayowa Nicholas
Nigerian model Mayowa owned the campaign scene last season, featuring in Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana and Benetton’s AW16 shoots. She’s walked a total of 127 catwalks to date, including 30 for AW17. She repped New York for Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs, and London with Fashion East’s Matty Bovan, Topshop Unique and Burberry. If that weren’t enough strings to her bow, she’s graced the pages of Dazed, American Vogue, Hunger and US Harper’s Bazaar. And just look at that smile!
Yoon Young Bae
Firstly, what a name. This cool South Korean has done the rounds in best-of street style pieces since she landed on the circuit, but it’s her work accolades you should keep an eye on: AW17 saw her in the shows of Missoni, Sportmax, Versace, Christopher Kane and Versus Versace (to name several of many). She fronted Vogue Japan’s 2017 February cover, as well as Vogue Korea last year, and has featured in Zara and Prada ad campaigns. Plus, she's got the freshest skin we've ever seen.
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