Marjan Jonkman

Marjan’s rare looks may be her calling card, but her hard-work has been the benchmark of her ascent to the top. Fast forward from her Saint Laurent-fueled breakout that had editors, designers and photographers scrambling to to be among the first to use the flaxen Dutch model to 2016. Now she’s certified her Top 50 citizenship with campaigns for Roberto Cavalli, Dsquared2, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Versus Versace. But listing bookings only scratch the surface of her muse-worthy moxie. Her career began when she was scouted on Instagram, flown to New York City and quickly signed, “They changed my look, I did a test shoot with William Lords (who taught me everything about this industry and has always been my biggest supporter–and still is), and then Hedi Slimane booked me for my very first runway show.” Even though her success has snowballed, she keeps herself in check, noting “I’m still that girl from Friesland.” That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth, explaining, “Since I started, I’ve become so much more independent. I couldn’t be without my family for longer than a week. As a kid I always hated to travel, now going on a plane for me is like taking a bus.” Not only has the industry offered worldliness, but an opportunity to be humbled: “Modeling taught me that it is very important to keep two feet on the floor. Being successful in this industry doesn’t directly mean that you are the most happy person on earth. It’s all about the people that surround you who make your life: geld maakt niet gelukkig (money doesn’t make you happy), but my friends and family–they really do.”

Above: Phillip Lim tank tops, Phillip Lim pants.

Left: Phillip Lim tank tops, Phillip Lim pants. Right: Dsquared2 jacket

The Graduates

The next frontier for these former Hot List members has arrived! Now part of the Top 50, these girls of the moment have hustled their way through countless hours on the runway and in front of the camera for their spot but this year their recognition is with a twist – the guys are in on the action. Sebastian Kim captures candid portraits of these model muses for this special story shot exclusively for Models.com. Styled by Vanessa Chow in New York black we take a brief look into the humble beginnings and meteoric rise of this year’s graduating line-up of Bella Hadid, Greta Varlese, Jing Wen, Lineisy Montero, Marjan Jonkman, Tami Williams and Jordan Barrett.