For over a decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, going from the rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50 recognizable muses throughout the world. Names like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part of the milestone series that uniquely marks the shift in a model’s career. With major bookings in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these models have consistently locked down luxury clients in the most competitive markets while continuing to dominate on the global stage.
Shot in Paris during the madness of fashion week by photographer Mauricio Sierra, this year’s cast gets introspective with Models.com on their starts, the brands that have made their careers, and taking their place amongst an elite few.
First emerging in the London scene as a striking new face who came from the depths of social media, Victoria Fawole has since captivated the fashion world with her remarkable journey. Discovered on Facebook by her mother agency, Anani Models, Fawole’s modeling career began with a fateful first season walking Simone Rocha, which marked a pivotal moment in her career, providing invaluable experience and insights into the British fashion scene. Fawole was initially far removed from the thoughts of fashion in her native Lagos, Nigeria, and was initially hesitant. “I was a tad bit skeptical about it at first because I was clueless about fashion in general; who can blame me? I was tutoring grade three students,” she explains. “My older brother was the one who talked me into signing in the first place. I just signed with no knowledge about the industry while I had little to no expectations.” Despite the risk, Fawole’s talent and determination quickly propelled her to international stardom, with editorials in prestigious publications like Vogue, i-D, D Repubblica, and Self Service.
As her career evolved, Victoria embraced the ever-changing fashion industry, personally and professionally growing in her understanding of the power players. She reflects on her journey, saying, “Over time, my career as a fashion model has evolved in several ways. I’ve gained a better understanding of the fashion industry’s dynamics, including trends, designers, and how to relate with people day in and day out.” Victoria’s global appeal is undeniable, with campaigns and lookbooks for esteemed clients such as Rabanne, The Row, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Givenchy. As she graduates into the next phase of her career, Victoria Fawole continues to defy expectations and aims for new heights in the fashion industry, including her dream of gracing the cover of Vogue.
