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.
Embarking on a modeling career at her mom’s suggestion during her teenage years, Brazilian-Japanese model Maryel Uchida faced an unexpected twist of fate. While she was participating in a local modeling contest, her phone was stolen on the way home, causing her to miss a crucial audition and be disqualified. Undeterred by the outcome, Uchida shifted her focus to academics, aspiring to become a veterinarian until she was scouted a year later. Debuting just before the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, she caught the industry’s attention with a Prada F/W 20 exclusive spot. She later booked her first-ever campaign with Dior, establishing a lasting connection with creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Since that first campaign, Uchida has appeared in over ten campaigns for the luxury French house, saying, “We’ve had such great memories together. I remember when it was my birthday, we were on set, and at the end of the day, they brought me a surprise for my birthday! It was very emotional and special for me, and as we continued to work together throughout the years, they always gave me a gift for my birthday. It’s very sweet.” A year after her debut, Uchida earned a Model of the Year Breakout Star nomination, and two years later, Uchida is now a Models.com Graduate. Reflecting on her growth and collaborating with photographers like Brigitte Niedermair and Elizaveta Porodina, she shared, “I’ve learned new things every day about the job and myself. I feel like I’m a whole different person than in 2021. When I look back at it, it was definitely worth all of the effort, and it feels good to get recognition for that. It is a big achievement that I can only be proud of.”
“I moved to Brazil when I was three years old, and since then, I never went back to Japan. So, I always felt like a part of me was missing. Visiting Japan and my family there was very important, as I also saw my father after a few years. I loved everything there, enjoyed it a lot, and left feeling recharged and connected with my roots.”
Uchida’s first-ever cover was Vogue Japan’s June 2022 issue, and her most recent cover was for Vogue Brazil’s October 2023 edition, two covers from both of her home countries that filled her with “pure gratitude.” A moving moment occurred when she returned to Japan for a Chanel booking for the first time in years, saying, “I moved to Brazil when I was three years old, and since then, I never went back to Japan. So, I always felt like a part of me was missing. Visiting Japan and my family there was very important, as I also saw my father after a few years. I loved everything there, enjoyed it a lot, and left feeling recharged and connected with my roots.” Uchida acknowledges the sacrifices inherent in her profession—time away from family and moments of solitude. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of patience, the support of modeling friends who have become like family, and the anticipation of holidays to manage the distance from home. Fresh off her Dior S/S 24 campaign, Uchida’s current focus is embracing the present without dwelling too much on the future. Her goal is simple yet profound—to explore new places and cultures.
