The Graduates
Frauke Nijs
For over a decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has served as a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, graduating from rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50’s most recognizable faces. Stars like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, Selena Forrest, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part in the milestone series, which marks a defining shift in a model’s career. With major bookings across editorials, campaigns, lookbooks, and runways, these models have secured their places among fashion’s most sought-after talents, working with leading luxury houses and influential creatives while continuing to make their mark on the global stage.
For the 2026 edition, Models.com headed back to Paris during the whirlwind of Fashion Week to capture this year’s graduating class through the lens of photographer Valentin Herfray, with styling by Dara and looks exclusively from LVMH Prize finalist De Pino. Beyond the images, the cast sits down with the Models.com team to reflect on their unexpected beginnings, career-defining moments, the designers and photographers who have shaped their journeys, and what lies ahead as they cement their positions as the next generation of leading faces in fashion.
Photography Valentin Herfray
Stylist Dara
Collection De Pino
Hair Stylist Sarah Jo Palmer
Makeup Artist Julian Stoller
Manicurist Sylvie Vacca
Movement Director Gabriele Esposito
Video Director & Art Direction Marcel Gitard, En Mode
Video Director of Photography Maxime Thiolet Berger
Editor-in-Chief Stephan Moskovic
Editorial Director Irene Ojo-Felix
Interviewer Anire Ikomi
Production 360PM – MA + Group
Producers Jocelyn Rummler and Julia Lellouche
1st Assistant Photographer Rémi Procureur
2nd Assistant Photographer Joshua Abecassis
Digital Tech Romain Boé
Retouching INK
Styling Assistants Mona Antabli and Maszia Oettgen
Tailor Carole Savaton
Hair Assistants Celine Lanclume, Aimeric Amiot, and Taisiia Povalii
Manicure Assistant Isabelle Guyon
Special Thanks Christopher Michael at Egos & Icons
In just a year, Belgian model Frauke Nijs has made her mark on the industry, making her runway debut as a Prada exclusive for S/S 26 before returning for F/W 26, once again as an exclusive, a rare feat, and appearing in two campaigns for the house. Her route to the runway, however, began far from the fashion circuit. While shopping with friends in Antwerp, Nijs was approached by a woman who asked, “Hi. Are you a model?” Her answer was simple and to the point: “No. I’m not a model.” After being asked if she was interested, she went along to hear more, and before she knew it, she was walking in Milan for Prada. Reflecting on the relationship that began with her debut, Nijs said, “Every time I go back to Prada, I’m again impressed by the clothes, because I started with them, and I love the clothes they make.”
The past year has brought an impressive run of editorial and campaign work for the Top 50 model. Nijs appeared on five covers across The Face, System, Harper’s Bazaar Italia, and D Repubblica Magazine, including two for the latter, and fronted two Zara campaigns photographed by Steven Meisel. Her runway schedule has been just as busy, walking more than 20 shows for brands like Dior, Sacai, and Chloé this past S/S 27 season, and on top of that, a new Loewe campaign photographed by Talia Chetrit. As for what she’d like to do next, Nijs has her sights set on Tokyo. “I’ve never been to Tokyo, and it’s right now my dream destination. If I can go there for a job, it will be insane.”
