The Graduates
Lauren Huyskens
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 Irene Ojo-Felix
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
Belgian Top 50 model Lauren Huyskens has had a remarkable rise since making her runway debut as a Prada exclusive for F/W 25. The Antwerp-born model has since become a fixture on the international runways, walking for Alaïa, Victoria Beckham, Sacai, and more, while building an impressive portfolio of campaigns and editorials. In just over a year, she has worked with some of fashion’s most celebrated photographers, including Steven Meisel, Willy Vanderperre, and Juergen Teller, the latter photographing her for the Calvin Klein Spring 2026 campaign. Yet Huyskens’ introduction to fashion was entirely unexpected. Growing up in Antwerp, a city renowned for its fashion heritage, she had little interest in the industry beyond experimenting with her personal style. Her career began with a chance encounter on the street when she smiled at a stylish woman who turned out to be a model scout. “Suddenly the cool lady was chasing me, and I was like, ‘Oh no. I smiled at a crazy person,’” she recalled with a laugh. After learning the scout’s intentions, Huyskens decided to take a chance. “I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to try it. Why not? I have nothing to lose.’”
That decision eventually led to her Prada exclusive debut in Milan in February 2025, a moment that still feels surreal. “During the finale, I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m on a runway. It’s for Prada. I’m in Milan. This is insane. How is this my life?’” she recalled. Fighting back tears until she stepped off the runway, Huyskens had little idea how quickly her career would accelerate. Since then, she has embraced both the camaraderie of fashion shows and the creative freedom of editorial work, appearing in publications including Self Service, Pop, and D la Repubblica. Working with Steven Meisel proved particularly memorable. “He’s very talented and he has a vision. So it’s a clear vision, so it takes five minutes to get the perfect shot.” Now based in New York, Huyskens balances her demanding schedule with time alone to decompress and her favorite pastime, knitting. Looking ahead, she expressed her hopes to explore more transformative beauty work, like experimenting with elaborate prosthetics, and taking on characters that challenge her appearance. Despite her rapid success, she remains grounded in a philosophy of celebrating individual achievements rather than measuring herself against others. “Comparison is truly the thief of joy,” she advised. “It’s so important to focus on the things that you’re getting instead of all the stuff you’re not getting.”
