Since 2014, the Models.com Model of the Year Awards has represented the collective voices of hundreds of industry members, including top photographers, editors, stylists, beauty creatives, casting directors, and, of course, you, the viewing public and fashion’s most engaged audience. In a year defined by high-profile designer entrances and exits across the global fashion capitals, the awards continue to serve as a stable measure of influence within an industry in flux.
This year’s industry participants included Anita Bitton, Bethann Hardison, Carlijn Jacobs, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Charlotte Wales, Derek Blasberg, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Hung Vanngo, Ignacio Murillo, Jess Hallett, Joshua Woods, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Kevin Tekinel, Patti Wilson, Piergiorgio Del Moro, Robbie Spencer, Rosie Vogel, Tyler Mitchell, Theo Liu, Valentin Herfray, and many more.
The Models.com digital community has also spoken—responding to models who mobilized their audiences and supporters, with over 13,000 votes submitted. These votes helped shape outcomes that were as dynamic and competitive as the selections made by industry insiders.
The top honor, Model of the Year, is awarded to those whose influence, body of work, and undeniable impact resonated throughout the industry, with full support from its key players. Breakout Stars recognize models whose presence has surged in recent seasons, signaling the next generation of leading faces. Social Movers of the Year celebrates models who have leveraged their platforms for meaningful cultural and social impact. New this year, Content Creators of the Year recognizes creators who first built their audiences through social media and are now taking up meaningful space within the fashion industry, reflecting the undeniable rise of this form of talent. Finally, for its sixth iteration, the Lifetime Achievement Award honors a model whose career has exceeded expectations and continues to leave a mark, leaving a lasting legacy in the modelling industry.
The awards are broken down into 9 categories as follows:
The singular face that defined the year as a whole with ubiquitous industry demand and presence. They distinguished themselves via top-tier bookings with the best photographers, stylists, and clients earning next-level visibility, making them 2025’s foremost star.
The singular face that defined the year as a whole with ubiquitous industry demand and presence. They distinguished themselves via top tier bookings with the best photographers, stylists and clients earning next-level visibility, making them 2025’s foremost star.
Like Model of the Year, the Breakout Star has had a substantial presence on the modeling scene, only their careers have just begun to take off in the past several seasons. As a newcomer to the fashion industry, these rising stars have racked up coveted campaigns and impressive editorial work in a short period of time and are set to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
Like Model of the Year, the Breakout Star has substantial presence on the modeling scene, only their careers have just begun to take off in the past several seasons. As a newcomer to the fashion industry, these rising stars have racked up coveted campaigns and impressive editorial work in a short period of time and are set to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
These are the people who looked beyond social numbers and used their heightened platform to change the world for the better. Whether it was organizing within their community or bringing awareness to vital issues, these leaders were a powerful presence in a year that was full of strife.
Honoring those who mastered the digital space, this award recognizes the creator whose engaging content, unique voice, and creative vision captivated audiences across platforms.
Celebrating the model whose off-duty looks were just as impactful as their work on the runway. Their personal style inspired trends and turned the streets into their own catwalk.
For its sixth edition, Models.com’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award honors a legendary model whose illustrious career has spanned nearly five decades, breaking barriers and redefining the industry standard. Somali-born Iman Abdulmajid emerged in 1975 and swiftly became one of the first Black supermodels, serving as a muse to fashion designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler, Azzedine Alaïa, and Gianni Versace. Over the years, she built a prolific portfolio of magazine covers and runway appearances for top designers from Halston to Chanel.
After retiring from the catwalk in 1989, Iman reinvented herself as a beauty entrepreneur by launching the groundbreaking Iman Cosmetics line to cater to women of color that couldn’t find their shades in mass market. Now at 70, Iman’s cultural impact and presence remain as formidable as ever as she makes show-stopping red carpet appearances. Just recently in London, she debuted at the British Fashion Council’s annual Fashion Awards – appearing at the event for the first time in a dramatic Harris Reed corseted gown. Sharing the red carpet with a new generation of stars, Iman still stole the show with her sculptural look, which was among the night’s most talked-about appearances. By continuing to command the industry’s attention with her poise, advocacy for diversity, and timeless style, Iman exemplifies longevity and excellence, making her a fitting recipient of this prestigious honor.
