In a tumultuous year that included plenty of shake-ups in the editorial and design space, it felt like the industry was eager to get back to a pre-pandemic energy of diligent focus. Models.com was no stranger to this sentiment. With a few design changes (did you notice?), as well as amped-up video content, Models.com wanted to reconnect with the people who make this industry a community brimming with creative spark. What better time than the end of the year to highlight 12 original stories that featured some of the leading models and creatives who are shifting the fashion industry as we know it?
Read on to see 12 of our favorite moments of 2023.
MODELS
Anok Yai on Redefining a New Era of Supermodels
New Super Anok Yai worked this year as if she had something to prove, with a dominating presence on billboards, magazine covers, and the runways of the luxury elite. Since being discovered at Howard University Homecoming and subsequently opening Prada F/W 18, something no black model had done in over 20 years since Naomi Campbell, her meteoric rise has been attributed to an unstoppable work ethic and expansion into new ventures that include brand deals, artist residencies, and the occasional music video cameo. Shot by Mauricio Sierra, Models.com sat with Yai in Paris during a hectic fashion week schedule to discuss the performance of runway, not being afraid to ask for creative control or be opinionated, and the importance of being her own business.
The Art of Collaboration: Amber Valletta and Tonne Goodman
Vogue’s sustainability editor Tonne Goodman, has championed renewable living through her decades as a fashion editor. Pairing up for the first installment of Models.com Art of Collaboration series with supermodel Amber Valletta, made sense as the British Vogue Contributing Sustainability Editor, actress, and activist who has been committed to advancing environmental awareness and smarter consumption practices for years. Shot by Robert Nethery, Models.com sat with the two industry leaders to discuss their careers together, the changes they’ve seen in the fashion industry over time, and the industry’s role in addressing the climate crisis.
For Supermodel Ashley Graham, Her Body Isn’t a Trend
New Super Ashley Graham has surpassed barriers while demanding the respect and inclusion of curve models in high fashion. As an advocate for body positivity, her presence led the way for others to be included within the broadening framework of the modeling industry. Now a wife and mother of three, Graham is redefining what it means to be a supermodel and has one message for those that would block progress – her body isn’t a trend. Shot by Kloss Films, Graham transports us to Milan during fashion week to give audiences a glimpse of a day in her life dashing from fittings to the runway to the front row.
How Singer Yseult Stepped Into Her Fashion Spotlight
With a voice that stops you in your tracks, singer, songwriter, and model Yseult has risen as a rare trailblazing figure in both the music and fashion industries, determined to change both. Models.com spoke with the star in Paris’ Artistic Palace Studios to discuss her new music, sharing a moment with Paloma Elsesser as the first curve models to walk for Balenciaga, and what it means to completely love yourself.
CREATIVES
Industry Access: Alastair McKimm and Samira Nasr
The role of editor-in-chief in today’s media climate enforces that all creative content fit within a publication’s big picture. When it comes to their respective titles, both Alastair McKimm of i-D Magazine and Samira Nasr of Harper’s Bazaar U.S. bring together their two decades of experience navigating fashion that has fortified their adaptability and understanding of the business of media. In a rare assembly of fashion titans, Models.com spoke with two of the industry’s most influential figures to discuss their starts, creating a culture that people want to be part of, and the importance of understanding fashion as a business.
The Art of Collaboration: Carlos Nazario and Tyler Mitchell
Over the years, the partnership between stylist Carlos Nazario and photographer Tyler Mitchell has resulted in imagery celebrating the breadth and depth of Black beauty globally in the pages of i-D, Self-Service, and Vogue. Shot by Robert Nethery, Models.com spoke to the pair for another installment of Art of Collaboration, about their initial connections and how their alignment matches with their unwavering dedication to redefining fashion’s canonical visual language.
The Eye of Vogue: Rosie Vogel on What Informs Her Casting
Casting Director Rosie Vogel has been the premier eye behind Vogue as the current Global Director of Talent & Casting. The Brit’s decisions have been pivotal in shaping the visual narrative of the global editions, turning the pages into a testament of her expertise. Shot by Ben Wulff, Models.com spoke to Vogel at the historic The Mark Hotel to understand how she got her start, her fearless approach to casting, and why the word iconic in modeling has stretched more than it’s worth.
FASHION
Gabriella Karefa-Johnson on the Role of a Modern Day Editor
Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson has been fearless in her advocacy for those without platform since her Vogue beginnings and former position as Global Contributing Fashion Editor-at-Large. Now, as a free agent, Karefa-Johnson continues to build on a legacy that included styling icons like Serena Williams, Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Gigi and Bella Hadid. Shot by Robert Nethery at the Wythe Hotel, Models.com looks back at her fateful start, her continued legacy of inclusivity, and the role of editors as influencers.
Karla Martinez De Salas Has Created a Distinct Fashion Voice for Latin America
With her appointment in 2016 as Head of Content at Vogue Mexico and Latin America, Karla Martinez de Salas took on the singular duty of accelerating the region’s global fashion influence while simultaneously running the two distinct books she looks over. She has ushered in notable covers that have furthered the career of Latinx and indigenous models like Lineisy Montero, Mica Argañaraz, Tindi Mar, Devyn Garcia, Quannah Chasinghorse, and America Gonzalez. Shot by Mauricio Sierra at the Mondrian Mexico City Condesa, Models.com spoke to the editor about her career-defining move to Mexico City, the many Latin American designers on her radar, and her unwavering dedication to morphing the creative landscape in her thriving region.
Stylist Kate Phelan Weaves Her Life’s Journey Through Fashion
As one of Britain’s most acclaimed stylists, the former creative director at Topshop and Global Contributing Fashion Editor at Vogue Kate Phelan has had a career reflective of her passion for fashion image-making while relatively staying out of the limelight. Directed by Kloss Films, Phelan gives Models.com a rare, intimate view into her remarkable journey, favorite muses and collaborators, and letting the work speak for itself.
BEAUTY
For Makeup Artist Marcelo Gutierrez, Beauty Defies Definition
Colombian makeup artist Marcelo Gutierrez was destined for a creative path and ultimately caught the attention of Pat McGrath, marking the beginning of his career as a makeup artist. As an immigrant and refugee, Gutierrez has become an advocate for increased diversity and representation in the fashion industry, especially for Latin Americans and was the first Colombian to lead a cover shoot for Vogue. Now, with his first award as Fashion Artist of the Year from the Latin American Fashion Awards under his belt, Models.com looks back at our conversation with Gutierrez on how beauty is undefinable, the power of organic collaborations, and the value of prioritizing quality work over quantity.
Hairstylist Jawara on the Universal Language of Hair
Considering his long list of luxury clients, it’s no wonder why Jamaica-raised, Brooklyn-native Jawara is one of the most visionary names currently in beauty. The artist has been at the forefront of the conversation on the importance of learning to work on all types of hair working with supermodels like Iman, Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid, Adut Akech, and many more that have been transformed under his skilled hands. Shot by Robert Nethery, Models.com connected with the creator about how his family connections led him to fall in love with hair, his long list of talented collaborators and peers, grounding himself before a hectic runway season, and the universal language of hair.
