For a long time, the fashion industry imposed rigid selection criteria, notably based on skin color. Today, a new wave of black models is overturning these codes, imposing their presence and talent with strength and elegance. These iconic women are inspiring the world, challenging beauty norms and paving the way for more inclusive fashion. Discover below the Top 10 black models setting Instagram alight this year.
10 black models who will be taking Instagram by storm in 2025
You’ve certainly noticed them on the catwalks of the biggest fashion shows or on the covers of the most prestigious fashion magazines. Discover below the Top 10 most popular black models on Instagram.
Adut Akech: The icon of resilience
Born on December 25, 1999, Adut Akech, an Australian model of South Sudanese origin, has become one of the industry’s most fashionable figures since 2018. She models for top fashion houses such as Chanel, Valentino and Givenchy, while actively fighting for better representation of black women in fashion. Adut embodies elegance, strength and resilience.
Raised in Kenya as a refugee before moving to Australia, she is now recognized for her commitment to breaking stereotypes and for her humanitarian work. She uses her platform to champion the rights of refugees and women, being an inspiration to many, as evidenced by one of her standout quotes, “It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what you have, as long as you have a dream, it’s achievable.”
Imaan Hammam: a plural and committed beauty
Of Moroccan and Egyptian origin, Imaan Hammam is an iconic figure on the fashion scene. Celebrated for her unique beauty and diverse heritage, she has conquered the industry with her captivating charm and boundless energy. Discovered in Amsterdam at the age of 13, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a fixture on the catwalks of major brands such as Prada and Versace, and on the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue.
Beyond her professional success, Imaan is a fervent advocate of diversity andinclusion in the fashion world, raising awareness on issues related to equality, representation and the power of origins.
Cindy Bruna: Charm, elegance and social commitment
French-Congolese-Italian Cindy Bruna is a model whose charm and elegance have conquered the world’s most prestigious catwalks. She is one of the most sought-after faces in the industry, walking the catwalk for such renowned houses as Balmain, Givenchy and Victoria’s Secret, where she has distinguished herself as one of the few black models to make her mark in this exclusive world. Beyond her modeling career, Cindy Bruna works for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
She also uses her voice to talk about theimportance of self-esteem and self-confidence. Cindy Bruna is also committed to fighting violence against women through the Solidarité Femmes association. She has also published her autobiographical book “Le jour où j’ai arrêté d’avoir peur”, in which she recounts her childhood and the domestic violence suffered by her mother. Through her outspokenness and commitment, she inspires many young women.
Jasmine Tookes: the timeless elegance of an icon
Known for her timeless elegance and magnetic presence on the catwalk, Jasmine Tookes is one of the most admired models of her generation. Before rising to the top of the fashion industry, she began her career as a catalog model. Of Afro-Latin descent, Jasmine is best known for her role as Victoria’s Secret Angel. This prestigious title has enabled her to walk the catwalks of some of the world’s top brands and become a fashion icon the world over.
Beyond her professional success, she is an activist for healthy living and positive body image, inspiring her fans to embrace their authenticity and pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
Anok Yai: Beauty redefined in record time
Discovered on Instagram by chance after a photo of her went viral at a university festival, Anok Yai has quickly established herself as one of the most influential figures in fashion today. In record time, she became the first black woman to open a Prada show. Known for her striking beauty, ebony skin and sculptural features, this Sudanese-American model has redefined industry standards by highlighting the importance of diversity and representation. For young black girls around the world, she is a voice that inspires confidence and cultural pride.
Duckie Thot: From Melbourne to the international catwalk
Nyadak, whose real first name is Duckie Thot, grew up in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from South Sudan, she began her modeling career at the age of 15, when she took part in the Australian edition of Next Top Model, finishing third. After this competition, encouraged by her father, she decided to try her luck in New York. Success soon followed, and Duckie Thot became a top model for theNew York Model Management agency, with a string of castings and runway shows.
Her most prestigious shows include the Yeezy show for the Spring/Summer 2017 season, Moschino, and Rihanna’s brand, Fenty, which brought her great visibility. In New York this year, she walked the catwalk of the Victoria’s Secret show for the first time. Her crowning achievement came with her appointment as official ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Duckie Thot is particularly well known for her stunning beauty and her commitment to the representation of black women in fashion.
Halima Aden: Pioneering diversity on the catwalk
Halima Aden began her modeling career in 2016 at the age of 19. She took part in the Miss USA Minnesota election and paraded there in a burkini, attracting the attention of Carine Roitfeld, former editor-in-chief of Vogue France, who decided to take her under her wing. Not only did Carine Roitfeld take notice of her, but IMG Models also recruited her, and it all happened very quickly.
In February 2017, she made her debut at New York Fashion Week for Yeezy Season 5. Halima Aden also took part in Milan Fashion Week and the same year at London Modest Fashion Week. She later modeled for British Glamour magazine, American Eagle Outfitters and appeared on the cover of Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book. She then appeared in Savage x Fenty, her very first campaign.
Alek Wek: a symbol of universal beauty
Alek Wek is a model from Sudan who has changed perceptions with her ebony skin and luminous smile. Discovered at the age of 18, she quickly conquered the catwalks and walked the runway for major brands such as Chanel and Givenchy. Alek Wek has a particularity: she doesn’t just wear clothes. Far from Eurocentric clichés, she embodies a new definition of beauty.
One event marked her career: as a sign of rebellion against the standards imposed by the industry, she removed her blonde wig at a fashion show. This symbolic gesture left a lasting impression and opened a dialogue on diversity in the fashion industry. Alek Wek boasts a historic CV, having appeared on the cover of over 50 fashion magazines and counted more than 200 shows to her credit. She was also Chanel’s first black bride in 2004, chosen by Karl Lagerfeld, a privileged and very important role as the bride closes the haute couture shows.
Mayowa Nicholas: the Nigerian talent who’s seducing the world
Nigerian model Mayowa Nicholas was the first Nigerian model to be selected for the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Saint-Laurent and Calvin Klein. In 2014, with Italian model Greta Varlese, she was a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition. In 2015, in her first season as an international model, she appeared in shows for major brands such as Balmain, Calvin Klein, Kenzo, Hermès and Acne Studios.
She went on to work with designers such as Prada, Miu Miu, Versace, Chanel, Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta. She was also selected to take part in a Dolce & Gabbana campaign. In 2018, she made her official debut in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Adesuwa Aighewi: The multi-talented model and filmmaker
American model and filmmaker, Adesuwa Aighewi was ranked a finalist by models.com in the “Breakout Star of the Year” category in 2018. Discovered on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, she has since walked the runway for such world-renowned brands as Alexander Wang, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Kenzo, Kate Spade, Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, Marc Jacobs, Yeezy, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Dior, Fendi, and Tommy Hilfiger. She has been a top 50 model since January 2019, proving her must-have status in the industry.
While skin color was long a dominant selection criterion in the fashion industry, today’s catwalks now celebrate a much richer diversity. Thanks to their talent, perseverance and commitment, these black models have not only transformed the catwalks, but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and inspiring representation of beauty, serving as role models for future generations.
