NYFW power rankings: The 9 models you need to know now

Date September 17, 2015

They walk, they talk, they tweet—models are just like us, right? Wrong. Judging by the army of girls who hit the runways during fashion month, these are not mere mortals. Take mega-model Karlie Kloss—a midwestern girl with mile-long legs and a runway walk that rivals a panther. She opened Diane Von Furstenberg’s Spring 2016 show then the other beautiful creatures came out to play. In the world of modeling one day you’re in, the next you’re a brand. Here are the nine models who ripped up the NYFW runways this season, one very in-demand dude included.

1/8

Bella-Hadid

Bella Hadid

Gigi’s little sister Bella has been making her own mark in the fashion world, recently landing a gig with Victoria’s Secret Pink. It seems her love life is heating up too—at Diane Von Furstenberg BF The Weeknd sat front row, and later posted an Instagram of his ladylove working the runway.

NYFW highlight: With flowers in her hair and a printed jumpsuit, Bella’s look at DVF was giving off serious ’70s vibes.

2/8

Lucky-Blue-Smith

Lucky Blue Smith and Pyper America Smith

This model (and Mormon) brother-sister duo from Moncler’s campaign took some serious bites out of the Big Apple during nyfw. Lucky, a.k.a. the Biebs of the modeling world, is known for his platinum do, while Pyper tweets mindful messages: “I use my time in taxi cabs to meditate.”

NYFW highlight: Lucky took runway spins at Michael Kors Collection and at Kanye West’s second Yeezy x Adidas show, where sister Pyper also suited up in West’s military-inspired pieces.

3/8

Binx-Walton

Binx Walton

Nicknamed after a Star Wars character, this coltish Tennessee-native is no stranger to the high fashion world—her already impressive resume includes campaigns with Céline and Balmain.

NYFW highlight: Lacoste’s colourful flag themed collection was perfectly suited for a gold medal star like Binx.

4/8

Estelle-Chen

Estelle Chen

From ready-to-wear to haute couture (she was featured in Dior Couture’s Fall 2015 campaign) Estelle is familiar with fashion’s top runways. This season is no exception with labels like Opening Ceremony, Boss and Thakoon casting her for NYFW Spring 2016.

NYFW highlight: Her bright lip and sexy minimalist look at Victoria Beckham was memorable for all the right reasons.

5/8

Kendall-Jenner

Kendall Jenner

Who runs the world? The Kardashian-Jenners—and Kendall (a.k.a. Kenny) commands the spotlight just like her Selfie-loving half sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney. When Kendall’s on the runway you know all eyes are transfixed on her.

NYFW highlight: This reality-turned-runway star led the finale at Michael Kors Collection wearing a black tank and a fringe skirt with a low-slung belt—big time 90s vibes.

6/8

Issa-Lish

Issa Lish

Born and raised in Mexico City, Issa moved to Manhattan a year or so ago, and has been burning up the runways ever since. Her NYFW Spring schedule was jam packed with shows like Anna Sui, Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and more.

NYFW highlight: At Prabal Gurung she put a de-Lish-cious spin on a juicy fruit look.

7/8

Gigi-Hadid

Gigi Hadid

One of the modeling world’s current darlings, Gigi (a.k.a. G-Force) is known for her killer bod, mega-watt smile and meteoric rise to fashion fame. She would be easy to hate if she weren’t so damn nice—beautiful and bubbly.

NYFW highlight: She made a splash at Tommy Hilfiger’s island themed show in a barely-there bikini. BF Joe Jonas was sitting front row to cheer on his girl.
Her model squad: Kendall, sister Bella and Karlie.

8/8

Selena-Forrest

Selina Forrest

Discovered less than a year ago, this California-native is getting lots of buzz already this season. Why? Two words: Proenza Schouler.
NYFW highlight: This newbie-on-the-block opened Proenza Schouler’s spring show wearing a sleeveless white suit. LFW, keep your eyes peeled for this Insta-worthy up-and-comer.