Fashion’s next wave becomes visible through runway bookings, magazine editorials and advertising campaigns. For aspiring models, these careers also offer practical examples of how different kinds of work can build a professional portfolio.
Photowant’s rising models to watch in 2026 include Thalita Ferreira, Alina Miller, Nyela Hopster, Josephen Akuei, Noor Khan, Emaan Zishan, Marylore Heck, Luna Yohannan, Ivy Stewart and Charlie Jones.
This international watchlist brings together recent breakout talent and models building on their first major successes. Explore their documented work, discover what makes each career interesting and learn how to apply those observations to your own modelling preparation.
Editorial review date: 12 October 2026.
How We Selected These Rising Fashion Models
This is Photowant’s editorial selection, presented in no particular ranking order. We considered documented runway appearances, editorial and campaign credits, and recognition in industry publications and model directories.
Our focus is on evidence of professional activity rather than follower counts or predictions of future fame. Models on the list are at different career stages; some have already progressed from newcomer recognition to established industry rankings.
You will also see Spring/Summer 2027 credits below. Those collections were shown during the fashion calendar in 2026.
1. Thalita Ferreira
Brazilian model Thalita Ferreira has built a runway portfolio that includes Saint Laurent, Loewe, Givenchy, Schiaparelli and Balenciaga. Her Models.com record lists appearances for these houses during the Spring/Summer 2027 season.
Her representation includes Ford Models Paris and Premier Model Management in London. The range of fashion houses in her recent work makes her a useful name to follow when studying how models adapt to different collections and creative directions.
Portfolio lesson: Study how posture and movement support the clothing. Practise maintaining your own presence while responding to different styling briefs.
2. Alina Miller
Alina Miller’s recent credits span both fashion shows and magazine work. Her portfolio includes Spring/Summer 2027 runway appearances for Chanel, Miu Miu, Hermès and Givenchy, alongside an October 2026 Harper’s Bazaar France cover.
That combination gives aspiring models two kinds of work to examine: performance on a moving runway and expression within a still photograph.
Portfolio lesson: Review your movement and still images separately. A strong walk and a strong editorial photograph require related but distinct skills.
3. Nyela Hopster
Dutch model Nyela Hopster appeared in Models.com’s Fall/Winter 2026 newcomer coverage. Her subsequent show credits include Louis Vuitton, Celine, Ferragamo, Jil Sander and Simone Rocha.
Her agency listings include Women Management in New York, Paris and Milan. This developing international record makes her a relevant model to follow across multiple fashion markets.
Portfolio lesson: Compare how one model is presented by different clients. Notice changes in styling, expression and movement without copying someone else’s identity.
4. Josephen Akuei
Australian and South Sudanese model Josephen Akuei appears on Models.com’s Hot List. Recent credits include Chanel, Ferragamo and Max Mara runway shows, plus Zara advertising photographed by Steven Meisel.
Her work provides examples of a developing career spanning fashion shows, commercial imagery and editorial opportunities.
Portfolio lesson: Think about where your images will be used. A fashion editorial, a clothing campaign and an agency submission serve different purposes.
5. Noor Khan
Swedish and Pakistani model Noor Khan made her international debut through Phoebe Philo’s fashion launch in 2023. She later opened Prada’s Spring 2025 show as a Milan exclusive and appeared in Saint Laurent’s Spring 2025 show as a Paris exclusive.
Models.com lists her among its Top 50 models and records a 2025 Breakout Star nomination. She represents the more established end of this watchlist: a recent breakout whose career has already gained significant recognition.
Portfolio lesson: A clear visual identity can be worth studying alongside versatility. Choose images that communicate your strengths consistently.
6. Emaan Zishan
Canadian and Pakistani model Emaan Zishan appears on Models.com’s Hot List, with recent runway credits including Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Marni and Max Mara.
Her listed agencies include Ford Models in New York, Oui Management in Paris and Models 1 in London. Her work is relevant for readers following South Asian representation within international fashion.
Portfolio lesson: Build your presentation around your own features, expression and movement. Use references to understand a brief while retaining your individuality.
7. Marylore Heck
Belgian model Marylore Heck opened Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, according to her Models.com biography. Her more recent credits include Alaïa, Celine, Chloé and Victoria Beckham, alongside an October 2026 Elle US editorial.
Her portfolio offers a useful sequence to follow, from a prominent early booking to a broader body of fashion work.
Portfolio lesson: Assess your portfolio as a collection. Each new photograph should add something useful rather than repeat the same pose and expression.
8. Luna Yohannan
New York-based model Luna Yohannan has a portfolio covering runway, editorial, campaign and lookbook work. Recent credits include a Fear of God Fall/Winter 2026 campaign, J.Crew advertising, COS lookbook imagery and W Magazine editorial work.
She also appears on Models.com’s Hot List. Her mix of assignments makes her worth following beyond the Fashion Week runway.
Portfolio lesson: Explore different modelling briefs. Practise expressive editorial poses alongside simple, clear clothing presentation.
9. Ivy Stewart
Ivy Stewart, represented by IMG across several markets, appears on Models.com’s Hot List. Her recent runway record includes Burberry, Gucci, Tom Ford and Givenchy, as well as closing Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer 2027 show.
Her continuing work across different fashion houses provides material for studying consistency and adaptation over a busy show season.
Portfolio lesson: Review full runway videos as well as photographs. Pay attention to pace, posture, turns and how the clothes move.
10. Charlie Jones
British model Charlie Jones opened Haider Ackermann’s first Tom Ford show and appeared in a Jil Sander campaign photographed by David Sims. His portfolio also includes fashion editorials and covers, with Models.com listing him among its Top 50.
Like Noor Khan, Jones has already moved beyond the earliest newcomer stage. His inclusion reflects the momentum of a recent breakout career across runway and image-making.
Portfolio lesson: Experiment with contrasting moods and styling. Select work that demonstrates your ability to respond to a creative brief.
What Aspiring Models Can Learn From This Watchlist
Studying emerging fashion models is most useful when you turn inspiration into practical preparation.
Understand the different types of modelling work
A runway model presents clothing in motion. Editorial modelling supports a fashion story through photographs. Campaign modelling communicates a brand’s creative idea, while e-commerce and lookbook work help audiences understand the clothing or product.
Use these distinctions when choosing references and planning your own shoots.
Prepare images for a specific purpose
Before arranging a model portfolio shoot, decide whether you need material for an agency submission, a commercial casting or a broader portfolio refresh.
Check the recipient’s requirements first. A polished editorial photograph may serve a different purpose from a simple, current image requested in a submission.
Practise expression and movement
Record short practice sessions. Review your posture, hands, transitions and facial expressions, then identify one skill to improve at a time.
Present your experience accurately
Keep your profile current and describe your work clearly. Distinguish between a test shoot, a published editorial, a runway booking and a commissioned campaign.
Build Your Modelling Portfolio With Photowant
Ready to turn your references into a plan for your own portfolio?
Photowant Creative Ad Agency offers fashion and modelling photography, including portfolio and comp-card photography. Its training programmes also cover posing, expression, ramp walk, grooming and audition preparation.
Share your experience level, preferred type of modelling, current photographs and intended use of the finished images. These details help the team discuss an appropriate shoot or training option with you.
Planning your first portfolio or refreshing existing images?
Enquire about a modelling portfolio shoot.
Want to work on your posing and runway skills?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who are some rising models to watch in 2026?
Photowant’s editorial watchlist includes Thalita Ferreira, Alina Miller, Nyela Hopster, Josephen Akuei, Noor Khan, Emaan Zishan, Marylore Heck, Luna Yohannan, Ivy Stewart and Charlie Jones. Their profiles above explain the documented work behind each selection.
What makes a model a breakout talent?
For this watchlist, breakout talent means a model gaining notable professional visibility through runway bookings, campaigns, editorial work or industry recognition. It is an editorial description rather than a standard professional qualification.
Are all the models on this list beginners?
No. The list includes newer faces and recent breakout models who have already developed substantial careers. Their individual profiles make that distinction clear.
What should I prepare before a modelling portfolio shoot?
Define the purpose of the shoot, collect a small set of relevant visual references and review the requirements of any agency or casting you plan to approach. Discuss styling, image selection, deliverables and usage with the photographer before booking.
Can a professional portfolio guarantee modelling work?
No. A portfolio helps present your suitability for a brief. Selection still depends on the client’s requirements, your performance and other casting considerations.
How can Photowant help me get started?
Contact Photowant to discuss its published modelling photography and training services. Share your current experience, portfolio needs and goals so the team can explain the available options.
