The fashion industry has reached a point where it’s not just about how clothes look, but who the person wearing them is. One of the most demanding aspects of this new trend is exoticism: models with striking features that are outside the standard Caucasian range.
Here is a list of the top 22 exotic models with strong and beautiful personalities who come from diverse backgrounds and proved that they are more than just pretty faces.
1) Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima is considered one of the world’s most gorgeous ladies and successful models. This Brazilian-American was born in the Brazilian city of Salvador and started her modeling career at 15.
She came into the limelight after winning Ford’s Supermodel of Brazil competition. Her winning streak continues as the next year, she secured second place in the Supermodel of the World competition and ventured with Elite Model Management.
Coming from the Caribbean, Switzerland, Japan, Portugal, Native America, and African roots, she clearly inherited all of her ancestors’ best traits. She is titled the “Queen of Victoria’s Secret,” with around 20 catwalk shows during her career as Victoria’s Secret model.
Her beauty and sexiness grew further after leaving Victoria’s Secret in 2018. She is dubbed as the company’s longest-serving and most valuable model.
In 2014 she was placed as the second highest-paid model on Forbes’ top-earning model list, with around $8 million in annual earnings.
During her career as one of the most well-known models, she had several successful ventures, including the PUMA x Maybelline collaboration and the 2019’s Miu Miu cruise. Adriana has served as a brand ambassador for Maybelline cosmetics since 2003.
2) Zendaya Coleman
Famous for one of the most powerful walks in the modeling industry Zendaya Coleman is what every girl visions to be these days. Setting her domain as an actress, model, dancer, and singer, Zendaya can do all.
She was born in Oakland, California. Little Zendaya started as a child model for brands like Macy’s, Old Navy, and Mervyns. With her African-American, German, and Irish roots, Zendaya can grab the crowd’s attention with a one-of-a-kind look and undeniable mass-market appeal.
The list of accomplishments of this hot, hard-working, and smart 26-year-old woman goes on. Breaking Hollywood records with her new Spider-Man movie, Zendaya Coleman also owns her clothing line Daya by Zendaya.
Zendaya is the most followed fashion icon and is the youngest model to receive the CFDA’s Fashion Icon Award.
She collaborated with the legendary Tommy Hilfiger and launched her first fashion collaboration titled Tommy X Zendaya for spring 2019. She is the face of legendary fashion houses Lancôme, Bulgari, and Valentino.
3) Daniela Freitas
Daniela Freitas is undoubtedly one of the most attractive exotic beauties on the planet. This gorgeous lady has an outstanding modeling career and has graced the covers of the world’s famous magazines like Glamour, Playboy, and Elle.
She is a Capricorn by birth. Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, this 33-year-old beauty diva initially got her start in the modeling business through a modeling contest, Tchan A Nova Loira.
Coming into the world on January 14, 1979, Daniela Freitas is a well-known Brazilian TV figure. Besides having a phenomenal modeling career, this multi-talented fashion icon has a successful television career.
Her alluring looks helped her grace catwalks, swimwear, lingerie photo shoots, and car shows for various esteemed fashion houses.
Daniela believes that there is nothing a woman cannot achieve; therefore, after becoming a hugely successful glamour model, she became a show host and reporter. Outside of her professional career, Daniela is involved with multiple charity projects in her hometown.
4) Bella Hadid
Full name, Isabella Khair Hadid, but popular as Bella Hadid, is a top-charted fashion model worldwide. Bella is half Dutch and half Palestinian, which is why she is gifted with natural beauty and charm.
Her unique facial features and distinctive runway walk makes her stand out among other models. Her dreams of becoming a professional horse rider and competing in the Olympics got crushed when she was diagnosed with the lime disease at the age of 15.
But that didn’t stop Bella from conquering the world. She did her first modeling job for Flynn Skye Project. In 2014 she was signed with IMG models, and within two years, she earned the title of “Model of the Year.”
Today, she is the face of almost every prestigious designer and label and is ranked among the world’s most famous fashion models.
Throughout her career, Bella has marched runway after runway for a variety of designers, including Desigual, Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Jeremy Scott, and many others.
She became TAG Heuer’s face and promoted Bulgari’s embellishment lines.
5) Irina Shayk
Irina Shayk, also pronounced as Irina Sheik, is a model with dazzling beauty. She rose to global fame in 2007 by modeling for the lingerie brand Intimissi. Since then, Shayk has emerged on the charts of top models and become the new supermodel.
She has appeared in many major fashion brands’ advertising campaigns and runway shows, including Versace, Mugler, Valentino, Miu Miu, Burberry, and Bottega Veneta.
Irina has worked with legendary and influential fashion houses, such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Alberta Ferretti, Versace, Max Mara, and Armani.
As an esteemed industry icon, she has frequently adorned the covers of countless issues of Vogue. From modeling for British Vogue to gracing the cover of Vogue Italia, she also holds the record of appearing on nine Vogue covers in a year.
Besides her successful modeling career, Irina is also a proud mother of one daughter. She is also known for dating famous media personalities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bradley Cooper, and Kanye West.She is a philanthropist and the official ambassador of Pomogi.org, a charity organization aiming to provide care to needy children.
6) Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell’s successful modeling career is something to marvel at. She has topped the list of sexiest models alive on several occasions.
She is of Afro-Asian descent and is the first black female to model for TIME magazine, British Elle, Russian Vogue, and French Vogue.
Often referred to as blasian, Naomi never allowed racism to block her path and used confidence as a weapon to help her break into the modeling world.
She is also the first black female to model for British Vogue, French Vogue, and Time Magazine. At the age of 15, Naomi got a breakthrough in her modeling career.
During her long, impressive career, she has worked with remarked fashion photographers like Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, and Seb Janiak.
She has modeled campaigns for big fashion names like Burberry, Prada, Versace, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Azzedine Alaia, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino.
Naomi Campbell has been a devoted philanthropist and has closely worked with organizations and charities like amfAR, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), FASHION FOR RELIEF, and countless others.
7) Emily Ratajkowski
Emily Ratajkowski is a famous London-born American model and actress who got into the public eye after appearing on the cover of an erotica magazine called treats! Her stunning beauty and slim figure drew the attention of some well-known fashion labels.
Since then, her career has skyrocketed to lofty heights, and she appeared in music videos for artists like Robin Thicke and Maroon 5.
There isn’t anything more attractive than to watch Emily Ratajkowski on the ramp, as she is known in the modeling world for her sexy walk and long legs.
She appeared in the 2014 and 2015 Swimsuit Issues of Sports Illustrated editions. With her unique combination of British, German, Polish, and Jewish genes, she modeled for “Ford Models” at age fourteen.
She also made several appearances in top fashion magazines, mainstream brands, and cover pages. Emily Ratajkowski is a health enthusiast and keeps her fantastic body in shape through tough exercise and a healthy diet.
8) Barbara Palvin
Being of Hungarian descent, Barbara Palvin’s alluring look has helped her gain millions of followers worldwide. Barbara Palvin has an incredible modeling career that started when she was just a teen walking in the streets of Budapest with her mother.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, on October 8th, 1993, the 30 years old Barbara got her first modeling shot in 2006 for Spur Magazine. Her beauty left everyone speechless and elevated her on the charts as one of the most notable models on the planet.
She has appeared in countless high-end fashion photoshoots and runway shows, including the Miu, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, Christopher Kane, Emanuel Ungaro, Julien MacDonald, Giles Deacon, Jeremy Scott, Vivienne Westwood, and Etro.
In 2016, Barbara Palvin was rated fourth on the Maxim Hot 100 and ranked as the highest-paid model on the Forbes list. Barbara and his boyfriend, American actor Dylan Sprouse have been dating each other for some years and live together in Brooklyn.
She is also a humanitarian and is dedicated to improving the lives of those living in difficult situations by participating in charity and fundraising events.
9) Isabeli Bergossi Fontana
This Curitiba, State of Parana, native is one of Brazil’s most accomplished models. Isabeli Fontana has made a very thriving career in the modeling industry.
Her phenomenal modeling talents and angelic beauty have enchanted the world till now. With her Italian, Brazilian, and Portuguese roots, Isabeli Fontana has been able to stun anyone at first glance. She rose to stardom after modeling for Victoria’s Secret lingerie catalog at 16.
Her unique and mesmerizing looks completely shocked the fashion industry, and right after the shoot went viral, Isabeli was signed by top fashion houses like Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Valentino.
Since then, she has never stopped working and has successfully collaborated with various advertisement campaigns. In 2011, she was part of the Miss Universe judging panel.
Her long list of modeling ventures includes big names like Miss Sixty, Helena Rubinstein, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Marie Claire, ELLE, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and countless others.
10) Rina Fukushi
Coming from a part Spanish, Filipino, American, and Japanese background, Rina Fukushi possesses a lethal combination of genes that is almost impossible to resist.
She hails from Manila but grew up in Japan. According to Rina, while growing up, she faced a lot of bullies in elementary and junior high school as a mixed-race child. But all of that never hindered her from reaching her goals.
Her modeling career started at age 14 when she walked into the Tokyo Fashion Week and soon became one of Japan’s most popular “hafu” models. After making headlines at Tokyo Fashion Week, Rina Fukushi did her international debut by working as a Louis Vuitton exclusive.
Since then, her career has been skyrocketing, all thanks to her unique combination of roots for all the beauty she possesses. Her career looks especially promising in a short period, filled with impressive achievements.
She has appeared on the cover of Vogue Japan, modeled in Paris Fashion Week, and walked for top names like Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Chloé, Bottega Veneta, and Miu Miu.
11) Miranda Kerr
Best known for being Victoria’s Secret’s Angel, model Miranda Kerr proudly crowns the title of one of the most famous supermodels in the world. She entered the modeling career unexpectedly in 1997 when her friend entered a modeling competition.
Little did the 13-year-old Miranda Kerr know that she would soon become Australia’s most in-demand new face, all thanks to her innate talent and a little stroke of luck.
Over time Miranda’s ambition for modeling grew, and she propelled herself to grace the modeling world. During her exceptional career, she landed major ad campaigns and has worked with several high-end luxury fashion brands.
She even got the chance to wear the title of Victoria’s Secret’s Angel for some years. During her time, she became one of the richest and first-ever Australian models to be part of Victoria’s Secret in the year 2007.
Besides being a popular supermodel, Miranda is a successful businesswoman and owns her own skincare company, KORA Organics, which she launched in 2009.
12) Jasmine Sanders
It only takes a second to be hypnotized by her dazzling looks. Famous among style critics as Golden Barbie, she is a German-born with an African-American heritage.
Working in the industry as a model, actress, and social media star, Jasmine Sanders is a perfect combination of beauty with grace. Growing up in Frankenthal, Germany, Jasmine started early in modeling.
Smashbox, Forever21, American Eagle, Glamour, Seventeen, and Ralph Lauren are just a handful of the companies Jasmine Sanders has modeled for. She is friends with Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner in the modeling industry.
Walking runway for designers like Ralph Lauren, Moschino, DKNY, Julien MacDonald, Jeremy Scott, and Philip Plein, Jasmine made several appearances in top fashion shows. Paris catwalks for Miu Miu and bagging campaigns for renowned labels,
Vogue Italia, American Vogue, Vogue Russia, British Vogue, Vogue Arabia, Allure, LOVE, Elle Magazine, CR Fashion Book, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, GQ, Glamour, and magazine shoot; Jasmine Sanders has a lot to offer on her plate.
13) Yael Shelbia
Taking the top spots as the most alluring woman in the world, this young model is quickly making a name for herself. Starting her career through her Instagram account, Yael Shelbia became an appealing face because of her endorsements for top brands.
After her photoshoot with professional photographer Marina Moskowitz, she got labeled as a fashion model.
She has emerged in several international modeling campaigns and has modeled for several top industry brands, including Cohen and Renuar.
In 2018, she modeled for Kim Kardashian’s Beauty Company, and later that year, Shelbia was selected as the lead face for Kylie Jenner’s Biotic Skincare range. Yael has also provided her services in the Israel Defense Forces as a soldier.
14) Angela Yeung Wing
Angela Yeung Wing is smart, dangerously tempting, god gifted, and doubtlessly has a spellbinding future to look forward to. She is nicknamed the Angela baby and is a prominent actress, model, and singer. Hailing from Hong Kong and China, she has also been named “China’s Weibo Queen.”
In 2016, Angela accepted the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Supporting Actress. She already has a massive fan following as an actress, and now she is taking over the entertainment industry.
Angela Yeung Wing ventured into modeling at 14 with the help of Style International Management. Taking inspiration as a child from her father’s fashion business, she became interested in fashion and developed a passion for modeling.Besides modeling, she is a successful businesswoman who owns her venture capital fund, AB Capital. She is a great role model and source of inspiration for young girls worldwide.
15) Barbie Ferreira
Being named one of its 30 Most Influential Teens by Times magazine, Barbara Linhares Ferreira is a plus-sized American model and has achieved a lot in a short time.
In Barbara’s dictionary, everything is possible. There’s certainly more to this model, actress, and director than meets the eye.
Soon after entering the industry, she modeled for top fashion brands like H&M, Adidas, Aerie, Target, Missguided, Forever 21, and Asos.
She posts exquisitely graceful and striking images on her Instagram profile and owns millions of followers. She’s truly a woman of depth, worth, and undoubtedly an incredible beauty diva.
16) Chanel Iman
If you are aware of the fashion world, you must’ve heard the name Chanel Iman as one of the top models worldwide, according to Vogue Paris.
Beginning her modeling career at 12 by signing up with Ford Models, she has walked runways for Gucci, Versace, Burberry, DKNY, and dozens more.
Joining Victoria’s Secret in 2010 as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she has already become a reputable name in the modeling industry.
Chanel Iman’s diverse Korean, African and American background makes her an iconic beauty with an angelic face. She’s also made several appearances in magazines like Teen Vogue, Elle, L’Officiel, i-D, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue.
17) Joan Smalls
Joan Smalls Rodriguez is one of the hottest and most exotic models and an influencer from Puerto Rica.
Best recognized for her killer legs and mega-star smile, Joan started her modeling career by signing to Elite Model Management in 2007. Her first spotlight was becoming a Givenchy exclusive for Riccardo Tisci’s Haute Couture show in 2010.
There is a long list of top designers and fashion houses for which Joan Smalls has walked and modeled throughout her career.
In 2013 she was ranked as the World’s Most Highest-Paid Model, and her annual earnings were around $3 million. Due to her facial features, she often resembled the pop singer and musician Beyoncé.
She is considered one of the well-celebrated Puerto Rican models as she has worked with notable fashion houses.
18) Jade Weber
This young beauty hails from Hong Kong- French descent and stole the public’s hearts with her deep-blue, sultry eyes,
During the initial years of her celebrated modeling career, Jade Weber flashed significant media attention and pretty soon got introduced into the fashion world.
She’s fluent in French, Mandarin, and English. She began her career at 9, all thanks to a photographer who randomly clicked her photos.
Starting into the modeling business as a child model, she faced a reasonable share of trials and difficulties along her lengthy career but has never been afraid of a challenge.
In 2017, she was listed as among the “ten most beautiful kids in the world.” She’s a model and actress. Her finest work includes movies like Runaway and Color My Dreams and renowned fashion stores.
19) Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is widely popular as a plus-sized model and television presenter, but there’s more to this exquisite charmer than meets the eye.
She is the first size 16 model to model on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine and is one of the most successful faces in plus-size modeling.
Her extensive portfolio also includes legendary and noteworthy figures from the fashion industry.
Ashley Graham is the epitome of modern fashion and lifestyle for people of all ages and sizes. With her strong media presence, she aims to work towards wiping racism off the planet Earth. Ashley signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 and Ford Models in 2003 as a plus-size model. She modeled for top clothing stores like Lane Bryant and graced covers of magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
20) Nyakim Gatwech
Nyakim Gatwech is greeted as Queen of the Dark in the modeling world due to her uniquely dark skin tone. She is considered a trailblazer for all young models belonging to diverse backgrounds.
This iconic fashion model comes of South Sudanese descent and working her way up in the modeling business among lighter-skinned ladies.
At 29, she established her name in the entertainment industry and transformed modeling from a brand into an art. Besides that, her devotion to her profession and country is commendable.
She is often spotted promoting her culture and supporting unprivileged families in need. She helped rebuild her hometown’s children’s and maternity hospitals during the pandemic.
Nyakim Gatwech holds over 985,000 followers on Instagram and preaches confidence, diversity, equality, acceptance, and self-love.
21) Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis is one of those faces you cannot forget, as she can leave people speechless with her spectacular ramp walk skills.
She moved to the US from Soviet Ukraine in 1991 and decided to make a career in entertainment. She has a condition called heterochromia iridium, due to which her irises are different colors. One eye is blue, while the other is green.
She has been named the sexiest woman on the planet quite a few times now and has modeled for campaigns for top fashion brands like Christian Dior and Calvin Klein. Her fashion success made her one of the industry’s most noteworthy talents.
In 2022, Mila Kunis got ranked on Time magazine’s list of “the 100 most influential people in the world.”
22) Anna Akana
She might not be the leading model, but her quirky and endearing good looks were enough to put her on the list.
Loving watching anime and spending most of her off time doing late-night karaoke, little did Anna know that this ambitious girl soon worked her way up into the business and turned her dreams into reality.
Anna Akana is a social media and YouTube personality. On YouTube, she boasts more than 2.77 million subscribers. Her Instagram holds more than 499K followers and is filled with her bewitching clicks and random modeling photos.
She has worked in Ant-Man, Awkward, My Name is Doris, Hello, and Dirty. She has also modeled for some music videos, designer houses, and brands.
Predicting the fame and recognition, she is receiving, soon she would become the industry’s most demanding face.
Conclusion
Modeling requires aesthetics, strengths, the ability to believe in yourself, confidence, and offering something unique to people. These are the essential features to become recognizable in this industry.
These top-rated models have shown the world that there is no ideal beauty or specific formula to rule in the fashion industry.
Beauty needs no definition, and today’s fashion industry has shown how beautiful, curvy, exotic, and gorgeous models from all sides have come together and revolutionalized the modeling industry.
