When you think of top models, what comes to mind? Glossy magazine covers, runway lights, designer clothes? Those are the surface. But the real story behind why some models become icons while others fade away isn’t about looks alone. It’s about style and substance. The ones who last don’t just walk well-they think, adapt, and build something lasting.
It’s Not Just About the Face
For decades, the fashion world acted like a model’s job was to be a mannequin. But the top models of today? They’re not just posing. They’re shaping campaigns, co-designing lines, and speaking up on issues. Look at Gigi Hadid. She didn’t just walk for Tommy Hilfiger-she helped design the collection. Or Adut Akech, who went from refugee to global face of Victoria’s Secret and then launched her own nonprofit for young girls in South Sudan. These aren’t accidents. They’re choices.Style here isn’t just how they wear a dress. It’s how they carry themselves off-camera. It’s the way they speak in interviews, how they treat their teams, how they handle rejection. Substance is the grit behind the glow. It’s showing up when the shoot runs late, learning to negotiate contracts, knowing when to say no to a brand that doesn’t align with your values.
The New Rules of the Runway
The old model hierarchy-tall, thin, silent-doesn’t work anymore. Brands are chasing authenticity. And the top models now? They’re the ones who bring realness. Look at the rise of models like Paloma Elsesser and Hunter Schafer. Elsesser, who wears a size 16, became a staple for Savage X Fenty because she owns her body without apology. Schafer, a trans woman and actor, brought depth to fashion campaigns that went beyond aesthetics.Today’s top models have to be multi-hyphenates. They’re not just models-they’re influencers, entrepreneurs, activists. They manage their own social media. They work with stylists to build personal brands. They write books or start podcasts. The ones who thrive understand that their value isn’t just in their measurements. It’s in their voice.
What They Do When the Cameras Stop
Most people think modeling is a short career. That’s true-if you do nothing else. But the top models plan for what comes after. Naomi Campbell didn’t stop at walking for Versace. She launched her own management agency. Karlie Kloss turned her love of coding into Kode with Klossy, a nonprofit teaching young girls to code. These aren’t side projects. They’re career pivots built on real skills.Take a look at the data: according to a 2025 report by the Fashion Industry Association, models who started businesses or took on creative roles during their peak years earned 67% more over their lifetime than those who only modeled. And 82% of them reported higher job satisfaction. That’s not luck. It’s strategy.
How They Build Long-Term Influence
Style is what gets you noticed. Substance is what keeps you relevant. The top models know this. They don’t just show up for shoots-they show up for conversations. They use their platforms to talk about mental health, body diversity, labor rights. They collaborate with NGOs. They testify before legislative panels on fair pay in fashion.Take Lily Aldridge. She didn’t just model for Sports Illustrated. She became a vocal advocate for maternal health after her own pregnancy struggles. She partnered with organizations to fund postpartum care programs. That’s not a PR move. That’s legacy-building.
And it’s not just about big names. Look at rising models like Sui He or Precious Lee. They’re not waiting for brands to call them. They’re creating their own content, pushing for inclusive casting, and mentoring newcomers. They know the industry won’t change unless they help change it.
The Hidden Skills No One Talks About
Most think modeling is about posing. But the top models have mastered skills most people never learn:- Contract negotiation-knowing how to ask for residuals, usage rights, and creative control
- Public speaking-handling interviews, red carpets, and live events with poise
- Financial literacy-managing income that’s often irregular, saving for taxes, investing early
- Brand alignment-choosing partnerships that fit their values, not just their paycheck
- Resilience-bouncing back from rejection, criticism, and industry pressure
These aren’t taught in modeling schools. They’re learned through experience, mentorship, and sometimes, hard knocks.
The Price of Being a Top Model
Let’s be real: the lifestyle looks glamorous. But behind the scenes, it’s exhausting. Top models often work 18-hour days across three time zones. They’re away from family for months. They deal with body shaming, ageism, and constant scrutiny. The ones who survive don’t do it by being perfect. They do it by being human.They therapy. They set boundaries. They take breaks. They say no. That’s the real difference between a model who’s famous for a season and one who’s remembered for decades.
What You Can Learn From Them
You don’t have to be a model to take these lessons. Whether you’re in tech, retail, or art, the same principles apply:- Your personal brand matters more than your title
- Authenticity builds trust faster than polish
- Long-term success comes from adding value, not just appearing
- Protect your energy as fiercely as your reputation
- Use your platform-even a small one-to make a difference
The top models didn’t get there by waiting for permission. They built their own paths. And that’s the most powerful style of all.
What makes a model truly "top" today?
A top model today isn’t defined by how many covers they’re on. It’s defined by their influence beyond the runway-whether they co-design collections, advocate for social causes, build businesses, or mentor others. They combine visual appeal with deep personal agency.
Do top models still need to be extremely thin?
No. The industry has shifted dramatically since the 2010s. Major brands like Savage X Fenty, Aerie, and Nike now prioritize diversity in body types. The top models today come in all shapes and sizes. What matters is how they carry themselves with confidence and authenticity, not a specific number on a scale.
How do top models manage their careers long-term?
They treat their careers like businesses. Many hire agents, managers, and financial advisors early. They invest income into real estate, startups, or education. Some launch their own brands or agencies. They also diversify into acting, writing, or activism to extend their relevance beyond modeling.
Are modeling agencies still important for top models?
Yes-but not the way they used to be. Top models still work with agencies for access to major campaigns, but they now have more control. Many negotiate directly with brands, manage their own social media, and use agencies as partners rather than gatekeepers. The most successful models are those who use agencies as tools, not crutches.
Can a model become a top model without social media?
It’s possible, but extremely rare today. Social media is now a core part of a model’s brand. It’s how they connect with audiences, showcase personality, and attract brand deals. Even models who started before Instagram, like Kate Moss, have adapted by using platforms to share behind-the-scenes content and personal stories. Without it, visibility drops sharply.
