Who is the Hottest Supermodel Today? The Ultimate Guide to Modern Fashion Icons

If you’ve scrolled Instagram lately, you know something’s changing in the modeling world. The old faces you grew up seeing on magazine covers have to share the spotlight with an electrifying new generation. No matter where you look—TikTok, runways, even sports campaigns—fresh talent is turning heads and rewriting the idea of the “hottest supermodel.” So, who really claims the hottest title today? And what sets them apart as the most buzzworthy in 2025? Fasten your seatbelt. This isn’t your typical walk down the runway; we’re deep-diving into fashion’s game-changers, eyebrow-raisers, and all-out icons.

Quick Takeaways: The New Age of Supermodel Stardom

Before we get starstruck, here’s the nitty-gritty. The hottest supermodel today isn’t just the one with the best cheekbones. It’s about influence, range, and a loyal fandom. Whether it’s runway moments, breaking boundaries on social media, or fronting worldwide campaigns, these models aren’t just walking for designers—they’re shaping entire trends.

• Kendall Jenner dominates social media with over 350 million followers—a global trendsetter and campaign queen.
• Paloma Elsesser redefines beauty standards, making plus-size modeling mainstream in high fashion.
• Leon Dame is the talk of gender-fluid fashion, smashing stereotypes with every major runway strut.
• Anok Yai is the face of modern diversity, becoming the first Sudanese model to open Prada since 1997.
• Zhong Feifei leads the charge for Asian representation, from China’s reality shows to Paris runways.

Each brings something wild and different to the table. No two stories are the same, and that’s the thrill of watching fashion in 2025.

Who is the Hottest Supermodel Right Now? A Direct Answer

If you’re just here for the name to drop at your next brunch, here it is: the hottest supermodel today is Kendall Jenner. But it’s not just about being in the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Kendall’s stats back it up. She’s raked in an estimated $48 million last year alone, according to Forbes’ most recent 2025 highest-paid models list. Brands see her as a ticket to instant buzz—her covers for Vogue, ambassador deals for Calvin Klein and Fendi, and relentless Instagram activity put her miles ahead on public radar.

That said, don’t sleep on the following contenders. Paloma Elsesser’s been snatching headlines with her strong voice for representation and body positivity, influencing casting directors and major brands alike. Leon Dame’s wild walks have not only fueled memes but inspired designers to think beyond the binary. Meanwhile, Anok Yai and Zhong Feifei have blazed trails for models of color, with exclusive magazine covers and brand endorsements rolling in month after month.

So, who’s hottest? In sales, campaigns, and sheer influence, Kendall still sits on the throne. But if you’re looking for the hottest in terms of cultural impact or redefining beauty, it’s a neck-and-neck race every fashion week.

Supermodels in 2025: What Makes “Hot” Matter?

The concept of a supermodel has changed. Gone are the days when just being tall, thin, and photogenic was the only ticket to the top. Today, you need to be a marketer, influencer, philanthropist, and sometimes a living meme. Social media gives models a megaphone, turning their personal style, beliefs, or even political stands into the next big thing. Fashion brands are scouting Instagram and TikTok more than they are traditional agencies now. If your idol knows how to go viral, they’re already five steps ahead.

There’s hard proof in the numbers. Last year, the combined social following of the top five hottest supermodels broke a cool 1 billion. Let’s face it: being “hot” now isn’t just about perfect poses; it’s about owning the moment, setting trends, and making headlines for all the right (and sometimes, completely unexpected) reasons. Even luxury brands like Dior and Gucci know that a model’s online reach is just as valuable as their runway walk. They aren’t just mannequins anymore. These faces are personalities, causes, and brands unto themselves.

“Hot” can also mean breaking with the mold, like Paloma Elsesser—one of the first plus-size women to walk for major designers like Alexander McQueen and Savage X Fenty. Or Leon Dame, whose wild, gender-fluid looks push boundaries and get entire arenas on their feet—or laughing in pure delight. Models in 2025 need to stand for something. Runway moments? They’re cool. But headline-grabbing activism? That’s “hot.”

Rising Icons: Who’s Making Waves Besides the Big Names?

Obsessed with discovering the next big thing? Fashion’s got an endless supply of rising icons. Here’s where it gets really interesting. Some are blowing up in new regions, some are redefining “model” altogether, and some have done it without even leaving their city.

• Quannah Chasinghorse: She’s not only walked the most exclusive runways, but she’s also a face for indigenous rights worldwide. That signature face tattoo? Now instantly recognizable on billboards from New York to Milan.
• Devon Lee Carlson: She jumped from influencer to runway model, blending classic beauty with edgy, vintage street style. Brands fight for her effortless “real girl” vibe.
• Alton Mason: The first Black male model to walk for Chanel, Alton mixes dance, fashion, and activism in every move—literally. If you want proof, search his viral dance walk on the LV runway. His bookings and followers keep skyrocketing.
• Zhong Feifei: After breaking out on “Produce Camp 2020,” she’s become the face of fresh Asian cool, now walking for top European houses.

This adds new flavors to the “hottest supermodel” debate. Who would have thought a few years ago that activism, heritage, and someone’s playlist on TikTok would matter more on a model’s resume than runway mileage?

Peeking at stats, agencies are looking more globally than ever. In 2025, the biggest new faces debuting at Paris and Milan shows hailed from all over—Nigeria, Argentina, South Korea, you name it. Modeling’s not just elite Euro-American territory anymore. Agencies like IMG and Ford are plucking fresh faces from Instagram DMs and TikTok duets. “Relatable” is the new beautiful.

Pro Tips: Spotting and Following the Next Hottest Supermodel

Ready to keep your finger on the pulse—and maybe even spot the next superstar before they break huge? Start on Instagram and TikTok. Models like Paloma Elsesser or Leon Dame interact with fans, post candid behind-the-scenes snaps, and give you direct insights into the industry’s highs and lows. Don’t ignore smaller platforms like Threads either. Sometimes the next “it” face drops a viral post there months before their breakout catwalk moment.

If you want to see how brands pick their faces, follow fashion show hashtags (think #MilanFashionWeek2025 or #ParisCouture). Tons of up-and-coming talents make debuts in these posts, often months before you see them in ad campaigns. Big agency accounts spotlight New Faces boards every month—bookmark them if you want your “I discovered them first” bragging rights.

Lastly, keep an eye on diversity and causes. These days, brands put their money behind models who tell real stories, support authentic change, or connect with unique communities. If a model’s linked with a hot-button issue, you can bet they’re on the fast track to icon status. New stars break out not just with their faces, but with what they stand for. Like sports stats for athletes, personal hashtags and viral videos can tell you a lot about a model’s fast-rising trajectory.

Scroll, compare, decide—because the “hottest” title changes quickly. Sometimes in a single Instagram post.

FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Today’s Supermodels

Who’s the highest-paid supermodel right now?
According to 2025 Forbes data, Kendall Jenner still tops the earnings chart, making around $48 million last year from campaigns, endorsements, and appearances.

Are supermodel standards changing?
Big time. Diversity in body shape, background, and gender is now prized as much as traditional looks. Brands want models who bring fans, ideas, and activism to the table.

Where do new supermodels get discovered?
Social media dominates. Agencies and brands scout Instagram, TikTok, and even reality TV much more than street scouting or open calls these days.

What makes a model "hot" in 2025?
It’s a mix of social reach, unique voice, major campaigns, and the ability to stir conversation—not just walk runways.

Can anyone become a supermodel now?
More than ever, thanks to online exposure—but it still takes hard work, connections, and a whole lot of luck. Authenticity and something special in your story matter the most.

Ready to keep tabs on fashion’s biggest stars? Grab your phone, join the conversation, and hey—maybe you’ll catch tomorrow’s icon before they break big. That sense of discovery? That’s half the fun in watching the supermodel scene now.