Fashion month isn’t just about fresh collections; it’s also about the models who wear them down the runway. Ahead of this season’s shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris, BAZAAR gathered the new vanguard of the catwalk for our February issue. These models have already booked splashy billboard campaigns and walked in buzzed-about shows, but this season, they’re on the cusp of supermodel status. Ahead, get to know fashion’s brightest rising stars before seeing them everywhere this fashion month.
Alva Claire
Daniel JacksonInstagram handle: @alvaclaire
Where you’ve seen her: Breaking out on the Versace Spring/Summer 2021 runway alongside Precious Lee and Jill Kortleve, then in major off-calendar moments like the Savage x Fenty shows. Claire also dipped a toe into design with a size-inclusive capsule for OpéraSport last year.
Most anticipated part of fashion month: “Seeing all my friends on the road that I haven’t seen in ages.”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “To do everything that people think is not possible and create work that has a lasting impact.”
Amber Later
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @amlater
Where you’ve seen her: Appearing in some of fashion month’s buzziest shows like Diesel and Miu Miu. Later is also a writer, working as a contributing editor for Perfect Magazine and penning short fiction for other outlets.
Biggest career moment so far: “Traveling to Paris for my first solo cover and editorial (with Sebastian Faena and Carine Roitfeld).”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “One, to write and publish a novel about the experiences of models, and two, to become an icon.”
Anyiang Yak
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @anyiangyak
Where you’ve seen her: Her first season was fall 2022, where she debuted in Milan for Prada, and in Paris for Miu Miu. Then at her first New York Fashion Week in September, she appeared at Proenza Schouler, Gabriela Hearst, Jason Wu, and more.
Aubrey Hill
DANIEL JACKSONGucci bomber jacket and legging pants.Instagram handle: @aubry3rin
Where you’ve seen her: First in Gucci’s glittery Love Parade Show held on Hollywood Boulevard last spring, then in the label’s Love Parade campaign.
How she got discovered: “In West Virginia, there’s hardly any creative outlets. However, while I was in high school, I found a teen board for a boutique prom and bridal dress shop that had little fashion shows which ignited my love for modeling. My mom found models.com and I applied to many agencies with little to no response. It wasn’t until I moved to Nashville I got scouted through a model search and won!”
Biggest career moment so far: “My debut for Gucci Love Parade in L.A. I was so excited. I told so many people I had to fly out to the casting. I was already dead set [that] I had the job before I even went to the casting and I wasn’t taking no for an answer since I already told so many people about it.
“[At the show,] I was so nervous walking in this extravagant gown and platform heels but I did the damn thing! My friends told me when I appeared on the cameras everyone backstage started applauding. I didn’t even close or open the show so you already know I was giving!”
Sun Mizrahi
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @sunmizrahii
Where you’ve seen her: First on the European catwalks, ranging from Blumarine ready-to-wear to Jean Paul Gaultier couture by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing. Then at New York Fashion Week, where she debuted in Ulla Johnson’s cast last fall.
How she was discovered: “A lecturer at my university asked me to shoot for his brand, I did it and my mother agent discovered me through the brand’s Instagram account.”
Biggest career moment so far: “I think it was the moment I found out I was opening the Jacquemus show. It was so unexpected which made it super exciting for me.”
Nyagua Ruea
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @nyaguaa
Where you’ve seen her: All over the fashion world, whether it’s in campaigns for Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen or in the lineup at shows like Valentino, Givenchy, Chloé, and many more.
Jadi Wegner
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @jadiweg
Where you’ve seen her: Walking in couture, cruise, and seasonal fashion weeks, for designers from Diesel to Giambattista Valli.
Biggest career moment so far: “One of the first moments actually! It was when I went to São Paulo, Brazil, for the first time by myself at only 15 years old. That’s when I realized what freedom was and that I was capable of accomplishing my dreams. I also can’t forget in February 2022, when I walked Bottega Veneta and Chanel. Two shows I dreamed of doing all my life! I’ll never forget that feeling.”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “My life’s dream always was to give a better life to my loved ones, and thanks to my job, I’m already able to make that dream come true. This is what keeps me going strong, never forgetting where I came from.”
Mathilda Gvarliani
DANIEL JACKSONChanel jacket, shorts, heart evening bag, and necklace.Instagram handle: @mathilda.gvarliani
Where you’ve seen her: On every major runway during the spring 2023 season, beginning with Chanel, Dior, and Fendi.
Tess Breeden
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @tesscarstennbreeden
Where you’ve seen her: In Matthieu Blazy’s first spring show as creative director of Bottega Veneta and, front and center in the house’s latest campaigns.
How she was discovered: “A year ago, I was scouted from my friend’s Instagram account. He posted a photo of me wearing an outfit that he designed, and a DNA scout reached out to set up a meeting with me.”
Biggest career moment so far: “This summer, the day after my eighteenth birthday and my senior prom, I flew to Milan to meet the Bottega Veneta team. It was my first time ever in Europe. It was incredible to meet the team who took a chance and signed me exclusively. It was all very surreal, especially when I walked my first runway show.”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “My ultimate goal is to continue watching art unfold all around me. I get to go places that I never thought I would be able to, so I want to absorb everything. Modeling is a great opportunity to learn new things and to fuel artistic endeavors.”
Akoul Deng
DANIEL JACKSONDior bra, skirt, shorts, rings, socks, and shoes.Instagram handle: @akuoldengatem
Where you’ve seen her: Walking runway shows like Kenzo, Marni, and Alexander McQueen, plus appearing in fashion magazine editorials around the world.
Biggest career moment so far: “Every day of my career has been an experience and I learn more and more everyday. Walking Haute Couture for Schiaparelli in a gold voluminous shawl collar with sequins was the most memorable. I felt like such a goddess at that moment! Hands down, the most legendary piece I have ever worn.”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “A part of my job that I love is seeing new collections and getting a first peek at the creative process. My goal someday is to become a stylist. I work with many different brands so it's fascinating to see the looks come together before the runway.
“Outside of styling, I want to inspire others and build a supportive, diverse community around me. I make friends in almost every city I go to and I feel all models should be supportive of each other. I would like to someday create a strong community with my peers.”
Emmi Freeman
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @emmifreeman
Where you’ve seen her: In editorials for much-loved brands like Rag & Bone, plus the pages of your favorite fashion magazines.
Jin Rong Huang
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @jinrong4637
Where you’ve seen her: She’s been a fixture at Dior since the fall 2020 show, while also walking for Bottega Veneta, Palm Angels, Sacai, and more in recent seasons.
Vic Cayo
Daniel JacksonInstagram handle: @keepit100.cayo
Where you’ve seen her: In independent fashion editorials—and soon, on New York Fashion Week’s fall 2023 runways.
How she got discovered: “I actually started modeling by taking pics of myself in different brands and posting them on social media. Then one day my agent saw me during the pride parade and scored me then.”
Most anticipated part of fashion month: “I’m pretty excited to meet all types of different models and fashion designers this month. Meeting new people is very exciting for me.”
Cassie Wong
DANIEL JACKSONInstagram handle: @mscassiewong
Where you’ve seen her: In print (covering international editions of Harper’s BAZAAR), on billboards (such as her first Alexander McQueen campaign posted in Milan), and on the runway (at Gucci, Diesel, Puppets & Puppets, and more).
How she got her start: “I’ve always had an interest in the industry. After being discouraged from modeling as a new mom, it pretty much fueled me to break into the industry full force. The most powerful motivator is rejection!”
Most anticipated part of fashion month: “The garments! I’m a very artistic creative and there isn’t a better inspiration than fashion month. Also having friends from across the world come together is so heartening. I’ve made the most meaningful connections during fashion months.”
Ultimate modeling aspiration: “I hope to widen the perspective on working moms in the industry, as well as Asian Americans like me who are not porcelain skinned.”
Models: Anyiang Yak, Tess Breeden, Vic Cayo, Alva Claire, Akuol Deng, Emmi Freeman, Mathilda Gvarliani, Aubrey Hill, Jinrong Huang, Amber Later, Sun Mizrahi, Nyagua Ruea, Jadi Wegener, and Cassie Wong; Hair: Jonathan De Francesco for Phantom Towels; Make up: Frank B; Manicures: Rica Romain for Essie; Set Design: Ian Salter; Casting: Anita Bitton at The Establishment Want more Harper's BAZAAR?Get Instant Access!
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