This year, Adeshola Akanji’s momentum has been very evident; she exudes a natural charm, expresses herself editorially with ease, and has remarkably effective social media savvy. She has positioned herself as a spokesperson for the changing definition of beauty after being named Influencer Magazine’s “Model of the Year” recently. She has collaborated extensively with labels such as Victoria Beckham and Balenciaga, and she exudes the same allure that Gigi Hadid did during the height of her early notoriety. Adeshola is creating more than just a portfolio by fusing high fashion with real digital storytelling; she is creating a movement.
With 29 shows and an incredibly adaptable presence throughout fashion weeks, Sascha Rajasalu has been the model to watch this season. Her style is remarkably contemporary yet quietly timeless, evoking aspects of Saskia de Brauw and Carolyn Murphy without copying either. Sascha’s image has surfaced in Chanel and Loewe campaigns in recent months, demonstrating how her appeal transcends brand DNA. She is now the preferred option for creative directors who want to combine edge and elegance. In addition to being unique, her visual identity registers in editorial spreads much more quickly, which is always advantageous when attention spans are getting shorter.
With 30 shows walked this season, Luiza Perote is gaining traction with a consistency that brings to mind Karlie Kloss’s best years. Luiza, who is well-known for her calm intensity, has gained popularity among stylists and photographers backstage. She embodies a smooth fusion of high fashion artistry and commercial viability. Her poise and emotional acuity in her Dior campaign were especially noteworthy. Luiza is a significantly better version of the Instagram-trained model—an evolved force with enduring power—for brands that prioritize narrative over novelty.
Top 10 Rising Models in the US 2025
Name | Nationality | Known For | Major Brand Collaborations | Notable Recognition | Link for Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adeshola Akanji | American | 2025 Model of the Year | Fenty, Balenciaga, Victoria Beckham | Influencer Magazine Model of the Year | Influencer Magazine |
Sascha Rajasalu | Estonian-American | Most Runways Walked (29 shows) | Prada, Loewe, Chanel | Top 20 Models Spring 2025 by The Impression | The Impression |
Luiza Perote | Brazilian-American | Powerful Runway Presence | Dior, Versace, Bottega Veneta | 30 Shows Walked in Spring 2025 | FashionUnited |
Canlan Wang | Chinese-American | New York Fashion Week Favorite | Michael Kors, Gabriela Hearst | Featured in The Impression Top 20 | The Impression |
Lulu Tenney | American | Consistent Presence Since 2020s | Calvin Klein, Coach, Miu Miu | Industry Veteran Under 25 | Vogue UK |
Yilan Hua | Chinese | Street Style & Editorial Favorite | Gabriela Hearst, Proenza Schouler | Mentioned in British Vogue 2025 List | British Vogue |
Penelope Ternes | American | Breakout at Loewe | Loewe, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs | “Model to Watch” by Modnet.io | Modnet.io |
Sara Caballero | Colombian-American | Multi-brand Campaign Talent | Victoria Beckham, Fendi | Featured in Spring 2025 Shows | FashionUnited |
Awar Odhiang | Sudanese-American | Most Booked African-American Newcomer | Off-White, Valentino, Givenchy | Top 10 Female Runway Models 2025 | FashionUnited |
Rejoice Chuol | South Sudanese-American | Youth Cultural Icon | Balenciaga, Miu Miu | Breakout Model 2025 | The Impression |

Canlan Wang has a sculptural, modern appearance, but what really makes her stand out is her professional rhythm. She interprets clothes, not just wears them. Major casting agents in the U.S. and Europe have taken notice of her work with Michael Kors and Gabriela Hearst. Her look seems purposeful, like a well-crafted line in a mood board created by a designer. Because of her ability to balance Eastern and Western aesthetics without losing her individuality, industry insiders have recently compared her to a younger Liu Wen.
Even though she is still under 25, Lulu Tenney is a seasoned runway mainstay. The groundwork was laid by her lengthy relationship with Calvin Klein, but 2025 has given her newfound depth. This season, she demonstrated that longevity is a skill rather than merely the product of good timing by walking for Coach and Miu Miu. Her pacing, her gaze, and her creative flexibility all have a very dependable quality. Lulu is able to blend in with the clothing while still stealing the show, much like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy did in the 1990s. Her consistency feels soothing in the face of fast-fashion burnout.
Yilan Hua is a storyteller in addition to being elegant. Like a poem that is just waiting to be interpreted, her presence on the runway conveys a subtle tension. Editors started referring to her as “the quiet storm” after she worked with Proenza Schouler. She provides brands with something very unique: a subtle yet potent charm. She has gained an online following through recent campaigns that prioritizes elegance over spectacle. More than ever, that contrast is striking a chord, particularly with designers who are going back to simple lines and careful design.
In many respects, Penelope Ternes is the most unexpected member of the elite modeling community this year. She was found at a regional open call, immediately won over casting teams at Loewe, and went on to appear in Marc Jacobs campaigns. She is frequently characterized as emotionally kinetic, which aids in the creation of dynamic images that transcend the page. Many industry veterans compare her rise to Jamie Bochert’s influence twenty years ago. Although she has risen quickly, her deliberate presence indicates that she is aiming for longevity.
Sara Caballero’s style is high fashion with a sense of comfort at its core. In her collaborations with Victoria Beckham and Fendi, she achieves a balance between luxury and approachability that feels particularly significant in 2025. Her editorials seem to be a contemporary development of Hilary Rhoda’s career, combining personal relatability with restrained elegance. She is a part of a growing movement that encourages models to be active collaborators who co-create narratives rather than just being muses. Sara’s participation in discussions about sustainability also enhances her public image.
Unquestionably, Awar Odhiang had a runway presence going into 2025. She challenges the audience in addition to dressing. Although Awar’s movement echoes Naomi Campbell’s intensity, her energy is uniquely her own. She brought a sense of raw presence to shows while walking for Off-White and Valentino. Fashion houses looking for impact rather than noise will especially benefit from her. Awar maintains its unpredictable and strategic nature by utilizing a bold yet strategic digital footprint. Editors and designers are becoming closer as a result of that combination.
Rejoice Chuol, who is already a favorite among fashion editors, infuses luxury brands with energy and youth through a rhythm that seems completely natural. She has appeared on the runways for Balenciaga and Miu Miu, and her vibrant work is regularly praised. Rejoice appears to be more conscious of her impact than previous Gen Z models, utilizing her position to promote marginalized artists and causes led by young people. She is reminding the industry that presence can be cultural as well as visual by fusing activism with modeling.