Learning from the Best: Studying Industry Icons and Rising Talents

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For guys, dolls, and all others — from your favorite mentor in the game

Modeling isn’t just about your look – it’s about your eye. Your eye for movement, for light, for timing, for story. And no matter where you are on your journey – just starting out, reinventing, or breaking into your second act – the smartest move you can make is to study. Study everyone. Especially the greats. Especially the underdogs. Especially those who’ve had to work ten times harder just to get half as far.

 

Because here’s the quiet truth: in this industry, talent will open the door – but strategy walks you in. Can I say it louder for the kidz in the back!

 

Why Study the Icons?

Whether it’s Naomi’s strut, Adut’s control, Gisele’s presence, or David Gandy’s polish – the industry giants all have one thing in common: intentionality. Nothing is random. They don’t just “show up.” They prepare, they observe, they take up space on purpose.

You can study them like an athlete studies film. Ask:

 

What mood are they giving in this campaign?

How do they switch energy between stills and runway?

How do they respond in interviews — cool, grounded, polished?

 

✦ Trans Models Who Redefined the Industry

And while we’re talking icons – let’s be clear. The trans community has not only earned a seat at the table, they’ve redesigned the damn thing.

Lea T didn’t just model – she represented an entire shift in how fashion saw womanhood.

Valentina Sampaio took lingerie and swimwear campaigns that once excluded her and turned them into statements of inclusion – with grace.

Hunter Schafer blurred the lines between model, actor, and artist – and does it with haunting, captivating stillness.

Aaron Rose Philip forced fashion to move at her pace – both literally and figuratively. She models on her terms, and that’s a blueprint in itself.

Indya Moore turned every photoshoot into a love letter to possibility. Their modeling is activism, art, and embodiment all at once.

These models didn’t fit in. They stood out – and stayed rooted in themselves. That’s the kind of energy that lasts longer than any trend.

 

Rising Models = Real-Time Learning

Up-and-coming models are the realest teachers right now. They’re documenting their grind in live streams, behind-the-scenes vlogs, raw TikToks, and unfiltered posts. The beauty of following new faces?

 

You see:

The failed castings and the wins.

How they do their digitals at home.

What they bring in their modeling bag.

How they build relationships with photographers and stylists.

How they shoot test work and build comp cards before an agency even calls.

This is real-world modeling. It’s unglamorous at times, but it’s gold for those who are paying attention.

How to Learn Without Just Watching

 

Let’s get practical. Want to go from inspiration to action? Here’s a starter kit:

 

Create a “Model Intelligence System”

Use Pinterest, Notion, or Instagram Collections.

Make boards for:

Walk Styles (editorial vs. haute couture)

Posing References

Campaign Aesthetics

Beauty/Skincare Prep

Wardrobe/Styling Inspo

Model Interviews

This isn’t about mimicking – it’s about building your taste level.

Record Yourself – Constantly

 

Modeling isn’t a mirror game. It’s movement. Start filming your walk, your transitions, your angles. What feels good may not look good. What feels awkward might be your signature move. Watch. Adjust. Improve.

Journal After Shoots or Castings

Write down:

What you wore

What the energy was

What worked

What didn’t

 

What you want to try next time

Modeling is an emotional job. Documenting helps you stay connected to your progress.

 Build Relationships

Some of the most iconic campaigns came from consistent collaboration. Model x Photographer. Model x MUA. Model x Stylist. Find your creative crew — and grow together. These are your early archives.

 

And Final, Words from Your Favorite Mentor

Look. I’m not standing backstage at Paris Fashion Week. I’m not giving you a 6-figure agency contract. But here’s what I can give you:

A reminder that success in this game isn’t just about beauty. It’s about your body of work. It’s about:

Who you study.

How you show up.

How you bounce back.

How you represent your story, your truth, your lane.

 

No matter your gender, your size, your background, your ability — you belong here if you build here. And you build by watching. Practicing. Asking better questions. Reaching deeper. And refusing to shrink yourself to fit an outdated frame.

 

You’re not just walking into the industry. You’re walking in with intention. And that? That’s the part they can’t teach.

 

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