Meet the Top 5 Models of Fall 2019

In the age of social media, landing a coveted runway exclusive is no longer the sole way for a new face to distinguish herself during fashion month. While a prime spot at Prada or Givenchy will always turn heads, modelling can’t be reduced to a numbers game. In other words: It isn’t enough to walk the walk—you have to stand out from the pack.

The Fall 2019 shows were dominated by young people who did just that. Among this bright new crop, you’ll find fashion entrepreneurs, content creators, and beauties for whom an impressive list of shows only tells one part of the story. Here, the models of the season share what fashion month was like for them.

Ana Barbosa (Wilhelmina)

Before her debut at JW Anderson, Brazilian newcomer Ana Barbosa already had a sense of how far modeling could take her. Barbosa had just finished up a stint in Shanghai learning the ropes of the industry and traveling nearly 12,000 miles from her hometown of Uberaba, Minas Gerais. Handpicked by casting director Ashley Brokaw to close the show, Barbosa carried that momentum through the remainder of the season to Prada, Dior, Loewe, and Zendaya’s thrilling Tommy Hilfiger collection. “I started this season with my heart full of hope,” shared Barbosa. “I confess I am surprised with all of my progress. Everything was wonderful—each moment [added] a special touch to my career.”

Chai Maximus (DNA)

If there were a prize for best name in modelling, Chaikra Shanti “Chai” Maximus would win, hands down. Elegant yet offbeat, the 18-year-old Belgian newcomer made an impression at Loewe, Maison Margiela, and Christopher Kane. With multiple piercings and an ear gauge, Maximus brought a stylish edge to collections like Dior. A travel enthusiast who has been to Japan, India, and Spain all in the last few months, she headed into show season ready to explore. “It was my first full on season, so it was very busy!” she said. “I met a lot of cool new people and enjoyed doing shows with the friends I made last time. I’m looking forward to what the future will bring!”

Carolina Burgin (The Society Management)

For 19-year-old Buffalo, New York, native Carolina Burgin, the most memorable moments of fashion month happened backstage. At Proenza Schouler, where she did looks for the entire collection, Burgin was moved by the enthusiasm of designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. “The energy in the room was so euphoric and seeing how emotional Jack and Lazaro were filled me with so much joy,” shared Burgin who immediately jetted off to walk the three other shows on her schedule that day. “I was feeling a bit tired, but after Proenza I was beyond ready to finish the rest.”

Also appearing for Lanvin, Dior, Altuzarra, and Chloé, Burgin made the most of her time on the catwalk. “There is always a rush after I walk each show, and nothing else comes close to that,” she said. “The season was crazy! Overall it was a dream getting to walk for so many amazing brands for the first time.”

Kerolyn Soares (IMG)

Even before Kerolyn Soares ever thought of gracing the runway, fashion was on her mind. Growing up in Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil, she dreamed of being a designer. “We lived on a farm and didn’t have much money. I only had one doll, but didn’t have any clothes for it,” said Soares. “I always wanted to dress her up, so one day I decided to cut chunks from my own clothes to make dresses for my doll!”

The experiment may have shocked her parents, but it cemented her love of style. Now 24, Soares was front and center at the biggest shows walking for Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent just like her favorite supermodel Gisele Bündchen did during her breakthrough season. “I’ve always looked up to her,” says Soares, whose first trip outside of Brazil has been a resounding success. “I can’t wait for next season—I’m ready for round two!”

Kukua Williams (DNA)

Discovered at a music festival in England last May, Kukua Williams has experienced a complete 180 in only a matter of months. “From supermarket bakery counter to runway—this season has been life-changing for me!” Williams told Vogue. A standout at shows like Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Coach, Williams was a dynamic new presence who held her own opposite some of fashion’s biggest names. Somehow in the midst of all this, Williams found time to create A Mixed World, an online platform centered on racial identity and community.

While every collection she walked during fashion month provided its own thrills, Williams’s standout experience came courtesy of Michael Kors. The disco glamour of his Fall show came complete with a Barry Manilow performance and Williams strutting in head-to-toe sequins for what Kors called “a Diana Ross moment.”

Noah Carlos (IMG)

Noah Carlos was building a fashion empire long before setting foot on a runway. The 18-year-old nonbinary beauty from Orange County, California, is the force behind the popular Depop boutique, Loserthrift, a one-stop shop for SoCal vintage. “I’m not the designer of my clothes, but I’m the curator of my shop, so I find inspiration [and] pull pieces,” said Carlos. “It was interesting to see something similar with designers; they have an inspiration board that they work around and then make it happen—on a much larger scale!”

An exclusive spot at Alexander Wang’s Collection 2 back in December first put Carlos on the industry’s radar, and since then it’s been nonstop shows—Maison Margiela, Helmut Lang, and Dries Van Noten to name a few. With the “crazy, fun, and tiring” debut season officially wrapped, Carlos is ready for Spring. “[It was] so fun to be a part of shows I have been watching for years, such a surreal moment, from my bed to the runway!” they shared via email.

Source: Vogue