Aweng Ade-Chuol: From Refugee to Supermodel
Born in a Kenyan refugee camp, Aweng Ade-Chuol’s rise to the top of the fashion world is nothing short of remarkable. Despite childhood scars and a rare genetic condition affecting her eyes, she embraced her uniqueness.
When Rihanna chose her for the Fenty line, leaving her scars unedited, it marked a turning point. “My scars are my beauty,” Ade-Chuol proudly declares.
Winnie Harlow: Advocating for Vitiligo Awareness
Diagnosed with vitiligo at four, Winnie Harlow endured years of bullying. Dropping out of high school, she nearly gave up hope until Tyra Banks discovered her for America’s Next Top Model.
Harlow didn’t win, but her career skyrocketed. Now a supermodel and advocate for vitiligo awareness, she’s a powerful voice for self-acceptance. “Our differences make us extraordinary,” she says.
Amy Purdy: Triumphing Over Tragedy
After losing both legs to meningitis at 19, Amy Purdy defied all odds. She became a Paralympic medalist, motivational speaker, and even competed on Dancing with the Stars.
Purdy’s modeling career challenges stereotypes about beauty and disability. “Survival taught me strength,” she says. “And strength taught me beauty.”
Aaron Philip: Redefining Inclusion on the Runway
Aaron Philip, a transgender woman with cerebral palsy, has broken countless barriers in the fashion industry. She became the first wheelchair-using model to walk at New York Fashion Week.
With campaigns for brands like Sephora and Nike, Philip advocates for diversity. “Beauty isn’t confined to a single form,” she asserts.
Yulianna Yussef: Celebrating Her Birthmarks
Born with congenital melanocytic nevus, Yulianna Yussef has turned her visible birthmarks into a celebration of individuality. Ridiculed in her youth, she now uses her platform to inspire others.
Her #BareYourBirthmark campaign empowers people to embrace their uniqueness. “I’m done hiding,” Yussef says. “This is me, and I love it.”
Lauren Elyse: Highlighting Beauty Through Makeup
Diagnosed with vitiligo, Lauren Elyse uses makeup not to hide her condition but to enhance it. She shares her artistry with over 260,000 Instagram followers, inspiring confidence in others.
Elyse has become a role model for those seeking representation. “Vitiligo doesn’t make me less beautiful,” she declares. “It makes me unforgettable.”
Melanie Gaydos: Redefining Alternative Beauty
With ectodermal dysplasia, Melanie Gaydos has a rare condition affecting her hair, teeth, and skin. Refusing to wear wigs or dentures, she’s become a striking presence in New York Fashion Week.
Gaydos proves that beauty lies in authenticity. “I’m not here to fit in,” she says. “I’m here to stand out.”
Diandra Forrest: Embracing Her Albinism
Diandra Forrest, an African-American woman with albinism, faced mockery as a child but became the first female albino model signed to a major agency.
Forrest now celebrates her unique look, saying, “Albinism is part of me, but it’s not all of me. I am more than my condition.”
Dru Presta Is Probably the Only Three-Foot-Four Model in the World
When you think of a model, what body type comes to mind? Likely a tall, slender figure with long legs, right? While many models fit that description, Dru Presta is the exception that proves the rule — and she’s thriving because of it! Standing at just three feet, four inches, Dru has redefined what it means to be a model. Born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism affecting one in every 27,500 individuals, Dru’s stature sets her apart, but her confidence and success make her a trailblazer in the industry.
Dru Presta is arguably the only model of her height, making her a true pioneer in a world where traditional beauty standards often dominate. Her unique look not only challenges preconceived notions of beauty but also inspires others to embrace their own individuality.
Maeva Marshall’s Stroke and Burns Led Her to a Modeling Career
At first glance, Maeva Marshall’s freckled face is undeniably captivating. But once you learn her story, it will change the way you see her — and the world. At just 20 years old, the French-American model suffered a stroke that left her in a wheelchair for eight months. To make matters worse, the medication she was on triggered an allergic reaction to sunlight, causing second-degree burns on her face. Those “freckles” you see aren’t freckles at all — they’re the result of those burns.
Though Marshall initially struggled with her altered appearance, she came to see the spots as symbols of her strength and resilience. Today, she embraces them as a reminder of the battles she’s overcome, and hopes that her story inspires others to find confidence in themselves, no matter the obstacles.
Mikayla Holmgren: The First Miss USA Contestant with Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, a genetic condition affecting one in every 1,000 births globally, didn’t stop Mikayla Holmgren from breaking barriers. Born in 1995 in Stillwater, Minnesota, Holmgren made history in 2017 as the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA pageant, representing her home state.
But Holmgren didn’t stop there — she dreams of appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. With her determination and unyielding spirit, we’re betting she’ll achieve that goal too.
Chrissy Teigen: Shutting Down Body Shamers Daily
You know her as a model and media personality, but Chrissy Teigen’s influence goes far beyond her stunning looks. Despite being constantly body-shamed for not fitting the traditional “model standard,” Teigen has always stood her ground. Known for her honesty, she openly discusses both the real and the fake aspects of her life — including joking about plastic surgery with the line, “Everything about me is fake except my cheeks.”
Teigen’s unapologetic embrace of her imperfections, including her non-traditional body, has made her an icon for body positivity. She’s not just Mrs. John Legend; she’s a force to be reckoned with in the fight against body-shaming.
Billie Eilish: Redefining Style and Self-Expression
Billie Eilish has been a global sensation since the release of her debut song, “Ocean Eyes,” when she was just 13. However, what truly sets her apart isn’t just her music — it’s her unique approach to style. Early in her career, Eilish made a deliberate choice to wear oversized clothing, avoiding the scrutiny that came with body shaming.
In 2021, she shocked fans with a complete style overhaul, opting for more form-fitting, revealing clothing — a nod to her childhood love for corsets and dresses. Her journey shows that personal style is an act of self-expression, regardless of society’s expectations.
Harry Styles: Championing Genderless Fashion
Harry Styles has evolved from being a member of One Direction to a musical and fashion icon. His second album, Fine Line, was hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, but it’s his fashion choices that have also turned heads. Styles has become a champion for genderless fashion, challenging traditional masculine norms by donning jewelry and clothing traditionally seen as “feminine.”
For Styles, self-expression is more important than adhering to gender expectations. His motto, “Treat People with Kindness,” is evident in how he dresses and acts, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be fashionable and inclusive.
Danielle Kroon: The Model with Two Different Colored Eyes
At first glance, Danielle Kroon’s striking appearance might seem altered or digitally manipulated — but in reality, she has heterochromia, a rare condition that gives her two differently colored eyes. Affecting about six in every 1,000 people, heterochromia is something that sets Kroon apart, adding to her allure.
Not only is Kroon a successful model, but she also holds a degree in medicine and a master’s in healthcare management, making her the perfect blend of beauty and brains.
Nyma Tang: Championing Dark-Skinned Beauty in Makeup
Nyma Tang’s mission is simple: make dark-skinned makeup lovers feel seen and celebrated. Born in Ethiopia to parents from South Sudan, Tang grew up being bullied for her deep skin tone. Instead of allowing this to break her spirit, she turned it into a platform to help others.
Through her Darkest Shade series, Tang critiques how mainstream makeup brands cater to deeper skin tones, and has even launched her own line of products in collaboration with brands like MAC and Dose of Colors. Tang’s work has made countless individuals feel more comfortable in their skin.
Billy Porter: Fashion as Political Art
Billy Porter isn’t just a talented actor, singer, and writer — he’s a fashion icon using his clothing as a form of political expression. As a member of the LGBT community, Porter has been at the forefront of challenging traditional notions of masculinity with his gender-fluid outfits. His bold fashion choices, like the “Sun God” costume at the 2019 Met Gala, have made him a beacon for self-expression.
For Porter, fashion isn’t just about style; it’s about challenging societal norms and making a statement of inclusivity and individuality.
Nikia Phoenix: Embracing Freckles and Unique Beauty
Freckles are in demand these days, with many seeking to add them with makeup or tattoos. But for Nikia Phoenix, they’ve always been a part of her. Since she was four, her freckles have been a defining feature — one that she once tried to hide out of insecurity.
Now, Phoenix embraces her natural beauty, proudly declaring herself a “black freckled woman.” She’s become a role model for others to accept and love what makes them unique.
Lizzo: Flaunting Her Big, Beautiful Body
Lizzo is not only a Grammy-winning artist but also an outspoken advocate for body positivity. Growing up, she was told her body “needed work,” but she quickly made a vow never to let anyone dictate how she felt about herself. Today, Lizzo embraces her “BBWs” (big beautiful woman) identity, flaunting her curves, stretch marks, and cellulite.
Her message is clear: self-love and confidence come from within, not from the standards others impose.
Laverne Cox: A Transgender Icon and Advocate
Laverne Cox has achieved milestones no transgender person before her had — from being the first to appear on the cover of Time to becoming the first transgender person to have a Madame Tussauds wax figure. But Cox’s success hasn’t been without struggle. She’s opened up about toxic relationships and the journey to self-love.
Through her activism, Cox has become a powerful voice for the transgender community, continuing to break down barriers and inspire others to embrace their true selves.
Zendaya: Taking a Stand Against Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Zendaya has faced criticism for everything from her body shape to the size of her feet. But rather than bowing to these attacks, Zendaya has used her platform to empower others. Her inclusive clothing line, Daya, is designed for all body types and genders, reflecting her belief that everyone should feel beautiful.
When a magazine photoshopped her body to conform to traditional beauty ideals, Zendaya took to Instagram to call out the unrealistic standards, showing her followers that real beauty is about authenticity, not perfection.
Molly Bair: From Unibrow to High Fashion
Molly Bair’s journey from childhood insecurities to high-fashion success is the epitome of embracing uniqueness. With a unibrow, glasses, and a Yoda shirt, Bair never imagined she’d be gracing the runway for major fashion houses like Chanel and Prada. But after being scouted at a New York flea market, her life changed overnight.
Bair’s story is a testament to the power of embracing your quirks — it’s what makes you stand out and allows you to shine.
Ruby Rose: Turning “Too Much Like Justin Bieber” Into a Statement of Identity
Ruby Rose was once told she couldn’t play a love interest in a movie because she looked “too much like Justin Bieber.” Rather than letting this insult get to her, she embraced it, fully owning her gender-neutral, tattooed look.
Known for her distinct appearance and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, Rose is unapologetically herself, using her platform to redefine beauty and challenge societal norms.
Stef Sanjati: Embracing Her Differences with Confidence
Stef Sanjati is a Canadian YouTuber and transgender advocate with a rare genetic condition called Waardenburg syndrome, which causes a white streak in her hair, widely spaced eyes, and hearing loss in one ear. Bullied throughout her teen years, Sanjati eventually realized that she didn’t need to look “normal” — because she already looked amazing.
Today, she uses her platform to empower others, especially those in the transgender community, to embrace their unique features with pride.
Ia Ostergren: Model with 40-Inch Legs and No Time for Haters
Swedish model Ia Ostergren is known for her incredibly long legs, which measure a staggering 40 inches. Despite growing up with the challenges that came with being “too leggy,” she found her confidence through sports and used it to propel herself into a successful modeling career.
Her motto? “You have one life. Enjoy it and don’t apologize for being yourself.”
Alicia Keys: Redefining Natural Beauty
Alicia Keys made waves in 2016 when she announced she would no longer wear makeup. In an industry where flawless appearances are the norm, her decision was revolutionary. Keys explained that she felt more comfortable embracing her natural beauty, and that makeup should never define a woman’s worth.
“I don’t want to hide anymore,” she declared. “Not my face, not my mind, not my soul.” Though Keys eventually returned to wearing makeup, she did so with a healthier approach, saying she was no longer “controlled” by it.
