Inspiration

10+ "Imperfect" Models Who Aren't Afraid Of Their Unique Beauty

10+ 'imperfect' Models Who Aren't Afraid Of Their Unique Beauty
By Anna T

Updated on April 3, 2022

For a long time, the fashion industry has put unrealistic expectations on our bodies by showing only super-slim models with perfect features.

However, the industry is changing, and qualities like uniqueness and diversity have affected the fashion scene. Models challenging the way society views beauty have come into the limelight.

1. Tess Holliday

Tess is a plus-size model who deals with criticism in the best possible way. She does not let it affect her positivity.

She has made a successful career as a model and can be seen on magazine covers for Self and Cosmopolitan.

She is the founder of Eff Your Beauty Standards, a social-media movement that promotes body positivity and diversity.

2. Baddie Winkle

For this fiery lady, age just does not matter! She is living her life to the fullest and proves that age is just a number.

Baddie recently launched her own beauty line INC.REDIBLE X BADDIE, where the signature style is bold and fun colors. You can find the collection at Sephora.

3. Kanya Sesser

Kanya Sesser is a badass who did not let her lack of legs stop her. Her motto is:

"No legs, no limits!"

She helps people realize that they can accomplish what they want, even if they have disabilities. She supports initiatives like adaptive skateboard parks at the X Games.

4. Melanie Gaydos

Melanie Gaydos's extremely rare disorder, ectodermal dysplasia, prevents teeth, nails, pores, cartilage, and bones from developing.

She has turned the disorder to her advantage and shows her unique look as a fashion model. She has been featured in many music videos, films, and TV shows.

5. Madeline Stuart

Madeline was the second model with Downs Syndrome to walk down the runway during New York Fashion Week.

She was awarded the Inspiration Achievement Award from Runway Of Dreams in 2019. At only 22, she has achieved a lot, and indeed there will be more to come!

6. Daphne Selfe

Meet the world's oldest supermodel, Daphne Selfe. She started modeling in 1949, so she has been through it all! She has published a memoir about her fantastic career.

The world can not get enough of her, and the 91-year old continues to show up on magazine covers worldwide.

She is a big supporter of healthy beauty.

7. Nastya Kumarova

Nastya is a Russian model that suffers from albinism, a condition that causes the absence of any pigmentation.

She embraces her pale skin and hair, and she has made a successful career as a fashion model. She has recently been in Gucci's handbag campaign and Anden Hud's lingerie ads.

8. Kelly Knox

This young model was born without a forearm, but she rarely chooses to use a prosthetic.

Kelly is expecting a second child, and she wants to show the beauty of pregnancy.

9. Jillian Mercado

Jillian did not let her disability stop her from becoming a model, and now she is rocking different styles and looks with confidence.

She stated on Instagram:

"There's nothing sexier than empowering yourself and everyone around you at the same time while wearing a boss outfit."

10. Lily McMenamy

Lily has a unique look and style, and she has made it work for her.

She recently walked for Comme Des Garçons and Symonds Pearmain, quickly becoming a big name on the runway.

11. Alba Parejo

Alba was born with over 500 birthmarks. As a child, she had to remove some of them, but she dreamed about becoming a model despite the scars and remaining birthmarks.

She did not let haters and bullies get to her. When she was a teenager, she did a photo shoot for a local magazine, and from there, she quickly got popular internationally.

Now she shares her story and body positivity with others on social media.

12. Lizzie Velasquez

Lizzie suffers from a rare disease that prevents her from accumulating body fat and gaining weight. The condition is called Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy.

She was called "the ugliest woman in the world" by online bullies, which has only inspired her to share her story and motivate others!

13. Viktoria Modesta

She lost her leg at 19, but that did not stop her modeling career.

She calls herself "the Bionic Woman," When you see her unique style, it is easy to understand why!

14. Jacky O'Shaughnessy

At 62, she is still rocking the runway.

Last year she walked for TOME NYC during New York Fashion Week, and she looked fantastic!

15. Sofia Jirau

This Brazillian girl was born with Down syndrome, but she did not let that stop her dream of becoming a model.

With her fantastic walk and confidence on the runway, she charmed the audience during New York Fashion Week in 2020.

16. Amber Jean Rowan

At 15, Amber Jean was diagnosed with alopecia, a condition that caused permanent hair loss.

She learned to live with the condition, and now she uses it to her advantage as a model. She hopes that she can be an inspiration and motivation for others.

17. Ali Stroker

Ali Stroker made history as the first person who uses a wheelchair to win a Tony Award.

She later started modeling, and in 2020, she was chosen as one of Aerie's Role Models.

18. Thando Hopa

Thando has an amazing resume. Apart from being a successful model, she is also a lawyer and activist. In 2018 she was recognized for her activism and received the 100 Women Award from BBC.

She is the first woman with albinism to be featured on the cover of Vogue.

19. Winnie Harlow

Winnie has a skin condition called vitiligo, which causes loss of skin color in patches. She managed to use her look to her advantage when she was discovered on America's Next Top Model.

20. Sara Geurts

Sara has a genetic disorder that causes her skin to look older due to low collagen production. She wants to bring awareness to her rare condition and its beauty.

These are all extraordinary and inspirational ladies who have managed to overcome their troubles and contribute something new and unique to the world. We wish them all the best!