The nominees for Model of the Year at this year’s BFC Fashion Awards represent not only the pinnacle of modelling, but a paradigm shift in the industry. Each has built a unique trajectory that challenges traditional norms, merging the commercial with the cultural and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a model in 2024. Rather than following a classical path, these figures have redefined the concept of influence in fashion, integrating art, inclusivity and activism into their careers.

Alex Consani

Born in 2003 in the Bay Area of California, Alex began her modelling career at the age of 12, quickly gaining attention for her striking features and unique presence. With a style that defies traditional beauty standards, Alex has quickly risen to prominence thanks to her bold social media presence. Her feed is a fascinating collage of high fashion editorials, intimate moments and insightful commentary on topics ranging from body positivity to mental health, connecting authentically with an expanding fan base.

As a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Alex uses her platform to support and uplift the community. As a transgender woman, she has become an inspirational figure, breaking barriers in an industry historically resistant to change. Her collaborations with iconic fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier and Balenciaga have cemented her status as a formidable force in modelling, while her influence on social media far exceeds the catwalk.

Alva Claire

Recognised as one of the Top 50 Models in the World on models.com, Alva’s big breakthrough came when she signed with one of the world’s most prestigious modelling agencies, catapulting her into the industry’s biggest campaigns and runway shows. Her dynamic presence and unmistakable style have made her a muse for some of the most iconic fashion houses, including Savage X Fenty, Versace and, most recently, Burberry.

But Alva’s impact goes far beyond the catwalk. Passionate about art and culture, her Jamaican heritage serves as a constant inspiration in her work. Alva not only redefines fashion, but also acts as a powerful voice for change, illuminating the path to a more diverse and inclusive industry. Her career is marked by breaking down barriers and challenging conventions, paving the way for a new generation of talent. With every step, Alva Claire reaffirms her position as a transformative force in modelling and beyond.

Amelia Gray

Raised in Los Angeles, Amelia Gray has emerged as one of the most prominent models and a strong advocate for mental health. Since her stunning couture debut in 2021, Amelia has walked and starred in campaigns for some of the most revered brands in fashion, including Chanel, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Versace, Proenza Schouler and Givenchy.

Recently, her face has graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as V Magazine, Document Journal, Perfect, CR Fashion Book, POP Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar France. In addition, she has been featured in multiple international editions of Vogue, including Spain, Japan and Mexico.

With over one million followers on Instagram, Amelia has used her platform to openly address mental health issues, becoming a key voice of her generation in the digital age. Her influence extends beyond fashion, positively impacting the conversation around mental wellbeing.

Anok Yai

Anok Yai’s fashion career took off at full speed when, just a week into her career, she became the face of a Prada ad campaign. A few months later, Yai landed the coveted first slot in the brand’s runway show, making history as the first South Sudanese woman and the second black model, after Naomi Campbell, to open a Prada show.

That moment marked the beginning of a career that goes beyond the catwalk, positioning Anok as a pioneer in the conversation about the breadth of beauty, the potential in talent and the importance of inspiring personalities in media and entertainment. Her impact has not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognised with several awards and distinctions, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and Models.com’s Model of the Year.

Liu Wen

Since her international debut in 2007, China native Liu Wen has revolutionised the high fashion circuit. With milestones such as being the first Asian to land a global cosmetics contract, the first East Asian to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and the first Asian to make Forbes’ Highest Paid Models list. She is also the only person of Asian descent to appear on the cover of Vogue America three times.

This season, Liu Wen shines in campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Versace, while her career also includes ads for Burberry, Chloe, Loewe, Valentino, among others.

Mona Tougaard

Mona Tougaard began her career in 2019 with an impressive debut at Prada, her first major international runway show, and closed the season with Chanel. That same season, she was part of Loewe’s FW19 campaign directed by Steven Meisel. Since then, she has gone on to achieve outstanding achievements, including gracing the covers of Vogue France, Vogue Italia, Vogue Japan and British Vogue.

Her impressive career has also included catwalk shows for Alaia, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Jacquemus and Louis Vuitton, as well as Haute Couture shows for Fendi, Chanel, Schiaparelli and Valentino, among others. Her rise in the industry has been rapid and significant, marking Tougaard as one of modelling’s most exciting rising stars. Her influence and style position her as a central figure in today’s fashion landscape, and her career continues to rise.

You can now vote on fashionawards.com.

These are the nominees for the BFC Fashion Awards.