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As fashion takes bolder and more progressive steps, designers are now becoming more fluid in the way they plan their runway shows and campaigns. In the last few seasons, designers have now incorporated more models of colour into their creative processes than ever before. With models hailing from all over the world, never before has there been more representation among racial and cultural minorities within the fashion industry. Designers are now finally understanding and accepting the beauty that has been all around them for so many years. And for that same reason, Novella is compiling a go-to – in no particular order – list of the most successful and celebrated models of colour of 2016!

Lineisy Monteiro

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Lineisy Montero broke onto the scene in early 2015. Being booked for everything from Prada to Dior, Louis Vuitton to Celine. Her iconic debut at Prada instantly landed her a coveted spot in Pradas fall/ winter 2015 campaign, solidifying her as a Prada girl. Since then, Lineisy has walked every major show in the worlds fashion capitols, as well as landing coveted spots on countless fashion magazine covers. Recently, Lineisy was chosen to star in campaigns for Chanel, Givenchy, and H&M. However, her most amazing feat is the whopping 219 shows shes walked in since her début. Making her one of the most in demand models on the runway in recent times.

Mica Arganaraz

With an astounding 23 campaigns under her belt for 2016 alone, Argentinian Mica Arganaraz has swept the fashion industry this year. With her signature messy fringe becoming one of the most copied and coveted hairstyles of the year, Mica has dominated this years cool girl trend category. Since her debut, Mica has become a permanent staple in Paris couture shows, having walked everything from Chanel to Valentino. On top of all of her work so far, Arganaraz has 24 editorials under her belt for 2016 as well as being the only girl to star in a Prada campaign solo since model icon Sasha Pivovarova.

Bhumika Arora

Indias newest model sensation has been sweeping runways, and the hearts of fashion lovers around the world in 2016. Her strong bone structure and striking eyes have won over dozens of fashion heavy weights this year. Earning a coveted spot in Bobbi Browns fall/ winter 2016 ad campaign, as well as spots in major magazines like Teen Vogue, Vogue Italia, and W. In terms shows, Bhumika walked a healthy number of shows this season for the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli, Balmain, Chanel Cruise, and Armani Prive; establishing her as one of the most recognisable and in demand models of the year.

Fernanda Ly

Louis Vuittons it girl has been winning over the fashion world this year. After highlighting Nicolas Ghesquieres first show for Louis Vuitton, Ly has gone on to walk every Louis Vuitton show since. Apart from the shows shes walked for Vuitton, Fernanda has starred in every Series themed ad campaign for Louis Vuitton since her debut for the brand. In terms of international work, Fernanda has graced the covers of countless fashion magazines like Vogue China, Vogue Japan, LOfficiel Malaysia, and CR Fashion Book. Another important staple in Fernandas career for 2016 is the coveted H&M holiday campaign. Which not only comes with a great deal of exposure, but a hefty paycheck as well!

Joan Smalls

From runway darling, to blue chip campaign powerhouse. Joan Smalls has become one of the most recognisable models of colour in recent years. Having quickly climbed through the ranks of models in the fashion industry since her debut. Joan is no stranger to booking high-profile campaigns and shows, with the most recent being the coveted Victorias Secret Fashion Show. But her presence isn’t only reserved for commercial work these days. Joan still nabs highly sought after campaigns from the biggest designers around the world like Givenvhy, Marc Jacobs, Balmain, and Moschino. Joan has also dominated the editorial game this year, with stunning editorials for LOVE, Vogue, Glamour, I-D, and W, to name a few.

Imaan Hammam

Nothing says in demand like a beauty contract and Imaan Hammam has just that! Having landed a priceless beauty contract with make-up heavyweight Shiseido, Hammam is quickly showing the fashion world that she has staying power and star power. The highly sought after model has also landed multiple campaigns for the likes of H&M, Topshop, and Givenchy, as well as an astounding line-up of runway shows including Nina Ricci, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Tom Ford, and Mugler. In terms of editorials, Imaan is sweeping the ranks, with 5 editorials in American Vogue in only 3 months.

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