There is nothing cooler about the modern modelling industry than the barrier-smashing people who are determined to reshape it.
Models with Albinism have taken over the fashion world, and it’s honestly better for it. Let’s meet some of those amazing people.
Thando Hopa
Thando is the definition of determined. She’s a model, activist, and lawyer from South Africa. She was the first-ever woman with Albinism to appear on the cover of Vogue .
When she’s not modelling, she’s fighting for human rights. She is everything .
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Refilwe Vanillablaq Modiselle
There’s nothing Refilwe Vanillablaq Modiselle can’t do. She was South Africa’s first runway model with Albinism, she’s a TV and radio host, MC, actress, and singer. She’s basically killin’ the game 24/7.
Shaun Ross
If you name a prestige brand, Shaun Ross has walked for them. The likes of Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and even Beyoncé have come knocking on his door.
He’s also a recording artist. His first collab? Oh, just Lizzo. No big deal.
Ava Clarke
Ava Clarke may be young, but her star is bright. She’s a rising star in the modeling world, having appeared alongside Beyoncé in Lemonade .
She says her whole goal is to spread happiness and good vibes.
Nastya Zhidkova
Nastya Zhidkova, aka Kimi, aka @kiker_chan is a model and blogger from Russia. She’s been modelling since she was a teenager, when she signed to three different agencies at the age of 18.
Connie Chiu
Connie Chiu is a titan in the modelling industry. She was the first ever model with Albinism, and paved the way for everyone on this list to flourish and shine.
Ruby Vizcarra
No one does an edgy Disney princess like she does. Ruby’s Instagram is full of ethereal, intricate shots of her in all sorts of fantastical gear, from princess dresses to crazy cool armor.
Stephen Thompson
This man literally looks like he’s made of marble. He and Diandra Forrest both teamed up with the UN for their Albinism inclusivity campaign!
When he’s not modelling, he’s acting. When he’s not acting, he’s being an activist!
Alyona Subbotina
Alyona Subbotina is a model and entrepreneur from Kazakhstan. She was discovered at 16 while studying hotel management in Singapore.
She opened Paris Fashion Week for Givenchy in 2011. After that, every house came knocking, from Jean Paul Gaultier to Fendi.
Amal Sofi
One of the youngest to begin modelling, Amal was already established by the time he was 20. Some of his early photoshoots were fantasy-inspired, and so surreal!
These days, he travels the world.
Albi X
German-based Albi X balances modelling with a fledgling music career. He has singles out on all major streaming platforms, and a handful of music videos available on YouTube. Keep your eye on him!
Diandra Forrest
Diandra was the first ever model with Albinism to be signed to a major modelling agency.
Alongside modelling, she is the face of a campaign between the United Nations and the New York Dermatological Group Foundation to promote inclusivity for people with Albinism.
Jewell Jeffrey
To say that Jewell Jeffrey is effortlessly cool is an understatement. He’s a model, DJ, and actor hailing from Paris, France. There is no part of that sentence that isn’t cool, and you know it.
