The 2017 Model of the Year nominees are here and we’re struggling to pick our favourite

30 October 2017

Model of the Year 2017 nominees

The Model of the Year nominees are in – let’s just say we’re glad we’re not the judges.

With previous winners including Kate Moss, Georgia May Jagger and Cara Delevingne, the International Model title at the annual Fashion Awards (previously, the British Fashion Awards) is typically given to the most of-the-moment modelling talent.

This year’s nominees, however, include a range of inspirational models who have all made a huge global impact – and we can’t see how there will be one clear front runner for the 2017 award.

Talk of the recent September fashion weeks, nominee Kaia Gerber was destined to inherit mother Cindy Crawford’s good looks and supermodel status. Debuting for Calvin Klein in September 2017, the 16-year-old was quickly booked to walk for many other luxury brands including Alexander Wang, Chanel and Prada. Another highlight included the Versace 2018 Spring show where we saw Kaia and Cindy both walk the runway. Kaia has not only won the hearts of every major designer but also wowed the rest of us with her incredible street style and babetown looks (those toned abs and long legs tho!)

Another strong contender for the title is British model Adwoa Aboah, who already has our vote for her tireless activism and role as founder of gurlstalk, a community dedicated to helping girls tackle issues like mental health, body image and sexuality. This year her modelling credentials have exploded and she has also been tapped by Edward Enniful, the new editor of British Vogue, to become a contributing editor of the publication.

Winnie Harlow’s nomination isn’t a surprise either. The Canadian model’s work as a spokesperson and activist on top of her striking looks clearly makes her another leading candidate. Despite struggling with bullying during her school years, she’s come out on top with her newfound confidence about her skin condition, vitiligo.

Meanwhile, Hadid sisters Gigi and Bella are also in the running this year. With all-round lust-worthy lives, incredible street style and dozens of high-profile campaigns between them, the fashion community can’t seem to get enough of these two.

Gigi won the prestigious award last year, so we’re thinking the honour will be passed on to another – although, historically the Fashion Awards has not been shy to celebrate repeat winners, with the likes of Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn all winning more than once.

Bella’s rapid rise in recent years has her as another serious competitor. Her credits for this year alone include opening for Prabal Gurung and walking for brands like Givenchy, Alexander Wang and Chanel. Bella has also racked up the model miles as an ambassador of Dior Beauty and has been featured across multiple magazine covers and campaigns.

The 2017 winner will be announced as a part of this year’s Fashion Awards, held in London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 4.

Words: Ella Francis
Photos: Getty Images

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