The Models Redefining American Beauty Today

In the modeling industry, America has always had its share of superstars—Jerry Hall, Cindy Crawford, and Karlie Kloss, anyone?—but in recent history, it’s begun to feel like the influx of international beauties has overwhelmed the presence of homegrown talent. But just like that, a new generation of “Born in the U.S.A.” beauties has begun to dominate the industry. Effortlessly cool best friends Lexi Boling and Binx Walton have led the charge, followed by the rise of Instagirls like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, and Gigi Hadid; Texan Vanessa Moody was among the season’s top walkers; Californian newcomer Alice Metza is already a Prada regular; and Midwesterner Grace Hartzel emerged as the campaign star to beat, starring in ads for Calvin Klein, Tod’s, Valentino, and Hugo Boss.

According to Jeff and Mary Clarke of Mother Model Management—the scouts who first discovered both Kloss and Hartzel—the resurgence of the American model all comes back to the charisma of the girls themselves. “There will always be something undeniable about a fresh American beauty,” says Mary. “They are inspiring to young teenage girls in middle America, to women who find them more relatable, and to the casting directors and designers who find them a refreshing image to build on.” Given the renewed focus on models as celebrities, it makes sense that the American girls who resonate are all blessed in the personality department. As the definition of all-American expands, the models selected are beginning to reflect the nation’s variety, as well. “It is an exciting time in the fashion world,” says Mary. “We are happy to see the term American beauty embrace more cultural and ethnic diversity.” Get to know eleven of the models representing the new era of what it means to be all-American.