For the past decade, Models.com’s The Graduates series has been a visual check-in with the models of the moment who have consistently performed at the highest levels, going from the rising newcomers on the Hot List to the Top 50 recognizable muses throughout the world. Stars like Bella Hadid, Hoyeon, Vittoria Ceretti, Selena Forrest, and Sora Choi, to name a few, have all taken part of the milestone series that uniquely marks the shift in a model’s career. With major bookings in editorials, advertisements, lookbooks, and on the runway, these models have consistently locked down luxury clients in the most competitive markets while continuing to dominate on the global stage.
To commemorate our tenth year, we flew to Paris during the madness of fashion week to shoot all the top talent with photographer Mauricio Sierra. This year’s cast connects with the Models.com team to divulge how they got their starts, the key brands and creatives that have made their careers, and taking their place in the upper echelons.
Quannah ChasingHorse’s journey from rural Alaska to the international fashion stage has been a testament to her unique power and unbreakable spirit. “I actually got scouted through Instagram during the pandemic,” she recounts, explaining that a casting call for a Calvin Klein campaign focused on voting came her way during the 2020 election cycle. It was a benchmark moment for the Native community, and ChasingHorse was actively involved, working to amplify the Native vote. That casting opportunity, which she initially thought “was too good to be true,” opened doors that led to her signing and quickly propelled her into high-profile shoots and runway appearances. In the few short years since her debut, ChasingHorse has graced the pages of Vogue, AnOther, Elle, and V Magazine, working with photography icons like Inez and Vinoodh. “Every time I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with them, I’ve really just studied them,” she says of the handful of experiences with the duo. “They taught me not to focus too much on angles…to be in the moment.” That emphasis on authenticity has shaped her career and fueled her drive to bring Native representation to the forefront of fashion, an industry that has been historically exclusive. “I want the industry to give Indigenous models a chance, to see us and hear our stories,” she explains, underscoring the importance of visibility for her community.
Silk crepe de chine shirt – HIGHLIGHT STUDIO
“It’s about having the strength to be able to tell your story and understand how important it is to have Indigenous voices at the forefront…”
Silk crepe de chine shirt – HIGHLIGHT STUDIO | Shorts – SÉBLINE
ChasingHorse’s deep-rooted commitment to advocating for environmental justice, tribal sovereignty, and Indigenous rights permeate into her modeling work whenever possible. Working with brands like Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, and Victoria’s Secret, she has found that the wide spectrum of fashion can serve as a platform for change. “I’m always trying to make sure that everything I do…has a way to give back to my community,” she says, acknowledging the industry’s environmental impact and her role in pushing for sustainable practices. In addition to her modeling achievements, her 2022 documentary Walking Two Worlds about her life, was a project that allowed her to share her story on her own terms. The film was an intimate look at her dual role as both model and advocate, celebrating her culture and heritage while shedding light on the challenges her community faces. “It’s a lot of hard work, but I believe in it,” she says, emphasizing the dedication needed to represent Indigenous voices authentically. “It’s about having the strength to be able to tell your story and understand how important it is to have Indigenous voices at the forefront of all these causes.”
