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.
It’s been just three years since Chicago-born Wali made their debut at Gabriela Hearst, and already they’ve made major waves since their start—working with Steven Meisel four times and closing this season’s Prada S/S 25 show, is no small feat for someone who once applied to an agency on a whim. Wali never saw modeling in their future, but just months after stepping onto the scene, they landed their first major campaign for Alexander McQueen, shot by Meisel in the shadow of COVID. This moment also marked the start of a muse-like relationship with then-creative director Sarah Burton until her departure from the British heritage brand. Known for their downtown edge and tattooed sleeve, Wali has racked up campaigns with brands like Fendi, Saint Laurent, and Lanvin, and worked with photographers like Mario Sorrenti and Juergen Teller. But now, they’re out to redefine their image, showing there’s more to their gender expression than meets the eye. “I’m not usually the first pick unless the narrative is edgy or cool, like a New York vibe,“ they explain. “I can be softer or more feminine too. That’s a part of who I am and my identity.”
Large cable knit jumper – NAMI
“I want to be the type of model who steps into spaces where you wouldn’t assume I’d fit…”
Large cable knit jumper – NAMI
Along the way, Wali has built a strong network supported by key industry figures like Samuel Ellis, Camilla Nickerson, Sam Rock, and Jess Hallett in their career journey. When speaking on relationships, Wali said, “Relationship building is so important. Whenever I get the opportunity to work with someone amazing more than once, I really try to cherish those moments.” Inspired by these creatives, Wali has even dipped into the other side of fashion, creating their own zine. Together with their partner, who is also a stylist, they curated a team of photographers, hair, makeup, and set designers to bring stunning stories to life—proving that Wali’s creativity isn’t confined to the runway. Looking ahead to the future, Wali is all about manifesting their next steps, describing, “I want to be the type of model who steps into spaces where you wouldn’t assume I’d fit, and it’s cool because it’s me doing it. A Chanel moment would be so amazing to me. It would feel like an ode to Erin O’Connor or Stella Tennant.”
