The Rise (and Return) of Betsy Gaghan

When a model makes as much noise during the show season as American rising star Betsy Gaghan, you can’t help but take notice. The newcomer first caught the industry’s eye during the pandemic with a buzzed-about Miu Miu F/W 21 debut in Cortina, but just as momentum began to build, she stepped back. The break, she says, was necessary—a pause to reground, reflect, and return to the industry on her own terms. And return she did: this season, Gaghan came back stronger than ever, opening Veronica Leoni’s Calvin Klein debut in New York and walking more than 30 shows across fashion’s major capitals. As Models.com linked with her on the last day of Paris Fashion Week, it was clear that Gaghan’s current ascension isn’t just about numbers (though those are impressive); it’s about energy and intent. “I just like to paint a picture,” she mentions, a sentiment that echoes through her thoughtful musings on casting dynamics, set design, and even camera lenses. Whether she’s curating casting outfits with vintage tees or funky hair clips, Gaghan has proven she can shape-shift with ease, all while staying deeply, unapologetically herself. Models.com spoke to the quirky ingénue between the fashion week chaos to discuss breakout seasons, developing her individuality, and being invested in the whole picture.