There’s no denying that Latina models are having their moment in the spotlight right now — and we wholeheartedly welcome it. From the return of Raquel Zimmermann who is scoring campaigns left, right and center to Mica Arganaraz being embraced by just about every fashion editor in the industry, ultimately landing Vogue covers around the world and scoring a healthy number…
Top Latina Models to Watch
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Mica Arganaraz
Born in Argentina, Mica Arganaraz was declared 2015's breakout model of the year. After sending a Polaroid to an agency in Buenos Aires, Mica was quickly inking a contract and soon began to walk shows across Europe, sending shock waves through the industry after being cast to walk for none other than Prada. It then became no surprise that the shaggy-haired beauty went solo in Prada's Fall 2014 advertising campaign with photographer Steven Meisel giving his notorious career-boosting seal of approval. Mica then began to show up on international Vogue covers everywhere with Vogue Paris' Editor-in-Chief Emmanuelle Alt tapping Mica for a number of fashion spreads and eventually giving the model the honor of gracing the magazine's November 2015 cover.
Images: Vogue.fr, Imaxtree, Glamour Digital
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Joan Smalls
This Puerto Rican beauty has done wonders for the industry and continues to break down the limitations, which are undoubtedly present in today's world of modeling. Now 28, Joan Smalls has certainly earned her supermodel status by working nonstop. Loved by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Patrick Demarchelier and Steven Meisel, to name a few, Joan has done campaigns for the likes of Chanel, Balmain, Stuart Weitzman, Gucci, Calvin Klein...you name it. Joan's most notable achievement was becoming the first Latina model to ink a deal with Estée Lauder back in 2010 as one of its brand ambassadors and she still catches our attention in the brand's various advertising campaigns.
Images: Vogue.it, Imaxtree, Estée Lauder
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Ysaunny Brito
Currently on the cover of British ELLE's August 2016 issue, Ysaunny Brito's name is on everyone's lips right now. The newcomer from the Dominican Republic is gaining momentum in the industry and has been working steadily since 2013. Storming runways for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior, Ysaunny also proudly took to the cover of Vogue Mexico for April 2016. This one-time face of Balmain is sure to be a regular presence on the catwalk this upcoming season and is likely to snap up campaigns for some major brands. Watch this face!
Images: Vogue.mx, Imaxtree, Models.com
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Ari Westphal
Declared the "new Gisele" by the press, Ari Westphal made her debut during Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2016 as a semi-exclusive for Chloe. With her signature brunette curls and killer cheekbones, Ari was like a breath of fresh air and was ultimately named the face of Chloe earlier this year. Editorials for American Harper's Bazaar and Porter shortly followed and a stint on the cover of Ari's native Vogue Brazil came right after. Karl Lagerfeld has been the most recent heavyweight to show his support by casting Ari as part of the Chanel x Cuba show spectacular and, since she's only in her early 20s, Ari isn't about to take a backseat just yet.
Images: Vogue.Globo.com, Imaxtree, Models.com
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Lineisy Montero
Lineisy Montero is another Dominican-born beauty who has set the fashion industry ablaze with her friendly and genuine smile, unique features and a refreshing afro hairstyle. Making her debut on the Prada catwalk for Fall 2015, Lineisy was soon snapped up by Miuccia Prada to star in the brand's campaign shot by Steven Meisel. Covers for Teen Vogue, i-D and Antidote can be found in Lineisy's ever-growing portfolio alongside editorials for American Vogue, French Vogue and CR Fashion Book. Lineisy was also a regular fixture during the recent Haute Couture shows, dominating the catwalk for Atelier Versace, Elie Saab and Chanel.
Images: Teen Vogue, Imaxtree, Black Style Report
