Model of the Year: The Best Models Ranked From The Runway to Easy Editorials

When agencies give us models, we make Model of the Year lists. Even more exciting about this list is that it’s our inaugural one! Since October, we’ve compiled this list, which was only recently finalised. As you can imagine, it took a lot of work to complete the top 10 list because some of our editors and contributors would nominate a model with little support from others. Firstly, let’s discuss the process.

With many collaborative projects, working with others can be daunting. Still, where there is common ground of interest, teamwork is just that much more exciting. I have had a top 15 list since March of this year based on the models who did the best job when it came to showcasing a designer’s collection, the runway, style and flair in editorials and campaigns.

Such is the life of an editor that some of my creative ideas come at quarter to midnight. On October 15th at 11:41 pm, I emailed every runway editor and contributor at SSEDITORIAL, asking for their top 10 models who performed the best this year, from the runway to editorials and campaigns. I knew from the responses that completing the list would involve a tussle.

We swiftly agreed on the Model of the Year and the other top four. As I finalised the votes for the top five, many names only appeared on the list once. Here comes the tussling as the other suggestions garnered no support from other editors and contributors. So, I had to produce a second polling system, one whereby the majority won. I did not expect some models to appear on the list, but that’s the brilliance of teamwork. Learning from others. Of course, many of our favourite models missed out on the best models of the year list, so halfway through, I will reveal our “2023 honourable mentions”.

Suppose you’re unfamiliar with some of these models. In that case, I’m grateful we can introduce you to the best in the business this year. I’m happy to release the official 2023 Model of The Year list from SSEDITORIAL Magazine. Thanks to Cole Thyer, EdAnne Rowe-Taylor, and Misty Lamb for voting to whittle this list down five times!

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Year-end Ranking: Number 10

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Aweng Chuol
HEIGHT? 5ft 9.5in
NATIONALITY? Sudanese-Australian
WHERE? Ottolinger Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 9

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Yilan Hua
HEIGHT? 5ft 11in
NATIONALITY? Chinese
WHERE? Chanel Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 8

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Caren Jepkemei
HEIGHT? 5ft 11in
NATIONALITY? Kenyan
WHERE? Saint Laurent Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 7

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Naomi Campbell
HEIGHT? 5ft 9in
NATIONALITY? British
WHERE? Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 6

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Precious Lee
HEIGHT? 5ft 11in
NATIONALITY? American
WHERE? Moschino Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 5

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Adut Akech
HEIGHT? 5ft 10in
NATIONALITY? Sudanese-Australian
WHERE? Versace Spring 2024

Honourable Mention

Bella Hadid

Honourable Mention

Mona Tougaard

Year-end Ranking: Number 4

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Leon Dame
HEIGHT? 6ft 2in
NATIONALITY? German
WHERE? Jil Sander Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 3

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Steinberg
HEIGHT? 5ft 10in
NATIONALITY? Russian
WHERE? Fendi Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 2

Model of the Year 2023

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Imaan Hammam
HEIGHT? 5ft 10.5in
NATIONALITY? Dutch
WHERE? Ralph Lauren Spring 2024

Year-end Ranking: Number 1

SSEDITORIAL 2023 Top Model of the Year

BEST MODELS OF 2023

NAME? Anok Yai
HEIGHT? 5ft 10in
NATIONALITY? Sudanese-American
WHERE? Ferrari Spring 2024