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Instagram As A Platform For Models
Before the age of social media, most models had to get their big break the old-fashioned way – get discovered by a casting director or model scout, sign up with a modelling agency, attend go-sees, and audition for the spot that you want. But thanks to the internet and social networking platforms, models have another route to fame: Instagram.
Today, a high follower count is the key to getting brand sponsorships and modelling gigs, especially since companies want to tap into each influencer’s wide audience. Even successful models have to play the numbers game.
And the great thing about it is that stardom is more accessible than ever to a wider group of people – fitness girls, plus size girls, androgynous male models, Aboriginal influencers, and even women over 40 all have a shot at living the dream. Although a lot of them may have similar looks, diversity is much more celebrated and rewarded than in other industries.
Still, there’s some stigma attached. Even the most famous Instagram models aren’t seen as ‘real’ models by much of the fashion industry. They get boxed into certain jobs or styles, despite the fact that a lot of them can do so much more. But IG models in Australia and around the world are slowly proving all the naysayers wrong with their talent, charisma, and determination.
The Most Followed Instagram Models In Australia 20 ea
11. Robyn Lawley
IG: @robynlawley
Followers: 208,000
Age: 30 years old
Robyn’s had quite the career as a plus-size model. She signed with her first modelling agency when she was just a teen, and soon went on to grace the covers of Elle, marie claire, and Cosmopolitan. She was also Sports Illustrated’s first plus size model to be featured in their swimsuit issue.
10. Jessica Gomes
IG: @iamjessicagomes
Followers: 225,000
Age: 34 years old
This sexy mixed-race model has worked with names such as Victoria’s Secret, David Jones Limited, and Hyundai. She has also appeared in editorials for Harper’s Bazaar Australia.
9. Jessica Hart
IG: @jesshart
Followers: 247,000
Age: 33 years old
Jess Hart has appeared multiple times on the cover and in the pages of Vogue. When she’s not modelling, she’s running her skincare and makeup business, Luma.
8. Rachel Finch
IG: @rachel_finch
Followers: 277,000
Age: 31 years old
Finch isn’t just an Insta model, she’s also a TV host and pageant queen. She rose to fame as the 2006 Miss Teen Australia winner, going on to bag 3rd runner up at the 2009 Miss Universe competition.
7. Fernanda Ly
IG: @warukatta
Followers: 306,000
Age: 23 years old
Although she’s blonde now, Chinese-Australian Ly was famous for her bright pink hair. She was scouted at a mall and walked her first runway for Louis Vuitton. Ly has done ads for Forever 21, Kate Spade, and Dior.
6. Andreja Pejic
IG: @andrejapejic
Followers: 352,000
Age: 28 years old
Pejic started out as an androgynous male model before coming out as a trans woman in 2013. She’s one of the fashion industry’s most visible trans faces, having appeared on the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel, marie claire, and GQ.
5. Adut Akech
IG: @adutakech
Followers: 528,000
Age: 19 years old
Akech is one of the most successful models under 25. At just 19, she’s already been featured in international editions of Vogue, and is set to appear in the coveted Pirelli Calendar alongside RuPaul, Whoopi Goldberg, and her mentor Naomi Campbell. She’s also the ambassador for the 2019 Melbourne Fashion Week.
4. Kelly Gale
IG: @kellybellyboom
Followers: 1.1 million
Age: 24 years old
Part Indian, part Swedish, and part Australian, Gale is an internationally-known model who is famous for her work with Victoria’s Secret, Playboy, and an Enrique Iglesias music video.
3. Duckie Thot
IG: @duckieofficial
Followers: 1.2 million
Age: 23 years old
Duckie first gained recognition as a third-placer on Australia’s Next Top Model, but this Sudanese model is no runner-up. Her dark complexion has gotten her a reputation as ‘black Barbie’, gaining attention from brands like Fenty Beauty, Balmain, and Victoria’s Secret.
2. Shanina Saik
IG: @shaninamshaik
Followers: 1.9 million
Age: 28 years old
Saik launched her modelling career at just 8 years old, when she appeared for a Hyundai commercial. Since then, she has gone on to work with Oscar de la Renta, Victoria’s Secret, and Vogue.
1. Miranda Kerr
IG: @mirandakerr
Followers: 12.1 million
Age: 36 years old
Out of all of the names on this list, there’s no doubt that Miranda Kerr’s is one of the most famous. This Aussie babe landed a coveted spot as an Angel for Victoria’s Secret in 2007, which opened up dozens of other opportunities for her. Kerr consistently ranks as one of the highest-paid models in the world.
Conclusion
From highly-edited glamour shots to candid stories, these sexy Instagram models have a to-die-for feed. While some people think Insta models are only good for sexy bikini selfies and heavily-filtered pics, these girls are proof that there’s more to Instagram models than meets the eye.
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