Some Of The Most Iconic Women In Fashion Have Been Latinas: Top 12 Latina Super Models Of Recent Times

The fashion world is embracing diversity more and more each season. And although the fight for representation is no doubt still ongoing, some strides have been taken toward inclusivity and representation. Women from Mexico, Central America, and South America have been breaking boundaries all on their own for years, and the success they’ve earned can speak for itself. Just look at Joan Smalls, or Christy Turlington, two of the most well-known (and well-paid) models in the world.

Latinas that are icons, trailblazers and true beauties. 

Latinx women of all shapes, sizes and skin colors have been gracing fashion shows and magazines for years, and we thought we’d round up the most iconic ones to prove it. 

Christy Turlington

A true icon. Christy was part of the first wave of top models that gained celebrity status in the 90s, also known as ‘The Supers’. Alongside beauty queens like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen; part Salvadoran, Christy Turlington fronted iconic campaigns for brands like Versace, Coca Cola, Mugler, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and so many more. 

Helena Christensen 

With a Peruvian mother and a Danish father, Helena was lucky to get some great genes! Not only is Helena a former signature Victoria’s Secret Angel and a former Miss Denmark, she was also part of the 90s ‘supers’. She’s appeared on many a magazine cover —Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and W, she’s been the star of several music videos and has been the face of some of the biggest brands —Chanel, Prada, Valentino, Versace, just to name a few. She’s even gone on to design her own clothing as well as serve as creative director for Nylon magazine. She certainly is an icon.

Talisa Soto

Born to a Puerto Rican family in Brooklyn, Talisa was raised there and in Massachusetts. She started modeling at age 15 and has appeared on the covers of major magazines like Vogue, Mademoiselle, Glamour and more. She’s also been on a “Sports Illustrated” swimsuit issue and even played a Bond girl in “License to Kill”. She has been making film appearances since 1988, and was a true celeb in the 90s.

Gisele Bündchen

Now, here’s a trailblazer. This Brazilian queen has been slaying the fashion world since the 90s —and the best part is, she’s still showing no signs of slowing down (or of aging for that matter). Blessed with the gene pool of a goddess, Gisele’s luscious blonde hair and infinitely long legs have landed her the most iconic jobs in fashion. She has been the queen of the Victoria’s Secret Angels, the face of top houses like Givenchy, Chanel, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton… and the list goes on. 

Adriana Lima

My personal fave. Her tanned skin, is highlighted perfectly against her striking green eyes —and the Brazilian’s charisma just tops the whole thing like a cherry on top of a cake. She’s beautiful, talented and altruist. Adriana has walked world-class fashion shows and fronted campaigns alongside fellow Brazilian top models Gisele Bündchen and Alessandra Ambrosio, and the trio has definitely left a mark in the industry. 

Alessandra Ambrosio

Another Victoria’s Secret model and Brazilian super. This beauty was the first one to model for the company’s “PINK” line, launched for the younger VS shopper. She’s modeled for other brands, including Dior and Ralph Lauren, and is one of the top-earning models in the world. She’s not all about the catwalk though: she also serves as an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

Joan Smalls

This Puerto Rican goddess is one of the biggest models on the scene right now— and is definitely leaving her mark! With a ton of magazine covers under her belt, as well as lending her image to front brands like Gucci, Gap, Chanel, Versace, Dior and more, this stunner’s star only continues to soar. 

Paloma Elsesser 

After being discovered by makeup icon, Pat McGrath to front her first beauty line, plus-size model Paloma Elsesser has become an outspoken voice for plus-size models through her vast Instagram following. Fronting campaigns for Fenty Beauty, Glossier and Nike, and appearing in editorials for Allure, Elle and Teen Vogue, the model of Chilean descent is only just getting started —and we can’t wait to see where she’ll go next. 

Sessilee Lopez

This Afro-Dominican beauty made history in 2008 when she appeared on one of Vogue Italia’s 4 ‘All Black’ issues. She’s also been on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and has fronted major brands like Hermes, Lanvin, Levi’s, Oscar de La Renta and many more. 

Issa Lish

The special thing about Issa Lish is that she doesn’t look like anybody else. She’s a little Japanese, a little Mexican, but most of all, unique. Born in Mexico City in 1995, Issa started modelling for Mexico’s independent designers aged 14 and has already made a name for herself in the industry. She’s walked for major brands like Alexander Wang, Haider Ackerman, Yves Saint Laurent and Coach among others.

Lais Ribeiro

This Afro-Brazilian model has become a force to be reckoned with in fashion. She’s been featured in all the top magazines, has been the face of many fashion and beauty lines and designers can’t stop booking her to walk their runway shows —she’s definitely on the way of becoming an icon of this generation. 

Mariana Zaragoza

This Mexican model made her runway debut walking for Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Proenza Schouler at New York Fashion week in 2017 at a very young age. She has made the cover of magazines like Vogue Mexico, T Magazine China, and French Revue de Modes. Her modeling career began after she was approached by a talent scout at a local shopping mall and she only continues to rise.