As fashion weeks around the world start to wrap up, let’s take a deep dive on three new-gen models who are making their mark on the catwalk, redefining and rewriting the industry’s expectations. Alex Consani, Kai Schreiber, and Anok Yai have broken the norms that have been built in the modeling industry for decades.
Alex Consani, an internet-sensation, has broken a glass ceiling for the LGBTQ+ community as one of the first openly transgender models. Consani shined her way through modeling at a very young age. At only twelve years old, she signed her first modeling contract to Slay Model Management, making her the youngest transgender model in the world. Reporter for CNNstyle Oscar Holland says, “Consani rose to prominence through TikTok, where she now boasts almost 4 million followers.”
Following her sudden internet fame, at fifteen she signed with IMG, the biggest modeling agency in the world. At seventeen she made her catwalk debut for Tom Ford in 2021; later walking for top brands such as Alexander McQueen and Versace. After years of hard work and viral runway moments, Consani made major headlines for winning Model of the Year at The Fashion Awards in December 2024, the highest accolade a model can receive.
While Consani’s rise to fame highlights the power of internet virality and LGBTQ+ representation in fashion, Anok Yai’s story reflects a different kind of breakthrough; one rooted in chance discovery that quickly transformed her into one of the more influential models today. With Yai’s unusual way of discovery and becoming the second black supermodel to open a Prada show; she’s become a top-model of this generation.
In the past decade, social media has created once-in-a-lifetime opportunities all around the world. Yai, a supermodel nominated for “Model of The Year” in both 2023 and 2024, was discovered because a photo of her at Howard University’s homecoming event went viral. Soon after, doors to every elite modeling agency opened for her disposal. After signing to Next Model Management in 2017, Yai has walked for many powerhouse designers: Mugler, Versace, and Saint Laurent. Now, she is also represented by Huxley for global communications and SAFE Management.
Today her legendary career has greatly impacted diversity inclusion within the modeling world. Reporter for Medium Magazine, Nitish Arora says, “In her early career, Yai made a conscious decision to wear her natural hair…Her boldness in embracing her heritage has not only inspired others but also sparked important conversations within the industry about representation and inclusivity”.
Besides strutting on the catwalk, in an interview with Sherri on the Sherri show, Yai revealed, “I want to do an exhibition by the end of the year.” This is one of two projects underway. Although she didn’t reveal the second one, the exhibition is for her to showcase her art.
As Yai continues to build her legacy as a trailblazer in fashion, the industry is already welcoming a new generation of talent. Among them is Kai Schreiber, a rising star who has quickly captured everyone in the fashion world’s attention. Daughter of the star-studded actress Naomi Watts, is new to modeling, making her runway debut for the Valentino Fall 2025 Show. Schreiber already has renowned brands applauding her for making waves in the industry, as a sixteen year transgender student.
Although her modeling career just started, Schreiber has walked in major events, such as Paris Fashion Week in July 2025. Watts in the audience took to Instagram, captioning her post of Schreiber, “I’m squealing with pride.” Critics online are in awe that Schreiber walked for powerhouse Jason Wu this early in her career, as walking one of his shows is recognized as a “significant and coveted spot for a model.” Rapidly climbing in the modeling world, Schreiber wants to use her platform to praise the queer models who came before her, such as: Hunter Schafer, Colin Jones, Richie Shazam and many others who make the industry a more inclusive environment.
She told Interview magazine in a June 2025 interview, “As a young trans girl, I’m always going to look up to the older generation of transgender people, especially in fashion..It’s so great that there’s a strong community of us in the fashion world.” How far her career as a model will go is uncertain at the moment, but what is certain is that Schreiber will no doubt create a strong sense of community and difference, while following the footsteps of the models she looks up to.
These three beautiful women have paved ways in the fashion industry and are bound to make more as time goes on. Everyone is on the edge of their seats to see what’s next for the rising “Big Three” of fashion.
