We had such high hopes for the Fall 2017 runway season. After tallying the number of times each model hit the runway in New York, we were delighted to discover that 6 of the top 10 catwalkers were models of color. But our hopes of a more permanent statement of inclusivity were dashed when we calculated the numbers for the entire month and learned that only three models of color made the top 12 list. Cong He, a stunner from China, managed to rack up an impressive 42 appearances total by walking in all four fashion capitals. Selena Forrest and Lineisy Montero had to share the number 10 spot with Amanda Googe. Fashion Month Fall 2017 also had us seeing double as Russian twins Lia and Odette Pavlova both scored slots on this season’s list. To see who else made the cut, check out our list of top models in the slideshow above.
Images: Imaxtree
Fall 2017 Top 10 Models
10. Amanda Googe (Women), Selena Forrest (Next), Lineisy Montero (Next): 37 Shows
We had a three-way tie for the final spot this season. Brown University grad and artist Amanda Googe hit the runway for several big names like Alexander McQueen, Celine, Valentino, Haider Ackermann, Salvatore Ferragamo, J.W.Anderson, Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham and closed the Self-Portrait presentation. Runway vet Selena Forrest also had a strong showing closing Off-White and walking for Louis Vuitton, Fenty x Puma, Nina Ricci, Christian Dior, Valentino, Calvin Klein, H&M and Fendi. While Lineisy Montero turned plenty of heads at Chanel, Stella McCartney, Loewe, Chloe, Oscar de la Renta, La Perla, Altuzarra, Burberry and Missoni.
Images: Amanda Googe at Haider Ackermann Fall 2017, Selena Forrest at H&M Spring 2017, Lineisy Montero at Chanel Fall 2017
10. Amanda Googe (Women): 37 Shows
The Brown University grad and artist hit the runway for several big names this season. We’re talking Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Celine, Valentino, Haider Ackermann, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, J.W.Anderson, Erdem, Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham — you get the idea. Amanda Googe also had the honor of closing the Self-Portrait presentation.
Image: Haider Ackermann Fall 2017
9. Léa Julian (The Society): 39 Shows
An athlete off the runway, Léa Julian definitely had a winning Fall 2017 season. She set the stage at Carolina Herrera’s presentation and managed to add quite the grand list of shows to her ever-growing résumé. Lacoste, Oscar de la Renta, Coach 1941, Maison Margiela, Chloe, Loewe, Sacai, Christian Dior, Valentino, Prada and Roksanda are just some of her many conquests.
Image: Sacai Fall 2017
8. Odette Pavlova (Next): 39 Shows
Although she just missed out on the top 10 list for New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 , Odette Pavlova was no slouch this season. The Russian beauty walked in 39 shows, including Simone Rocha, Jil Sander, Trussardi, Lanvin, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Elie Saab, Chanel, Public School and Jeremy Scott. As if that wasn’t enough, she closed Rick Owens and Chalayan as well as served double duty at Margaret Howell by both opening and closing the presentation.
Image: Rick Owens Fall 2017
7. McKenna Hellam (IMG): 41 Shows
This relative newcomer from Georgia sure made an impact for Fall 2017. McKenna Hellam opened and closed David Koma plus kicked things off for Public School, Gabriele Colangelo, Vionnet and Nina Ricci. She also represented for Calvin Klein, Altuzarra, Sies Marjan, Narciso Rodriguez, Christian Dior, Celine, Valentino, Alberta Ferretti, Marni, Topshop Unique and Christopher Kane. Talk about racking up some real runway mileage.
Image: Nina Ricci Fall 2017
6. Cong He (IMG): 42 Shows
Cong He was spotted gracing the runways of 42 shows for Fall 2017. The Chinese beauty did her thing for Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Chloe, Balmain, Stella McCartney, Chanel, Miu Miu, Prada, Etro, Erdem and J.W.Anderson.
Image: Erdem Fall 2017
5. Emm Arruda (Women): 42 Shows
Emm Arruda didn’t take the usual path to the runway. First the Canadian stunner had to undergo surgery to correct scoliosis and proudly shared her transformation on Instagram . She had a really successful season walking for the likes of Jason Wu, Victoria Beckham, Narciso Rodriguez, Michael Kors, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant, Christian Dior, Mugler, Mary Katrantzou, Fendi, Versace plus she opened Paco Rabanne and closed Salvatore Ferragamo.
Image: Paco Rabanne Fall 2017
4. Camille Hurel (Women): 42 Shows
Camille Hurel is no stranger to our top 10 list since she took home the top prize for Spring 2017 . The Paris native was seen hitting the catwalk for Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Fenty x Puma, Chanel, Haider Ackermann, Kenzo, Prada, Versace, Preen and J.W.Anderson. Camille not only opened the Fay and Salvatore Ferragamo presentations in Milan, she scored the coveted spots of closing for both Christian Dior and Elie Saab in her hometown.
Image: Christian Dior Fall 2017
3. Lia Pavlova (Next): 44 Shows
Lia Pavlova joins her twin sister Odette Pavlova on our list after earning a slot on our New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 tally. You probably recognize her from the runways of Lacoste, Altuzarra, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Olivier Theyskens, Lanvin, Chanel, Christian Dior, Joseph, Roksanda, Gareth Pugh, Emporio Armani and Gucci. Oh, and she also closed Noon By Noor and opened Emilia Wickstead.
Image: Emilia Wickstead Fall 2017
2. Jessie Bloemendaal (Women): 47 Shows
Discovered via Instagram after entering a Micha Models contest, Jessie Bloemendaal wasted no time making a name for herself up on the catwalk. Hailing from the Netherlands, Jessie had a busy Fall 2017 season walking for Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Maison Margiela, Chloe, Elie Saab, Christian Dior, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Mulberry, Gucci, Moschino and Max Mara. She also opened the Coach 1941 and Rochas shows as well as shut things down for Veronique Branquinho and Mary Katrantzou.
Image: Coach 1941 Fall 2017
1. Jess PW (The Society): 48 Shows
The Aussie made an appearance on this list last season , but for Fall 2017 Jess PW takes home the top spot. And it’s easy to see why with a long stretch of high-profile shows spanning the four fashion cities, including Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Coach 1941, Michael Kors, Saint Laurent, Chloe, Ann Demeulemeester, Christian Dior, Valentino, Moschino, Prada, Versace, Marni, Preen and Topshop Unique. She even had the privilege of opening Maison Margiela and Narciso Rodriguez as well as closing Ports 1961, Nina Ricci and Proenza Schouler. All hail the queen.
Image: Maison Margiela Fall 2017
Load even more