Although it’s difficult to define beauty, there still remains to be a typical, socially acceptable standard for it. Despite this, a number of women are saying f**k it to the dictionary definition of beauty and showing that beautiful can mean something different to everyone.

ISKRA LAWRENCE

Iskra has a huge following, and not only because she’s beautiful, but because she’s a ray of sunshine. She models for Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign, acts as a role model and is an ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association. Beyond that, Iskra is committed to starring in only un-retouched campaigns. Love it!

WINNIE HARLOW

A Canadian fashion model, spokesperson, and activist, Winnie rose to fame on America’s Next Top Model and is distinctly recognizable for her rare skin condition, Vitiligo. Teased at school for the unusual white patterns on her skin, as an adult, Winnie has embraced her difference and quite literally changed the face of the modeling world.

SABINA KARLSSON

After years of fighting against her own body by restricting her diet and exercising obsessively, Sabina left the “straight-size” modeling industry and returned in 2010 as an incredibly successful “plus-size” model. With fiery red curls and freckles across the bridge of her nose, Sabina is not one to be missed.

LEA T

Back in 2014, Lea T became the first transgender model to front a global cosmetics brand for Redken, fronted the cover of LOVE magazine with Kate Moss, and even participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony. Lead the way Lea!✌

CHARLI HOWARD

Once upon a time, Charli was told that at a size 6-8 she was ‘too big’ to model. In an open letter to her now ex-agency, Charli called the agency and the industry as a whole out for their damaging comments. Charli has channelled this fire into the ‘All Woman Project,’ a body positive movement that is changing attitudes around the world and celebrates the work of all models, regardless of size.

JILLIAN MERCADO

Jillian has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, but that hasn’t stopped her fronting campaigns for Diesel and Nordstrom. As one of the few physically disabled models in the fashion industry, Jillian is breaking all kinds of glass ceilings.

 

Have we missed any model vinas you love? Leave a comment below!

(Feature image via Aerie)