Paloma Elsesser: The New Face of Fashion’s Inclusive Future

April 24, 2025

Paloma Elsesser is not just a model—she is a movement. Born on April 12, 1992, in London and raised in Los Angeles, the British-American-Swiss model has redefined what it means to succeed in an industry long dominated by narrow standards. Represented by IMG Models in New York, Paris, Milan, London, and Sydney, Paloma has carved out an international career that blends boundary-breaking beauty with fierce advocacy for inclusivity and body acceptance.

From Instagram Discovery to Global Fame

Paloma's modeling journey began unexpectedly when iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath discovered her on Instagram. At the time, Paloma was a psychology and literature student at The New School in New York, dreaming more about poetry and music than fashion editorials. But her bold presence and unapologetic style captivated McGrath, who cast her in a groundbreaking campaign for her beauty line.

That moment ignited a modeling career that has since catapulted Paloma onto the world stage, where she continues to challenge and reshape the fashion landscape.

A Defining 2025: Covers, Editorials, and Runway Power

Paloma Elsesser's 2025 is nothing short of iconic. The year kicked off strong, with her appearing in multiple international Vogue editions and runway shows for major fashion houses.

Magazine Covers and Editorials

Vogue Adria (April 2025) – Captured by Davit Giorgadze, Paloma graced the cover, bringing her signature elegance and strength to the forefront.
Vogue Italia (April 2025) – Another editorial with Giorgadze showed her high fashion versatility.
Harper's Bazaar U.S. (April 2025) – Paloma appeared in a striking cover feature alongside Alex Consani and Anok Yai, photographed by Ethan James Green.
Dazed MENA Issue 01 (Spring 2025) – In a bold editorial and cover collaboration with Willy Chavarria, shot by Ilyes Griyeb, Paloma marked the debut issue of this new publication.
Architectural Digest (February 2025) – In a rare lifestyle feature, she was captured by Frank Frances, showing her influence extends beyond the runway.
Harper's Bazaar Italia (February 2025) – Featured on the cover and editorial "Muses" by Szilveszter Mako.
American Vogue (January & November 2024) – Notable appearances in “Go Time!” and “Home of the Brave,” shot by Daniel Arnold and Norman Jean Roy respectively.

Runway Royalty

In just the first quarter of 2025, Paloma walked in over a dozen high-profile runway shows, cementing her as a top-tier catwalk presence:

Fendi, Marni, Ferragamo, Michael Kors Collection, Tory Burch, Coperni, Vaquera, Luar, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Eckhaus Latta, and Jean Paul Gaultier by Ludovic de Saint Sernin.

She closed the Eckhaus Latta F/W 25 show on February 8—a powerful statement about her impact on the industry.

More Than a Model: A Cultural Force

Paloma Elsesser’s influence transcends fashion. She's a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, body positivity, and the representation of marginalized bodies in mainstream media. Her identity—a blend of Afro-American and Chilean-Swiss heritage—brings a rich cultural perspective to her work, and her voice is one that resonates deeply with today’s generation.

In a 2024 interview, she reflected, “The world is changing. People are realizing that no matter what you look like, there is a place for you in every space.”

Whether on magazine covers or Vogue’s Forces of Fashion stage, Paloma stands firm in her mission: to make fashion a space of empowerment, not exclusion.

Paloma’s Collaborations with Global Fashion Giants

Paloma's resume includes work with top-tier fashion and beauty brands:

Balenciaga (Le City Bag 2024 campaign)
Victoria’s Secret (including the 2024 Holiday and Summer campaigns, plus the iconic return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show)
Supreme x Martine Rose, Marc Jacobs, Moose Knuckles, Fenty Beauty, Nike, and H&M
Catwalk appearances for Salvatore Ferragamo, Marni, Michael Kors, BOSS, Willy Chavarria, and many more

Her campaign with Nike, where she became the first size 50 model to front an underwear ad, broke major ground and redefined how athletic wear is marketed to women.

Fun Facts: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Paloma Elsesser

She holds British and Swiss citizenships.
Her karaoke go-to? “Toxicity” by System of a Down.
She grew up in the same house where her mother was raised.
A passionate learner, Paloma loves history and religion.
She has huge hands—and feet!
Her favorite place on Earth is Jamaica.
She’s hyper-sensitive to sounds, textures, and scents.
She’s into ceramics and interior decorating.
Her go-to tea? Tulsi Sweet Rose.
She can’t stand blackout curtains.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Paloma Elsesser?

With an unstoppable 2025 already in motion, Paloma Elsesser shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she’s fronting a Harper’s Bazaar cover, strutting down the runway for Fendi, or speaking out on social change, Paloma is consistently using her platform to challenge the norm and elevate fashion's future.

At a time when the industry is grappling with inclusivity, Paloma isn’t just part of the conversation—she is the conversation.