Lily-Rose Depp
With parents as supremely stunning as Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, it was but natural for Lily-Rose to be poised and pretty at just 15. Debuting with an editorial in Oyster magazine at the start of the year, it only took a few months for her to cement her place as a Chanel model with a spot in their eyewear campaign. Inheriting the sculpted features of one parent and Parisian chic vibe of the other, 2015 was only a jet-setting start for Lily-Rose.
Pooja Mor

It was while pursuing a career in a completely opposite direction, Pooja Mor decided to take a leap of faith and with her brother’s hel0p, give modelling a try. And instinct served right because a pageant win was followed by a magazine interview which led to being spotted by a leading agency, which turned Pooja’s dreams into a reality. She has walked for Shehla Khan and Varun Bahl at Lakme Fashion Week and further to the much coveted designers of Louis Vuitton and Givenchy. The cherry on the cake that was 2015 for Pooja was being awarded ‘The Model of the Year’ award at the Elle Style Awards 2015.
Kendall Jenner
A name that needs no introduction, it might just seem like Kendall Jenner has it all. Starting her reality tv career on the ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ along with sister, Kylie Jenner; Kendall made a turnaround decision to start her modelling career and there has been no looking back. 2015 has been a jam-packed highly successful year for the 20 year old with a Marc Jacobs campaign and Chanel runway show. She then went on to walk for an envious list of designers including Michael Kors, Elie Saab and Balmain as well as appear in Vogue, GQ and Harper’s Bazaar amongst others. Topping the year was her brand ambassadorship for beauty and lingerie brands and becoming a Victoria’s Secret angel.
Nidhi Sunil
According to her original plan, Nidhi Sunil was studying hard to become an environmental lawyer but everything changed once she was pinpointed for her glorious dusky tone and tousled curls. After soon becoming a pageant winner for Femina, she decided to go down the modelling path. At to no one’s surprise, Nidhi soon shot to fame by being the cover star for the likes of Elle and Grazia. Since then, Nidhi has let nothing come in her way. From being a constant at Lakme Fashion Week to appearing in spreads for Vogue and Verve, it was definitely a year to remember for this gal!
Denise Bidot

If there was model who broke ground this year, Denise Bidot had to be that name. Taking forward the body positive movement for plus sizers everywhere, Denise made waves when she was the first plus sized model at size 16, to walk the runway for straight size brands. Modelling for Forever 21 and Levi’s among many more, Denise’s work led her to New York and London fashion week where her presence was even praised by Anna Wintour. Breaking barriers for fuller figures, pictures of Denise’s photoshoots have stirred up resounding support from the Internet where she continues to be a preacher of beauty in all shapes and sizes.
Neelam Gill
She’s a model making history, in every sense of the word as Neelam Gill is the very first Indian model to be cast by Burberry. Being bullied for being from a working class family turned out to be ironic for Neelam as she now models for the brands that she was bullied for. While being scouted at 14, waiting until she had completed high school paid off as she has gone on to being hand-picked by Kanye West for his runway show with Adidas. And that’s not all, the 20 year old is the newest face of Abercrombie & Fitch.
Daniel Canute
Up until a few months ago, Daniel Canute was a doe eyed college going teenager. But that all changed when she went on to win the very first edition of India’s Next Top Model. The leggy lass turned heads with her lean physique and chiseled cheekbones and went on to walk the runway for Quirkbox at Lakme Fashion Week. With a year as eventful as 2015, the going only gets better for the 18 year old.
Gigi Hadid

The girl of the moment, the month and definitely the year; there’s nothing that Gigi Hadid didn’t do this year. With a modelling career spanning 18 years while she’s a mere 20 years old herself; Gigi has graduated from modelling for Baby Guess to being the face of Versace’s latest campaign. With Victoria’s Secret angel wings firmly on her back and swimwear and makeup endorsements in the bag, the future seems bright for Gigi.
Bhumika Arora
Growing up as a small town girl, it can as a shock to Bhumika when an Instagram picture of hers was scouted by a photographer who went on to shoot her portfolio. A plan to make a career in Human Resources was cut short when her pictures were selected and she was soon backed by the same agency representing Kendall Jenner. At a time when international runways are becoming more inclusive of races and colour, Bhumika shines bright as she walks the ramp for Balmain and Salvatore Ferragamo amongst others.
Imaan Hammam
After being discovered at a train station in Amsterdam, life was never the same for Imaan Hammam. After being honoured to open the Givenchy she has gone on to feature in various international editions of Vogue. The biggest nod of her growth in modelling has been her mention by Anna Wintour in the editor’s note and, as a fledgling model, being the cover girl for Vogue. With no doubt in our mind, there’s no stopping this girl!
Credits
Back Pocket Mag, Conde Nast, Celeb Mafia, Maxposure, NBC, Border and Fall
Written by Dayle Pereira on 31st Dec 2015