Who is the Number 1 Female Model? 2025 Rankings, Facts, and Industry Insights

Key Facts and Quick Takeaways: The Number 1 Female Model

• The current number 1 female model in the world is Bella Hadid, according to leading fashion industry rankings in 2025.
• These rankings depend on global campaigns, runways walked, magazine covers, influence, and earnings.
• Models.com, Forbes, and The Business of Fashion regularly update official lists based on data and votes from actual top industry professionals.
• Bella Hadid's social media presence, huge fashion house partnerships (like Versace and Dior), and unique look pushed her to the top this year.
• Other big names making waves are Kaia Gerber, Adut Akech, and Vittoria Ceretti, following closely behind Bella.

Direct Answer: Who's the Reigning Number 1 Female Model Right Now?

If your group chat is buzzing or you’re just trying to settle an argument, here’s your easy answer: Bella Hadid is the number 1 female model in 2025. She clinched the top spot this year, beating out loads of famous faces. It wasn’t just luck; the rankings took into account everything from major runway appearances and jaw-dropping magazine covers to who’s closing the biggest designer shows. Believe it or not, her online fan base is a powerhouse on its own—over 61 million Instagram followers and a massive engagement rate most stars would kill for.

But it’s not all about popularity. The modeling world is definitely a hustle behind the scenes. Contenders for this top spot put in some wild work hours, crank out an insane amount of castings, and travel so much it’ll make your head spin. Bella Hadid, for example, managed to work with Dior, Versace, Mugler, AND Michael Kors—sometimes in the same week. She’s fronted beauty campaigns, perfume launches, and even runway shows that go viral for days. On top of that, she’s become something of a fashion icon—a style chameleon who somehow looks just as cool in a thrifted tee as in haute couture.

That’s what makes the “number one” crown so hard to snag. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s being a businesswoman, a trendsetter, and, frankly, having the stamina of a marathon runner. Plus, the fashion world keeps evolving—today’s supermodels have to be masters of social media, deal with global collaborations, and stay relevant even when trends flip overnight. Bella’s combination of sharp business sense, adaptability, and unique beauty gave her that leg up on her competitors.

Behind the Glamour: How Modeling’s Top Spot Is Decided

Let’s crack open the mystery: What decides who’s “number one?” You might think it’s just about who’s on this month’s Vogue cover, but it’s not that simple. Official rankings usually come from industry insiders like Models.com, Vogue Business, and Forbes. These organizations measure a bunch of factors—earnings, runway appearances, major campaigns, magazine covers, global social media influence, and even fashion insider votes (yeah, editors and casting directors get involved!). Models.com, for instance, weighs votes from hundreds of fashion pros every year before dropping their winners list.

But there’s more under the surface. If you’re a model, getting cast by a top designer—let’s say, Prada or Chanel—can supercharge your ranking. So does tying up exclusive deals with beauty brands or snagging a recurring spot in seasonal campaigns. Public recognition plays a role, too; some rankers track Google searches or analyze social media footprints. The rise of influencer culture means that the biggest model today isn’t just strutting on Paris runways—they’re posting behind-the-scenes shots, sharing skincare routines, and letting fans peek into their lives with TikTok stories.

Earnings matter, but don’t think it’s only about paychecks. For instance, traditional bankability (churning out those dollars) used to be led by icons like Gisele Bündchen or Kendall Jenner; now, it’s about versatility. Brand longevity and unique personal style get you noticed—Vittoria Ceretti’s gap-toothed smile or Adut Akech’s stunning presence on activist platforms draws even more attention from fashion power players and international fans.

There’s another twist: the audience is changing. Fans and even buyers care about authenticity and values. Models who speak out on mental health, sustainability, or diversity issues, as Bella and Adut often do, create deeper bonds with followers. Suddenly, your opinions matter as much as your looks. In a world obsessed with likes and engagement, that little edge goes a long way.

Inside the World of Top Female Models: Influence, Income, and Everyday Life

Glamorous as it sounds, being the top model in 2025 isn’t just about red carpets and perfect lighting. The workload is nuts—traveling from New York to Paris to Milan in a matter of days, all while squeezing in gym routines and mastering jetlag. Bella Hadid reportedly did more than 20 global runways during the last fashion month circuit alone. That’s basically a marathon, in heels!

You also have to think about the money side. Sure, the paychecks are wild—Bella is reportedly pulling in close to $20 million a year. But there’s work behind every paycheck. Top-tier models sign big contracts with brands like Dior and Versace; those giant billboards in Times Square and worldwide beauty campaigns don’t shoot themselves. Add in fees for appearances, licensing deals, and lots of back-end negotiations, and you get the picture. But income can swing with trends—sometimes, being in one viral campaign is worth more than months of regular work.

Social media changed the game, too. In the past, supermodels became household names in glossy magazines or high-budget TV commercials—think Cindy Crawford in the '90s. Now, Instagram and TikTok are packed with daily updates, beauty routines, rants, and cause-driven posts. A single makeup tutorial by Kaia Gerber or Bella Hadid can inspire a new trend that billions will copy. Brands look at engagement and authenticity. Having followers who actually care makes a huge difference.

And while it looks easy from your Instagram feed, the actual life is intense: regular castings, rejection, hours of hair and makeup, and schedules that almost guarantee you’ll forget what time zone you’re in. There’s huge pressure to look and act a certain way, but more models are shaking up the script—talking about mental wellness, showing real-life struggles, and letting down the glossy mask that used to define the industry.

Today, influence goes well beyond fashion. The number 1 female model gets chased down for brand partnerships, magazine covers, and sometimes movie deals. Being on top means you help set the agenda for beauty, activism, and even tech (with models like Karlie Kloss launching coding camps for girls!). The best ones make the most of their megaphone, often using their fame to highlight social issues or new talents.

Tips for Aspiring Models: How to Climb the Ranks and Stand Out

So, dreaming about a top spot yourself? The models at number one today didn’t land there by accident. Here’s what separates the pros:

• Build Your Brand: Models who rise fast treat themselves like mini-businesses. Bella Hadid’s Instagram doesn’t just show off photo shoots; it gives fans a sense of her vibe and values. Find what makes you unique, whether it’s a killer walk, bold personality, or a fresh take on beauty standards.
• Network Relentlessly: The saying is true—who you know changes everything. Networking at castings, shows, and even online through DMs gets you recommendations and jobs you wouldn’t hear about otherwise.
• Master Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn are the new “casting rooms.” Smart models know how to use viral challenges and regular interaction to stay relevant and book work beyond their hometown.
• Stay Adaptable: The look that’s hot now may change next month. The best models are quick to try new styles, work in different genres (like going from editorial to commercial), and jump at the chance to collab on new projects—even outside the usual catwalks.
• Take Care of Yourself: High-pressure jobs mean stress, travel, and serious self-discipline. Prioritizing sleep, healthy food, downtime, and even saying “no” sometimes can actually help you make it further. People follow models who keep it real, not just flawless.

Here’s a little hack—pay attention to the business side. Learn contracts, know what goes into a brand deal, and surround yourself with smart representation. Models like Gigi Hadid and Adut Akech are open about choosing trustworthy agents who fight for their interests. The more you know, the less you’ll get taken for a ride.

If you’re just starting out, scout reputable agencies in your city or region. Popular agencies include IMG, Elite, and DNA, but local agencies in fashion-forward cities like London, Paris, Los Angeles, and Tokyo are known for launching “It girls.” Don’t fall for scams promising international stardom for upfront fees—real agencies make their money when you do.

Participate in open calls, send out clean, professional digitals (straightforward photos with no heavy makeup or filters), and be persistent. The industry is wild, always changing, and a little luck never hurts. But the models who blast to number one are the ones who grind, keep it real, and never lose their edge.