10 Unconventional Models Who Helped Diversify Fashion in 2015

Who: Canadian model Winnie Harlow was first discovered on social media and then went on to compete in America's Next Top Model season 21. The 21-year-old is known for having vitiligo, a rare skin condition that causes loss of color in blotches, but has not let that stop her from walking the runways. In an interview with Complex, she said, "I am happy with my skin, and I’m proud of my skin, which is why I wear it so boldly. But if a job wanted me to, say, try a smoky eye and cover the vitiligo around my eye, I wouldn’t have a problem with that." She added, "I’m not my skin."

Break-Out Moment of 2015: Winnie was presented as the new face of Desigual in February 2015 and walked the runway for the brand during New York Fashion Week.

Follow: @winnieharlow

Who: Madeline Stuart, an 18-year-old girl with Down syndrome, first made waves in the industry when she released a beautiful set of photos that showed off her modeling skills. Her goal was to show that people with the genetic disorder can still be sexy, beautiful, and ultimately feel comfortable in their own skin. With two fashion campaigns under her belt and a handbag named after her, Madeline definitely made a positive mark for diverse models in 2015.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: Although she landed major campaigns like being the face of accessories label EverMaya and modeling for activewear line Manifesta, Madeline's big moment came during New York Fashion Week when she was chosen to show off three looks, including this stunning gold one-shoulder gown, at the FTL Moda presentation. Not only did she nail her first-ever catwalk, Madeline also received the Mélange Model of the Year award.

Follow: @madelinesmodelling_

Who: The 25-year-old model broke into the industry this year when her friend took photos of her after her chemotherapy treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. In an interview with the Today Show, the LIM college student said modeling was not a career she actively pursued, but all that changed after she lost her hair. "I thought that would be a great opportunity to show people that it's OK to look this way and keep going and feel strong,” Dayna said. "I really wanted to do that for others.” Despite having stage IV cancer, she has not let that stop her from conquering her goals.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: After signing a contract with Major Models, Dayna walked at New York Fashion Week for Eckhaus Latta.

Follow: @runnndmc

Who: Tess Holliday is the first size-22 model to be signed to a major modeling agency, Milk Model Management. She has also been the driving force behind viral feel-good campaigns like #EffYourBeautyStandards and #SimplyBekini. The body-positive activist told the Huffington Post that she “wants to see diversity in fashion,” and that women shouldn’t be their “own worst enemy,” when it comes to viewing their weight. "Our relationships with ourselves and our bodies are the most important ones we will ever have,” she added.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: Tess Holliday became nationally recognized for her inspiring journey as a plus-size model when she landed the June People cover. She currently has 1 million followers on Instagram and over 1 million Facebook fans.

Follow: @tessholliday

Who: If you've perused Target's "big and tall" men's section then you'll definitely recognize Zach Miko. He's known for his height, at six feet, six inches tall, and his 40-inch waist.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: Zach is the only plus-size male model to be featured in Target ads and shared with People his excitment at having the opporunity to represent bigger men. He said, "With everything that's been going on with women's fashion and body inclusivity and self-image, it's interesting that male brands have [just started] stepping up to do the same thing. It's fun to be on the precipice of that." This was also Zach's first time modeling!

Follow: @zachmiko

Who: Ashley Graham caught the public's attention after she was the first plus-size model to be featured in Sports Illustrated. The magazine ran a SwimsuitsForAll ad where Ashley modeled a black string bikini. The size-16 model not only looked crazy sexy, but also used the opportunity to embrace her curves. "There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis," she said.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: When she showed off her line Addition Elle at New York Fashion Week. The model and clothing designer not only presented her collection, but also walked down the runway in her own lingerie. During the show, the audience participated in the memorable experience with the hashtag #IAmSizeSexy as a way to support Ashley's monumental moment.

Follow: @theashleygraham

Who: Australian model Stefania Ferrario was a leading force in the #droptheplus movement, which aimed to remove labels like "plus" and "plus-size" from the fashion industry and media. The size-8 model wanted to promote a healthier view of women's bodies in an all-inclusive manner. She was also part of a Project WomanKind video series that mirrored her #droptheplus goal. In the series, Stefania talked about what she's learned so far in her career and how she plans to diversify the fashion industry.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: Stefania became the spokesperson and model of Dita Von Teese's lingerie line.

Follow: @stefania_model

Who: Maria Borges has graced the runways for Ralph Lauren, Zimmermann, Zac Posen, Givenchy, and most notably, Victoria's Secret. The 23-year-old Angolan model is hardly new to the annual show, having walked in the previous two Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, but this year the spotlight was directly on her.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: She made history at the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show when she was the first to walk down the runway with natural hair. Maria, who had previously worn extensions for the shows, proudly showed off her Afro and both fans and viewers went wild with support.

Follow: iammariaborges

Who: After appearing in the 2014 Pirelli calendar as its first plus-size model, Candice Huffine shot to fame and quickly landed projects like Lane Bryant's #ImNoAngelCampaign. The model also checked designer off her résumé with her own extended-size clothing line called #LovedByCandice for Elena Miro.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: In September, Candice was announced as the face of designer Sophie Theallet's "straight-size" campaign and then subsequently made her first, big debut at New York Fashion Week. She walked in Sophie Theallet's Spring 2016 fashion show.

Follow: @candicehuffine

Who: International plus-size model Denise Bidot is globally recognized for both her personality and modeling gigs in the fashion industry. The size-14 model rose to fame during New York Fashion Week 2014 when she walked for Serena William's HSN fashion line. Denise was handpicked by Serena to be the only plus-size model to walk in the show. She was also the face of big brands like Levi's, Lane Bryant, Macy's, and Nordstrom.

Break-Out Moment of 2015: 2015 was all about embracing imperfections and not letting that define who you are. Denise joined the movement and made a stance with her campaign called, "Beach Body. Not Sorry." The Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti model proudly posed for unretouched photos and killed it in her bikini looks. "I love everything about my body. I've learned to just love every bit of it. I really love the stretch marks," she said in the promotional video.

Follow: @DeniseBidot