7 Female models that were scouted on Instagram

1. Anok Yai

Egyptian-born American model, was first discovered on Instagram through a street-style photographer that took a picture of her at an annual Homecoming concert and shared it on his Instagram. In a matter of just two days, the photo became viral and her Instagram following grew from 150 to 50,000 users. Immediately after, she began receiving messages and calls from different agents, until eventually settling with Next Models. Being opened about encouraging diversity, last season Anok made history of being the second black woman to open Prada show, ever since Naomi Campbell made her debut in 1997.

2. Yoon Young Bae

Korean model Yoon, was first discovered on Instagram when she was just 19 years old. With her doll-like features and cheek freckles, she soon caught the attention of casting director Ashley Brokaw. Shortly after, she made her debut walking a Prada show and even received praise from Moschino director, Jeremy Scott himself! Under her belt, Yoon already represented designer brands such as Dior, Kenzo and Chloe.

She’s currently signed to Seoul native agency YGKPLUS.

3. Nadia Rahmat

Nadia was one of the Instagram users that entered the 2015 Marc Jacobs campaign. Originally from Singapore, with Arab and Indian descent, she managed to catch an eye of Marc Jacob’s creative directors Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley and along with ten other winners, became the face of their Summer-Spring advertisement. With her cool style, resemblance to FKA twigs and passion of diversity, Nadia is the name that we will remember for a long time.

She’s currently signed to a London based agency Nevs.

4. Lameka Fox

In 2016, Lameka was one of the lucky girls who were scouted and signed by IMG through their We Love Your Genes Campaign. Just a few months after, she made her debut at Marc Jacobs runway in New York. Originally from Washington, the 20 year old Lameka is already building a big name for herself and representing designer brands including Burberry, Valentino as well as walking the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Show.

5. Alexis Primous

Alexis was first discovered on Instagram after the entered the W Model Search Campaign. Through the hashtag, the Florida native came on the top and was eventually featured in W magazine. She’s been praised for “looking like a pro” on her first photo shoot and has already walked for brands such as Hood by Air, DVF, Derek Lam and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

She’s currently signed to IMG.

6. Elizabeth Bishop

Elizabeth first started sharing photos of herself, as well as her own photography on Tumblr before moving on to Instagram. With her creative eye and artistic approach, the photos not only helped her gain a following but also be noticed and scouted by Elite Agency. The British model has already been featured with international brands including Puma, Uniqlo, Tezenis and more recently Fendi and Dolce Gabbana.

7. Gina Pacak

Gina always dreamed of becoming a model and after seeing the IMG campaign, decided to create an Instagram account dedicated to modelling. Within 24 hours, the 15 year old was contacted by IMG vice president of development Jeni Rose and flown to New York shortly after. Being from Pittsburg, Gina was accompanied by her mother and introduced to IMG Vice President and invited to attend the Caroline Herrera Fashion Show. After doing some photo shoots, she was signed to a three year contract with IMG.

There are different ways you can be scouted on Instagram and these girls are a perfect representation of taking this opportunity and stepping their foot through the door of the modelling world. We should not forget that current media is continuously evolving and the modelling agencies, just like us, are trying to keep up with the change and create new opportunities. We are hoping this would inspire you to expands your possibilities and continue working hard to achieve your dreams.