Traditional beauty standards are so arbitrary, aren’t they? Despite decades of being conditioned to believe physical perfection is the hallmark of beauty, we all know better — there is no one-size-fits-all standard of beauty, and it’s actually our differences that set us apart… in a good way. Fortunately the scope of beauty is starting to shift. Meet the inspiring models (like Winnie Harlow, pictured here accepting the GALA Spa Award for “Beauty Idol”) shaking things up and proving different is indeed beautiful.
Madeline Stuart
Stuart won over the world when the teen model with Down syndrome burst onto the scene in 2015.
April Star
Diagnosed with vitiligo at the age of 6, April Star battled past bullying to become a successful young model.
Alex Minsky
In 2009, Marine Cpl. Alex Minsky lost his leg in Afghanistan. Now retired, he is one of fashion's hottest models.
Andrej Pejic
A trans woman and runway fixture for Jean Paul Gaultier, Pejic got her start as an "androgynous" male model.
Carmen Dell’Orefice
Dubbed the "oldest working model," 84-year-old Dell'Orefice hasn't slowed down since her Vogue cover at 15.
Ashley Graham
In 2016, Graham became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit edition.
Elliott Sailors
A former beauty pageant contestant, Sailors successfully models as both male and female.
Diandra Forrest
Forrest was the first woman with albinism to sign with a major modeling agency, Elite Models.
Denise Bidot
A size 14, Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti woman, Bidot enjoys modeling for both regular- and plus-size brands.
Kelly Mittendorf
Mittendorf broke into modeling at 16 but was told upfront her "different" look would make a career difficult.
Jillian Mercado
Mercado, who has muscular dystrophy and relies on a wheelchair, recently signed with IMG Models.
Curtis McDaniel
Curtis McDaniel has never let his vitiligo stand in the way of his modeling career (or life).
Jamie Brewer
In 2015, AHS's Jamie Brewer became the first model with Down syndrome to walk New York Fashion Week.
Daphne Selfe
The definition of a hustler, Daphne Selfe is still booking campaigns every day at the age of 87.
Ines Rau
Considered one of the world's most successful transgender supermodels, Rau routinely books big gigs.
Kanya Sesser
Sesser hasn't let being born without legs slow her down: She is a model, actress and athlete.
Lea T
When named the face of Redken, Lea T became the first openly trans model fronting a global cosmetics brand.
Mariah Idrissi
For H&M's "Close the Loop" campaign, Idrissi became the first Muslim model to be photographed in a hijab.
Moffy
British model Moffy, who suffers from strabismus and is cross-eyed, chose modeling to challenge stereotypes.
Nicola Griffin
At 56 years old and a size 16, model Nicola Griffin proves sexiness doesn't have a size or expiration date.
Shaun Ross
Perhaps the most recognized male model with albinism, former YouTuber Ross models, acts and dances.
Robyn Lawley
Lawley — a 6-foot-2-inch, size-12 model — has been the first plus-size model to shoot for a slew of magazines.
Rain Dove
Androgynous lesbian model Rain Dove calls her career "a different kind of activism" to empower women.
Sabina Karlsson
This freckle-faced beauty stopped bowing to societal pressures in 2010 and now slays as a plus-size model.
Winnie Harlow
Since appearing on ANTM, Harlow has become the first female model with vitiligo to go mainstream.
Toby Cole
Following in her plus-size supermodel mom Emme's footsteps, teen model Toby Cole has signed with IMG Models.
“Steak”
Rachael Finley, known as "Steak" to her massive social following, is tattooed, neon-haired and stunning.
Thando Hopa
In spite of merciless teasing growing up with albinism, Thando Hopa persevered to become a highly sought-after model.
Tess Holliday
Plus-size model/body-pos activist Tess Holliday started the viral #effyourbeautystandards movement.
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