Icons of Tomorrow: 10 Rising Names to Watch for 2026
Image Credit: The Met Gala, Ralph Lauren
1. Paloma Elsesser (Afro-Latina/British, Model)
IG: @palomija
Paloma has become the modern muse for inclusivity, breaking boundaries with campaigns for Fendi, Savage x Fenty, and Nike. Named Model of the Year by Models.com, she represents the beauty of curves and unapologetic individuality. Her voice for body positivity has influenced casting directors and redefined luxury campaigns.
2. Taemin Park (Korean, Model)
IG: @txxmini
The Korean model is one of the fastest rising faces in fashion, walking for Mugler and Balenciaga while fronting edgy editorial spreads in Dazed Korea and Another Man. Taemin merges K-pop charisma with fashion’s futuristic aesthetic, becoming a symbol of how Eastern culture is reshaping global luxury.
3. Anok Yai (South Sudanese-American, Model)
IG: @anokyai
Anok made history as the second Black model to open a Prada show after Naomi Campbell. Today, she is one of the most in-demand supermodels, fronting Estée Lauder campaigns and gracing covers worldwide. Her striking look and powerful runway presence embody both heritage and modernity.
4. Valentina Sampaio (Brazilian, Transgender Model)
IG: @valentts
Valentina shattered glass ceilings as Victoria’s Secret’s first openly transgender model and Sports Illustrated cover star. Representing both resilience and glamour, she is an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in fashion. With global campaigns for Dior and Armani, her story symbolizes the future of fashion’s inclusivity.
5. Damson Idris (Nigerian-British, Actor)
IG: @damsonidris
Known for his breakout role in Snowfall, Damson has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. His versatility spans gritty dramas to blockbuster projects, and he’s rumored to be circling major franchise films. Idris combines star power with a grounded sense of cultural pride.
6. Melissa Barrera (Mexican, Actor)
IG: @melissabarreram
Melissa rose to fame with Vida and carried that momentum into the Scream franchise, becoming Hollywood’s new scream queen. Beyond horror, she’s starring in indie dramas and musicals, balancing mainstream success with Latinx representation. With elegance and edge, she’s Mexico’s new leading lady on the world stage.
7. Jonathan Majors (African-American, Actor)
IG: @official_jonathanmajors
Jonathan is acclaimed for roles in Lovecraft Country, Creed III, and Marvel’s Kang. Despite recent controversies, his presence is undeniable — his performances combine vulnerability with strength. He represents a new era of complex masculinity, pushing Hollywood to re-imagine what it means to be a leading man.
8. Shira Haas (Israeli, Actor)
IG: @shirahaas
Shira’s Emmy-nominated performance in Unorthodox introduced her to the world, showcasing her as a powerhouse of raw emotion. Since then, she’s joined the Marvel universe (Captain America: Brave New World) while continuing art-house films. Petite in frame but immense in talent, Haas is Israel’s new global voice in cinema.
9. Yohjan Batista (Puerto Rican, Actor)
Yohjan Batista
Instagram: @yohjanbatista
Website: yohjanbatista.portfoliobox.netYohjan Batista is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, performance, and immersive installations. His practice explores identity, migration, and cultural memory, often weaving Afro-Caribbean narratives into contemporary global dialogues. Exhibited across international galleries and cultural festivals, Batista’s art challenges systems of power while celebrating resilience and heritage. Known for his bold visual language and experimental collaborations, he continues to bridge activism with high art spaces, making his voice both urgent and timeless.
10. Tyler Mitchell (African-American, Photographer/Filmmaker)
IG: @tylersphotos
At just 23, Tyler made history as the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover (Beyoncé, 2018). His style blends fine art with social commentary, making everyday Black life iconic. Now exhibited in major museums, Mitchell is redefining photography’s place in both galleries and glossy pages.