In the world of fashion and modeling, certain individuals have transcended the runway and etched their names into style history as the most iconic male models. These remarkable individuals possess a unique blend of charm, charisma, and unparalleled physical appeal, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the industry. From the chiseled features of David Gandy to the rebellious allure of Tyson Beckford, this article delves into the lives and careers of some of the most influential male models to ever grace the catwalk. Join us as we explore their groundbreaking achievements, lasting legacies, and the impact they have had on shaping the world of fashion as we know it. From newbies to veterans, we share with you the best male models of all time.
Most would agree that the following male models have picture-perfect bodies. Does that mean they have the same personality? “Our research shows that people infer a wide range of personality traits just by looking at the physical features of a particular body,” says lead study author Ying Hu, a psychological scientist with the university. “Stereotypes based on body shape can contribute to how we judge and interact with new acquaintances and strangers. Understanding these biases is important for considering how we form first impressions.” Researchers came up with three-dimensional renderings of 140 realistic body models. For the study, 76 undergraduate students were asked to view each body representation from two angles and then answer whether 30 trait words on the screen matched that body shape. These trait words came from a list commonly used in psychology research for the “Big Five” personality traits. Traits are usually seen as being either positive (e.g., extraverted, enthusiastic, or dominant) or negative (e.g., reserved, quiet or shy). Participants associated being heavy-set with negative personality traits, while a slimmer shape was linked to positive characteristics. What ever happened to don’t just a book by its cover?
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The fellas on our list could give Cindy Crawford and Kendall Jenner a run for their money. StudyFinds was up to the task, as we went to 10 expert sites to come up with a list of the best male models of all time. Is there one that you have always taken a liking to? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Male Models of All Time, According to Experts
1. David Gandy
If anyone embodies the “tall, dark, and handsome” stereotype, it’s got to be David Gandy.” Flying the flag for hot British men, this is one male model you will undoubtedly recognize. He has been the face of Dolce & Gabanna for various campaigns, and there are few publication covers he hasn’t graced with his good looks,” says Harpers Bazaar.
From copying his Italian beard to cutting their hair short, men follow what David does. And being associated with some of the most sought-after brands does make his fashion sense stand out. “Most of the premiere brands are famous for dropping their models yearly. In the face of such cut-throat competition, David Gandy represented Dolce & Gabbana for several years. When it comes to modeling, this British hunk is the whole package!” says CEO World.
Apart from his modeling career, David also has his line of innerwear and sleepwear, and it is doing quite well. “David Gandy is a model who has managed to reach the same level of international fame and fortune as top female supermodels. An English model, Gandy found fame after he won a televised model search competition. High-fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana took an immediate liking to him and featured him in their campaigns and on their runway for several years,” shares The Models Kit.
2. Sean O’Pry
Most men’s prom photos are nothing more than a source of mild embarrassment. Sean O’Pry’s, on the other hand, landed him a highly-lucrative career in modeling. “O’Pry has modeled for the biggest fashion names on the face of the earth. Scouted from his pictures on Myspace (ask your dad), he quickly went on to help shape the face of menswear over the decade that followed,” informs Ape to Gentleman.
Hailing from Georgia, O’Pry has D&G, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Belstaff, and Ralph Lauren among his clients. He is often at the top of the ‘Most Successful Models’ lists in all the most respected magazines. “Sean O’Pry is as humble as he is handsome. While he’s one of the most snapped faces in the male modeling industry, he also steers clear of the kind of intense self-promotion that’s all too common these days. As such, his icy blue eyes and bold brows feature an air of mystery that only adds to his striking good looks,” states The Trend Spotter.
Hailed as Forbes’ highest-paid male model in the world in 2013, it is no wonder why Sean O’Pry is number two on our list of best male models of all time. “Performed as the opening act for Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Yves Saint Laurent fashion shows. The actor, who also works as a runway model, has also participated in a number of music videos, including Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’ and Madonna’s ‘Girl Gone Wild,’ where he played the love interest,” says Discover Walks.
3. Tyson Beckford
Tyson Beckford is a model and actor best known for working for Ralph Lauren Polo. “Tyson was also the host of both seasons of the Bravo program Make Me a Supermodel. Beckford has been described as the most successful male supermodel of all time, achieving fame and huge contracts similar to the female models that had huge success in the 1990s. In 2014, Vogue Magazine named Beckford the greatest male model of all time,” informs Ranker.
After being discovered in 1991 by the publisher of the hip-hop publication, The Source, Beckford quickly rose to fame. “When Tyson signed a modeling contract for Ralph Lauren’s Polo Sport fragrance campaign, his career on the catwalk officially began. He and female supermodels both attained the same level of prominence in the 1990s. His acting and hosting credits have now been added to his resume, and his Instagram page is still live,” says Discover Walks.
Bronx-born Beckford can thank his Jamaican, Panamanian, Chinese, and African roots for his smoldering looks. “People magazine once named Beckford to its 50 Most Beautiful People list, and he is among the rare male models to successfully cross over into celebritydom. Our favorite dip in the entertainment pool? Obviously a cameo in Britney Spears’s ‘Toxic’ music video, says Vogue.
4. Lucky Blue Smith
Lucky is a model who was scouted at the age of 10. He was signed at only the age of 12. “Smith was advised to dye his hair platinum blond, which was a signature look and got up a lot of attention. He has worked for Tom Ford, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Armani, and Marc Jacobs to name a few,” says The Models Kit.
On the younger end of the modeling world, Lucky has used social media as a tool of his trade is just second nature. “Lucky has walked runways for everyone who’s anyone and accrued a not-unimpressive 3.3 million followers on Instagram. Lucky Blue is part of a new generation of male models. A generation that has a wider reach than any that went before them. The face of fashion is changing, and this trailblazer is leading the charge,” says Ape to Gentleman.
In a well-known piece that appeared in 2015, The Cut referred to him as “the One Direction of male models.” “Arguably one of the most famous Insta-models around today, Lucky Blue Smith defines male modeling in the age of the millennial. So, when he’s not shooting with the world’s top brands, he’s online connecting with his 3.3 million Instagram followers. Of course, his striking blue eyes, thick blonde hair, and unique name only add to his popularity and celebrity status,” from The Trend Spotter
5. Jon Kortajarena
With his chiseled physique and strongly defined cheekbones, it is no surprise that Kortajena makes the list of top male models worldwide. “Even if you don’t recognize the name, his face is one you’re unlikely to forget. The gorgeous Spanish model broke into the modeling world over 10 years ago and has since worked with Guess, Giorgio Armani, and Versace, as well as dabbling in acting,” shares Harpers Bazaar.
At just 18 Jon became the face of Just Cavalli, and the rest is history. “At 36 years old, he’s one of the old guards, but Kortajarena still commands some of the highest fees, such is his pulling power,” says Men’s Flair.
In addition to modeling, Jon has also appeared in multiple music videos and films and wants to start a fashion line of his own someday. “When he walks the ramp, it is for one of the top labels attending the event. From the unbuttoned black shirt to the slightly stressed dark denim, Jon has rocked them all,” informs CEO World.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Supermodels Of The 1990s
- Best Supermodels Of All Time
- Best Supermodels Of The 1980s
- Best Fashion Trends Of All Time
Sources:
- Harpers Bazaar
- Men’s Flair
- CEO World
- The Trend Spotter
- The Models Kit
- Ranker.
- Ape to Gentleman
- Discover Walks
- Vogue
- Man of Many
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.