The fashion industry is no joke. We always want the industry to feed into our standards of inclusivity and diversity, but it rarely does. Though improvements have been made over the years, it is disheartening, as a young Mexican woman, to see the lack of Mexican representation on the runway, at shows, and in the industry overall.
There are many models out there, don’t get me wrong. And so many of them have fought hard to earn their space at Fashion Weeks across the globe. With that said, there are many models that deserve to be represented and known.
The following Mexican models have carved out a space for themselves in the industry and have found great success so far. They are taking the industry by storm, changing the norms and what is to be expected by the industry, and helping our communities all at the same time. If you’re looking to freshen up your follow page with some new faces that are taking fashion by storm, consider following these five Mexican models, all who have walked in this year’s Fashion Weeks.
Cici TamezÂ
Cici Tamez is a Mexican model signed to the New Icon Models agency. As a trans-Mexican woman, Cici uses her voice to bring more awareness and attention to issues in the industry and the trans community. A kind soul and an amazing personality, Cici continues to create a safe environment for those who don’t feel represented. Aside from being signed with New Icon Models, she is also signed with New Icon New York, Select model management Paris/ Milano, Barcelona Models, and Los Angeles storm Management. Her latest accomplishment is being on the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar Mexico.
Cici has walked in shows like Diesel, Peter Do, Off-White, Private Policy, and many more. A supermodel in the making, and we can’t wait to see more of her beautiful work in the future and what she accomplishes.
Valentine AlvarezÂ
Valentine is a first-generation Mexican American taking the fashion industry by storm after being discovered while shooting a commercial with their friend. Signed with VISION Los Angeles, Valentine brings awareness to the community by breaking gender norms and creating safe spaces for those who don’t see themselves being represented. Aside from being signed with VISION Los Angeles, they are also signed with New York HEROES model management, Oui Management in Paris, Brave Model Management in Milan, Storm management in London, and Uno Models in Barcelona.Â
Valentine Alvarez has walked for shows like Moschino Season 23, Diesel, Dilara Findikoglu, and many more. Their latest campaign is Heaven by Marc Jacobs and they have been on covers like British Vogue, American Harper’s Bazaar, and Moschino campaigns.
Magdaleno DelgadoÂ
Magdaleno Delgado is a non-binary Mexican model signed with In The Park Management based in Mexico City. Sharing a passion for both dance and modeling, Magdaleno has been in the fashion industry for quite some time. Aside from being signed with In the Park Management, Magdaleno is also signed with New York HEROES Model Management, Paris New Madison, and many other agencies. Their latest campaign was Balmain Paris SS22, and can be seen on the cover of DUST magazine and The Readers magazine. You might also recognize them by being part of the cover of Vogue Mexico April 2020 issue.
Magdaleno has walked for Collina Strada, Germanier, Peter Do, Private Policy, and many more. Their current shows have been Palomo Spain, Ziggy Chen, and Germanier SS23 shows. Magdaleno has appeared in campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Balmain, and Valentino, too!
Alfredo Diaz
Alfredo Diaz is a Mexican model signed to Wanted & Bang in Mexico City. At the young age of 18, Alfredo moved to Mexico City to pursue his passion for modeling, and after just a few small jobs, he started becoming one of the rising Mexican male models within the industry.
Alfredo has graced the covers of popular magazines — like GQ Korea — and campaigns. He just walked for Mowalola F/W23 Season and Amiri F/W23 Men’s show. He has shot for Dior, Saint Laurent, Moschino, and more high fashion campaigns.
Cindy GradillaÂ
Cindy Gradilla is a Mexican model signed with New Icon New York. She participated in the reality TV show Mexico’s Next Top Model where she came in second place. She gives back to the community by championing fundraisers that will bring happiness and help to her community. Cindy also gives fashion-hopefuls tips on what agencies look for and makes videos on how to pose on TikTok!
Cindy has done many campaigns, shows, and runways throughout her career. Her latest campaign is for G-STAR RAW Spring 2023. She has walked for Alai, GCDS, and Christopher John Rogers, among many more brands. This past fashion season she walked for LaQuan Smith, Christian Cowan, Philipp Plein, and Elisabetta Franchi SS23.