Rejection Before Fame:

Many famous models were initially rejected or faced significant challenges before achieving success. Here are a few notable examples of models who faced early rejections or obstacles before becoming household names:

1. Tyra Banks

• Rejection Story: Before becoming one of the most iconic supermodels of the 90s and eventually the host of America's Next Top Model, Tyra Banks faced rejection early in her career. She was initially told she wasn’t "the right look" for high fashion. Banks had to work through these early setbacks to land major campaigns and runway shows.

• Famous For: Becoming the first African-American woman on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and later, creating and hosting America’s Next Top Model.

2. Gisele Bündchen

• Rejection Story: Before becoming one of the highest-paid models in the world, Gisele Bündchen was told early in her career that she was "too tall" and "had the wrong look" for modeling. She was initially rejected by several agencies. It wasn’t until she was spotted by a booker at Elite Model Management in 1994 that her career took off.

• Famous For: Her long and successful career as a runway and commercial model, being the face of brands like Versace, Chanel, and Victoria’s Secret.

3. Kate Upton

• Rejection Story: Kate Upton was rejected multiple times by agencies because of her curvier physique, which was seen as less ideal for high fashion modeling at the time. Despite these setbacks, she went on to become one of the most famous and successful models, landing the cover of Sports Illustrated and working with brands like Guess, Victoria's Secret, and more.

• Famous For: Being the cover model of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and her work with high-profile brands in fashion and advertising.

4. Karlie Kloss

• Rejection Story: Karlie Kloss was initially told by agents and photographers that she had a "big nose" and "didn't have the right look" for modeling. Despite these early critiques, she eventually overcame the odds and went on to become one of the top models of her generation.

• Famous For: Walking for top designers, being a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and her work with brands like Dior and Versace.

5. Bella Hadid

• Rejection Story: Bella Hadid, who is now one of the most in-demand models in the world, was rejected by several agencies early in her career, including Ford Models. She faced intense competition in the modeling world, but after being signed by IMG Models, her career quickly soared.

• Famous For: Her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, walking for top brands like Chanel, Fendi, and Balmain, and her striking features and fashion-forward presence.

6. Liu Wen

• Rejection Story: Liu Wen, the first Chinese model to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, was initially rejected by agencies due to her unconventional look. She wasn’t seen as the typical "Chinese model" at the time, but she eventually signed with the agency that helped launch her career, and she became a global supermodel.

• Famous For: Being the first Asian model to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, her work with Estée Lauder, and her position as a top international model.

7. Candice Swanepoel

• Rejection Story: Candice Swanepoel faced multiple rejections before she became a global icon. She was told by several agencies that her look wasn’t what they were looking for at the time, especially because she was not "tall enough" for runway shows. Her perseverance eventually led to her becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

• Famous For: Her work with Victoria’s Secret, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, and

• being one of the highest-paid models.

8. Adriana Lima

• Rejection Story: Adriana Lima was turned away by multiple modeling agencies in Brazil before being discovered at a local mall. Her early struggles made her work even harder to prove her worth, and her career eventually skyrocketed when she signed with Elite Model Management and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

• Famous For: Being one of the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angels, walking for top designers, and her iconic campaigns for brands like Maybelline and Givenchy.

9. Ashley Graham

• Rejection Story: Ashley Graham, one of the first plus-size models to gain widespread recognition, faced significant rejections early in her career. Many agencies did not want to represent her because of her size, and she struggled to find her place in the fashion industry. However, Ashley pushed through and became a trailblazer for plus-size models, especially with her work in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

• Famous For: Pioneering the plus-size modeling industry, her work with Sports Illustrated, and campaigns for brands like Swimsuits for All and Lane Bryant.

10. Naomi Campbell

• Rejection Story: Naomi Campbell, one of the original supermodels, faced early rejection and struggles with body image and self-esteem. She was initially turned away by some agencies who didn’t think she fit the ideal "European" look of the time. Naomi Campbell eventually broke through, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion industry.

• Famous For: Her groundbreaking career as a supermodel, being one of the "Big Six" supermodels of the 90s, and her long-term work with luxury brands and designers.