Quick answer
Who is Paloma Elsesser?
Paloma Elsesser (born 13 April 1992 in London, Canada) is an American model and a leading face of the body-inclusivity movement. Paloma Elsesser is followed on Global Watch, outside the numbered Global 50.
At a glance
How old is Paloma Elsesser?
Paloma Elsesser was born on 13 April 1992 in London, Canada, which makes Paloma 34 as of 5 October 2026.
- Born
- 13 April 1992 (age 34)
- Birthplace
- London, Canada
- Nationality
- United States
- Disciplines
- Editorial, Advocacy
- Cast Index status
- Global Watch (unnumbered)
Birth date, birthplace and height from Wikidata (Q52707396), retrieved . Agencies from the listed sources. Profile updated .
The perspective
What is Paloma Elsesser known for?
A leading face of the body-inclusivity movement.
The published assessment
Is Paloma Elsesser on the Global 50?
Paloma Elsesser is followed on Global Watch, outside the numbered Global 50.
Each pillar reflects an editorial assessment of the published record. The weighted rating belongs to the snapshot.
Index Rating · Editorial pillars · Medium confidence · evidence reviewed
84.2
- Runway · 40%
- 75
-
75 / 100 - Campaigns · 30%
- 88
-
88 / 100 - Editorial · 20%
- 91
-
91 / 100 - Cultural aura · 10%
- 96
-
96 / 100
Evidence behind the assessment
New work and corrections can change the assessment. A profile’s confidence label describes the depth of its source review.
Sources to explore
The runway record
Which shows has Paloma Elsesser walked?
The Cast Index casting ledger records 4 verified walks for Paloma Elsesser, for Michael Kors Collection, H&M, Alexander McQueen and Ferragamo. Each links its published source.
A source-linked selection across seasons, rather than a complete booking history. Open the source for the original record.
- SS27 · Walked · New York Fashion Week SS27Source ↗
Michael Kors Collection
- AW26 · Walked · London Fashion Week SS27Source ↗
H&M
- SS27 · Walked · London Fashion Week SS27Source ↗
Alexander McQueen
- SS27 · Walked · Milan Fashion Week SS27Source ↗
Ferragamo
Career & background
The story so far.
Biography last reviewed .
Early life
Paloma Kai Shockley Elsesser was born on 12 April 1992 in the London Borough of Camden, England, and raised in Los Angeles; her mother is African-American, and her father is of Chilean and Swiss descent. Her siblings include director/producer Kanyessa McMahon, actor and model Ama, and rapper and professional skateboarder Sage Elsesser. She was discovered on Instagram by makeup artist Pat McGrath around 2014, a discovery that launched her modelling career.
Cover milestones and a turn to acting, 2018–2021
Elsesser appeared on British Vogue’s April 2018 cover as part of a group of nine models, and made her screen acting debut in the Safdie brothers’ film Uncut Gems in 2019. She fronted American Vogue’s January 2021 cover, building a campaign and editorial record that has included Nike, Fenty Beauty, Victoria’s Secret, Proenza Schouler and Mercedes-Benz.
Recognition and recent record, 2023–2026
Elsesser won Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2023, reported as the first plus-size model to receive the honour, and also received a Latin American Fashion Awards Model of the Year recognition that year. She walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024, and fronted covers for Vogue Adria in April 2025 and Vogue Germany that September. She is represented by IMG Models across New York, Paris, Milan, London and Sydney.
Off the runway
Paloma Elsesser on the red carpet.
At a glance
Quick facts.
- Born 12 April 1992 in Camden, London, and raised in Los Angeles; mixed African-American and Chilean-Swiss heritage
- Discovered on Instagram by makeup artist Pat McGrath around 2014
- Appeared on British Vogue’s April 2018 cover as part of a group of nine models
- Fronted American Vogue’s January 2021 cover
- Won Model of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2023, reported as the first plus-size model to receive the honour
- Walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024
