Paloma Elsesser: 5 unexpected details about the VOGUE cover model

Paloma Elsesser: 5 personal details about the supermodel.

It's now clear that Paloma Elsesser is one of the most influential models of all time. Not only can she be seen on the runways and in campaigns for the most renowned fashion houses every season, but she was also named "Model of the Year" at the 2023 London Fashion Awards—the first curvy model ever to do so.

The 33-year-old is also considered a fashion icon and regularly uses her platform to advocate for body diversity. Aside from that, Paloma Elsesser has other hidden talents – which are worth a closer look.

#1 Paloma Elsesser was discovered on Instagram by Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath discovered Paloma Elsesser on Instagram in 2015. The British makeup artist promptly made her the face of her then-young makeup line "Pat McGrath Labs" and her first (and immediately sold-out) product, "Gold 001."

#2 Paloma Elsesser is an enthusiastic writer and poet

Paloma Elsesser originally moved to New York not to become a model, but to study psychology and literature at the New School. An avid poet, she wanted to pursue writing as a career. In the current cover story of our September issue, Elsesser shares more about her writing process; she also shared one of her poems with us.

#3 Family comes first for the model

Paloma Elsesser grew up in Los Angeles—with her grandparents as neighbors. As one of 14 grandchildren, she was also constantly surrounded by cousins. Despite moving to New York, she remains in close contact with her family—and still has parts of it close to her. Her brother Sage, as well as her sisters, fellow model Ama Elsesser, and director Kanyessa McMahon (who shares a loft on the Lower East Side with her husband and son), live in New York.

#4 She advocates for more self-determination

The Elsesser family raised their children to fight against social injustice: "I describe my upbringing as 'hippie-poor,'" the model explained to VOGUE in 2020. "My parents were both musicians, and my mother was also a teacher and writer. I also grew up with Black Methodist grandparents; we lived together in one household." During World War II, her grandfather was a conscientious objector. This is how Paloma Elsesser and her siblings also learned to express themselves confidently: "We are all very imperfect, but we are also individuals who have been given permission to think and say what we feel," Sage Elsesser told iD in the past.

#5 Paloma Elsesser launched her own collection together with a friend

In May 2022, Paloma Elsesser collaborated with her best friend (since tenth grade!), Alexia Elkaim, founder of the cult brand Miaou. Together, they designed a 54-piece plus-size collection. As the model explained to Vogue at the time, "It's a way to show brands that have even more resources that it's doable."

Last year, Elsesser also teamed up with the Danish label Ganni for an exclusive capsule collection .

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This article originally appeared in a similar form onVogue.co.uk .