The Rise and Stagnation of the Nepo Models
Nepotism in fashion is nothing new, but the spectacle of models born into fame and privilege gracing the world’s most prestigious runways has shifted from novelty to predictability. At first, seeing familiar surnames in show notes and campaign headlines added an element of intrigue. But over time, the thrill has waned. Milan Fashion Week made one thing abundantly clear: unless a nepo model brings something fresh and compelling to the table, their presence is simply uninspiring.
To be clear, I have no inherent issue with nepotism in fashion. Some nepo models are undeniably talented, hardworking, and deserving of their place in the industry. I genuinely enjoy watching certain ones—think Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, and Kaia Gerber—who have honed their craft and developed runway walks that are both iconic and uniquely their own while still paying homage to their superstar parents. The issue arises when a model relies solely on their last name without offering anything else. The runway demands presence, skill, and the ability to captivate an audience. Unfortunately, this season—like many recent ones—too many of them fell flat.
When Last Names Aren’t Enough
Runway walks can be subjective, and I am by no means a professional catwalk critic, but some performances stand out for the wrong reasons. Take Romeo Beckham, for example. His debut at the Balenciaga Spring 2025 show was underwhelming, particularly when compared to lesser-known models like Kit Butler, whose confidence and stage presence were far more aligned with the show’s energy. While most models embodied the swag and attitude that defined the collection, Beckham’s walk felt disjointed and lacked impact.
Despite this, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt—the Balenciaga show was, after all, his first major runway appearance. But his performance at the Versace Fall 2025 show was similarly lackluster, showing little improvement. In an industry that demands constant evolution and refinement, his stagnant presence on the runway was disappointing.
Similarly, Lila Moss’s place in high fashion—particularly on the runway—remains questionable. At 5’6”, she falls below the industry standard height requirement of 5’9”, yet she continues to land major bookings for brands like Miu Miu, Fendi, and Coperni. While undeniably beautiful and bearing a striking resemblance to her mother, Kate Moss, in a field as competitive as high fashion, looks alone aren’t enough.
Beyond height, her early runway performances were often described as “awkward” and “wobbly,” a sentiment echoed across social media. To her credit, she has shown some improvement in her 2025 appearances, making noticeable strides in confidence and control. However, her performances still lack the commanding presence and polish expected at this level. Compare her to self-made models like Mona Tougaard and Alex Consani, who dominated Milan Fashion Week with their undeniable poise and skill. Similarly, Lila Moss’s place in high fashion—particularly on the runway—remains questionable. At 5’6”, she falls below the industry standard height requirement of 5’9”, yet she continues to land major bookings for brands like Miu Miu, Fendi, and Coperni. While undeniably beautiful and bearing a striking resemblance to her mother, Kate Moss, in a field as competitive as high fashion, looks alone aren’t enough.
Beyond height, her early runway performances were often described as “awkward” and “wobbly,” a sentiment echoed across social media. To her credit, she has shown some improvement in her 2025 appearances, making noticeable strides in confidence and control. However, her performances still lack the commanding presence and polish expected at this level. Compare her to self-made models like Mona Tougaard and Alex Consani, who dominated Milan Fashion Week with their undeniable poise and skill. It’s frustrating to see talented models overlooked in favor of those with better connections.
The Standout: Amelia Gray Hamlin Proves Hard Work Pays Off
The contrast becomes even starker when looking at someone like Amelia Gray. Though she also had a privileged entry into fashion as the daughter of actor Harry Hamlin and actress Lisa Rinna, she quickly proved that she wasn’t just riding on her family’s name—she put in the work.
Compared to her early days in the industry, Amelia has truly refined her skills, experimented with different aesthetics, and found her niche. Her now-iconic look, though sometimes compared to Gabriette’s, has cemented her as a recognizable face in the industry. More importantly, her runway walk has noticeably evolved.
At the Dsquared2 Fall 2025 show, she commanded the runway in a Cher-inspired sheer gown, channeling Gisele Bündchen’s signature horsewalk—a powerful and rhythmic strut that made her presence unforgettable.
Watching her on the Milan runway was thrilling—not because of her last name, but because she earned her place. In an industry where many models coast on heritage or connections, Amelia Gray is proof that talent and hard work still matter. She rightfully secured her bookings this season and has become one of the most sought-after faces—not just for the season, but for the industry as a whole.
The Bigger Debate: Merit vs. Privilege in Fashion
This brings us to a broader, ongoing debate within the fashion industry—one that veteran models and insiders have been addressing for years. The rapid rise of nepo babies has drawn criticism, with top models like Vittoria Ceretti openly calling out the unfair advantages they enjoy and their frequent lack of acknowledgment of the privilege that comes with their name.
Ceretti remarked, “I would really love to see if you would have lasted through the first five years of my career.” She emphasized that self-made models endure countless castings, constant rejection, and relentless pressure to prove themselves, while some nepo models glide through on name recognition alone, delivering performances that often fall short of industry standards. She further highlighted the disparity by stating, “You have no f***ing idea how much you have to fight to make people respect you. Takes years. You just get it [for] free day one.” When seasoned professionals like Ceretti voice such frustrations, it underscores a deep-rooted issue within fashion casting that merits serious reflection.
Ceretti’s comments shed light on a broader issue in the industry—how truly talented, hardworking models are often overshadowed by uninspired, repetitive casting choices. Even those with an established presence struggle to receive the recognition they deserve compared to nepo models.
Take Yasmin Wijnaldum, for example—widely regarded as one of the strongest walkers of her generation, yet she doesn’t garner nearly as much media attention as many nepo models. This season, the only time she made headlines was for her interaction with humanoid robots at Giuseppe Di Morabito, and even then, the focus was more on the technological spectacle than on her undeniable talent. Similarly, Awar Odhiang, who delivered some of the most commanding walks of Milan Fashion Week, remains underappreciated despite her striking runway presence and versatility.
Meanwhile, nepo models continue to dominate headlines simply for showing up, regardless of whether their performances meet the industry’s high standards. The disparity is glaring—while self-made models must fight for every opportunity, those with the right last name are handed the spotlight, often without having to prove they truly deserve it.
The Future: Bringing Back the Awe Factor on the Runway
In the end, this article isn’t about bashing nepo babies—it’s about addressing a broader issue: the need to bring back the sense of awe and excitement on the runway. Too many shows today feel like media spectacles rather than true fashion moments. My frustration isn’t just with nepotism; it’s with an industry that prioritizes name recognition over genuine talent. The runway should be an experience—one that evokes the Zsa Zsa Zsu (as Carrie Bradshaw would say) and leaves us wanting more. That means casting models who command attention, exude presence, and create unforgettable moments—because that’s what high fashion is truly about.
Just having a last name isn’t enough anymore—unless these models step up their game, the novelty will continue to wear thin.
Author’s Note:
I know it’s been a while since my last article—I needed some time to push through writer’s block and rethink the design and branding of the page. But I’m back! If you enjoyed this piece, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. xx
Also, check out this Crying in Nepo T-shirt—perfect for anyone who appreciates a little fashion industry irony.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1788998837/crying-in-nepotism-tshirt-womens
the Mirepoix 
Leave a comment