They’ve conquered social media and dominate newsfeeds. They make or break trends. And with millions of fans following everything they do, these women are as savvy as they are sexy, their careers expanding into new territory all the time.
Sure, there’s probably a massive make-up/styling/general-fussing-over team at play, plus an army of social media and branding consultants. But the faces to break a thousand hearts deserve our applause and more, especially considering that these women are actresses, singers, models and bona fide businesspeople.
Let it be known that our annual round-up of the hottest women in the world aren’t just pretty faces (though we’re hardly complaining).
Gigi Hadid
From a Real Housewives afterthought to the princess regent of supermodels, Gigi Hadid has navigated her career better than Lewis Hamilton at the Monaco Grand Prix.
It all started with a Desigual show in 2014. From there, the LA native racked up gigs with Carine Roitfeld, Vogue (several issues of them), Versace and Chanel, paving the way to the throne with a series of front covers and closing runway appearances. Factor in the model’s must-have of a famous boyfriend – in this case, Zayn Malik – and Gigi is set to conquer hearts and column inches for years to come.
Bella Hadid
Turns out good things do come in pairs. While Gigi got a head-start in the modelling career, Bella is hot on her tracks – just with a slightly different career path. The elder Hadid goes for the all-American girl-next-door, yet Bella is happier to play the black sheep in a series of topless shoots, risqué outfits and a barely-there Victoria’s Secret appearance.
Granted, her mandatory high profile boyfriend The Weeknd recently became an ex. That simply means there’s a vacancy for a very significant other that we’ll happily fill.
Kendall Jenner
The Kardashians are the Hollywood equivalent of an indulgent, definitely-not-good-for-you meal. You know you shouldn’t, but resistance is futile. One of the younger flagbearers – Kendall – is proving to be far less divisive than the TV show that propelled her family to fame.
Which is a real cultural anomaly, considering her CV. There was the Carry On Protest rejig of Black Lives Matter via an ill-advised Pepsi ad. Then there was the Notorious BIG ‘vintage’ t-shirts that transposed her own face alongside one of hip hop’s most revered figures – despite the fact they’d never even met. And we still forgive her, every single time. Can’t think why
Kylie Jenner
Like the Hadids, the Jenners harbour their own black sheep. Instead of courting high fashion shoots however, this one is more at-home in front of an iPhone camera – a shop window in which she’s earned millions.
Not that we’re levelling this as a criticism. Pair Kylie Jenner’s clear business acumen with a body that is worth every penny, and you’re left with a young woman as shrewd as she is attractive.
Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger has quite the pair of lungs. She fronted two albums as part of The Pussycat Dolls, released two all by herself, and even had time to squeeze in a couple of appearances on the West End in Cats. Then there’s the occasional acting spot in Moana and a frankly unnecessary TV remake of Dirty Dancing, her flexibility hinting at the American singer’s enduring success.
We can’t quite forgive her X Factor habit, but we reckon most would happily string some bright-eyed, provincial karaoke singers along if Simon Cowell negotiated the salary. You pay them bills, Nicky (and keep us watching).
Emily Ratajkowski
There’s only one Emily Ratajkowski, and you still can’t pronounce her name properly. The woman that made ‘Blurred Lines’ a cultural phenomenon (though only Robin Thicke can be blamed for the backlash) has gone from strength-to-strength in Hollywood.
She’s not simply content with steaming up your Instagram feed, either. The London-born model is making a play for the big screen too, appearing in Gone Girl and We Are Your Friendsin all her wonderful, technicolour glory.
