New York just passed a law that would offer models the same protections as all entertainers under the age of 18. If the law passes, hiring girls under the age of 18 would become a lot more difficult (and probably less desirable) — but top models have been starting their careers well before 18 for decades.
Not all of these ladies are still hitting the runway circuit in New York. Many have become famous enough to transcend the tedium of walking fashion week shows — but it's hard to imagine where fashion would be if they hadn't worked as much as they did when they were starting out as young teenagers.
Gemma Ward, 25
Teen Vogue's inaugural cover star, Australian supermodel Gemma Ward was scouted at 14, walking Sydney Fashion Week shows a year later — and was in demand on New York's runways before she'd turned 17. (She was also the youngest model to feature on the 2004 "Models of the Moment" Vogue cover.)
Via: Courtesy of i-D magazine.
Karlie Kloss, 20
She's starred in just about every major fashion campaign from Dior to Hermes to Oscar de la Renta — and she started at just 15 years old. She said several seasons ago that that age felt a little young to start out: "I wish I'd have been a little more mature."
Via: Courtesy of Teen Vogue.
Kate Moss, 39
Discovered famously at the age of 14 at the JFK airport in New York and posed for the cover of British magazine The Face at just 16.
Via: Courtesy of British Vogue.
