Global Beauties: 15 "It Girls" to Know

Meet the ladies who rule social scenes around the world.

Malaika Firth, Kenya - The “It Girl.” She’s the type of woman who's making noise on the fashion scene and whose name is at the top of every guest list. She's successful in her chosen career and looks criminally good while doing it. While there are familiar faces like Rihanna holding down Barbados and Jourdan Dunn repping for the U.K., we're highlighting even more of the world's most successful and a few more who may not be on your radar. Oh yes, these ladies got “it” goin’ on.The fashion community hails this catwalk queen as the next Naomi Campbell, particularly as she was the first Black model to land a fall Prada campaign since Campbell did so in 1994. She’s currently the face of Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2014 campaign. (Photo: Malaika Firth via Instagram)

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Malaika Firth, Kenya - The “It Girl.” She’s the type of woman who's making noise on the fashion scene and whose name is at the top of every guest list. She's successful in her chosen career and looks criminally good while doing it. While there are familiar faces like Rihanna holding down Barbados and Jourdan Dunn repping for the U.K., we're highlighting even more of the world's most successful and a few more who may not be on your radar. Oh yes, these ladies got “it” goin’ on.The fashion community hails this catwalk queen as the next Naomi Campbell, particularly as she was the first Black model to land a fall Prada campaign since Campbell did so in 1994. She’s currently the face of Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2014 campaign. (Photo: Malaika Firth via Instagram)

Sevyn Streeter, Florida  - Hailing from Haines City, Amber “Sevyn” Streeter is bombshell with the golden voice. Formerly a member of the girl groups TG4 and RichGirl, she’s blazing her own path today as a solo artist, releasing her debut EP Call Me Crazy, But... in December 2013. On the songwriting front, she’s penned tracks for Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Chris Brown, providing backing vocals for his albums Fortune and Fame. (Photo: Sevyn Streeter via Instagram)

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Sevyn Streeter, Florida  - Hailing from Haines City, Amber “Sevyn” Streeter is bombshell with the golden voice. Formerly a member of the girl groups TG4 and RichGirl, she’s blazing her own path today as a solo artist, releasing her debut EP Call Me Crazy, But... in December 2013. On the songwriting front, she’s penned tracks for Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland and Chris Brown, providing backing vocals for his albums Fortune and Fame. (Photo: Sevyn Streeter via Instagram)

Rita Ora, Kosovo - Who else can count being a muse for Karl Lagerfeld, campaigns for DKNY and her own makeup collection for Rimmel London as perks of the job? Nobody but this Kosovo-born, London-reared model and singer, whose 2012 debut album ORA spawned UK No. 1 singles "How We Do (Party)" and "R.I.P.” With constant aesthetic comparisons to label-mate Rihanna, Ora is now known as a confident fashion risk-taker with a free spirit.  (Photo: Rita Ora via Instagram)

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Rita Ora, Kosovo - Who else can count being a muse for Karl Lagerfeld, campaigns for DKNY and her own makeup collection for Rimmel London as perks of the job? Nobody but this Kosovo-born, London-reared model and singer, whose 2012 debut album ORA spawned UK No. 1 singles "How We Do (Party)" and "R.I.P.” With constant aesthetic comparisons to label-mate Rihanna, Ora is now known as a confident fashion risk-taker with a free spirit.  (Photo: Rita Ora via Instagram)

Lupita Nyong’o, Mexico - The Mexico City-born, Kenya-raised actress’ descent to Hollywood’s A-list reads much like a fairytale, thanks to her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave and flawless red carpet style. Already taking home a Screen Actors Guild Award and NAACP Image Award, the Yale grad is a favorite to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress this year.  (Photo: Lupita Nyong'o via Instagram)

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Lupita Nyong’o, Mexico - The Mexico City-born, Kenya-raised actress’ descent to Hollywood’s A-list reads much like a fairytale, thanks to her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave and flawless red carpet style. Already taking home a Screen Actors Guild Award and NAACP Image Award, the Yale grad is a favorite to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress this year.  (Photo: Lupita Nyong'o via Instagram)

Kilo Kish, Florida - If you’ve been sleeping on this multi-talented artist, here’s your official wake-up call. Born Lakisha Kimberly Robinson, this Orlando native dabbled in fashion and textile design, painting and modeling before making a splash as a rapper-singer. In April 2012, she released her critically acclaimed debut EP Homeschool and her follow-up mixtape K+ last February. Get used to hearing her name, because have a feeling she’s got big plans ahead. (Photo: Kilo Kish via Instagram)

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Kilo Kish, Florida - If you’ve been sleeping on this multi-talented artist, here’s your official wake-up call. Born Lakisha Kimberly Robinson, this Orlando native dabbled in fashion and textile design, painting and modeling before making a splash as a rapper-singer. In April 2012, she released her critically acclaimed debut EP Homeschool and her follow-up mixtape K+ last February. Get used to hearing her name, because have a feeling she’s got big plans ahead. (Photo: Kilo Kish via Instagram)

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Maria Borges, Angola - A fresh face on the rise, Borges has starred in ad campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic. This year, you can catch her glamming it up alongside Erykah Badu for Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection and stalking the runways at New York Fashion Week. (Photo: Maria Borges via Instagram)

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Maria Borges, Angola - A fresh face on the rise, Borges has starred in ad campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic. This year, you can catch her glamming it up alongside Erykah Badu for Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection and stalking the runways at New York Fashion Week. (Photo: Maria Borges via Instagram)

Zendaya Coleman, California - This Oakland native is one of young Hollywood’s brightest young things, having starred in the Disney series Shake It Up! for three seasons. A budding fashionista, she was a fixture at New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2014 presentations. One peek her Instagram page and she’ll be your new style crush, too. Trust us. (Photo: Zendaya Coleman via Instagram)

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Zendaya Coleman, California - This Oakland native is one of young Hollywood’s brightest young things, having starred in the Disney series Shake It Up! for three seasons. A budding fashionista, she was a fixture at New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2014 presentations. One peek her Instagram page and she’ll be your new style crush, too. Trust us. (Photo: Zendaya Coleman via Instagram)

Genevieve Jones, Louisiana - A native of Baton Rouge, Jones grew up a privileged product of two successful parents. The socialite took a stab at singing at a younger age but was unsuccessful after realizing that her passion laid in fashion. Networking her way to the top of all of fashion's biggest events, Jones became very close friends with now world-renowned designer Zac Posen and is at the top of every industry event list in town. (Photo: Genevieve Jones via Instagram)

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Genevieve Jones, Louisiana - A native of Baton Rouge, Jones grew up a privileged product of two successful parents. The socialite took a stab at singing at a younger age but was unsuccessful after realizing that her passion laid in fashion. Networking her way to the top of all of fashion's biggest events, Jones became very close friends with now world-renowned designer Zac Posen and is at the top of every industry event list in town. (Photo: Genevieve Jones via Instagram)

Sofia Richie, California  - The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree in the Richie family. Sophia, the younger sister of style icon Nicole Richie, is forging her own path in fashion, having modeled for the L.A.-based Mary Grace Swimwear and Teen Vogue. The 15-year-old’s personal style is equally enviable, a perfect mix of boho-chic and L.A. cool. (Photo: Sofia Richie via Instagram)

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Sofia Richie, California  - The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree in the Richie family. Sophia, the younger sister of style icon Nicole Richie, is forging her own path in fashion, having modeled for the L.A.-based Mary Grace Swimwear and Teen Vogue. The 15-year-old’s personal style is equally enviable, a perfect mix of boho-chic and L.A. cool. (Photo: Sofia Richie via Instagram)

Ashley Madekwe, United Kingdom - You may know this London-born beauty for her role as the conniving Ashley Davenport on ABC’s Revenge. When she’s not causing a stir on-screen, she’s giving us major closet envy with her personal fashion blog Ring My Bell. Now based in Los Angeles, the actress is currently filming the 17th-century-based TV series Salem.  (Photo: Ashley Madekwe via Instagram) 

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Ashley Madekwe, United Kingdom - You may know this London-born beauty for her role as the conniving Ashley Davenport on ABC’s Revenge. When she’s not causing a stir on-screen, she’s giving us major closet envy with her personal fashion blog Ring My Bell. Now based in Los Angeles, the actress is currently filming the 17th-century-based TV series Salem.  (Photo: Ashley Madekwe via Instagram) 

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Shala Monroque, St. Lucia - Dubbed a "modern style icon" by New York magazine, St. Lucian socialite and model Shala Monroque is most known as the muse for world-renowned designer brand Prada. Though she often is seen in the Big Apple, she has never forgotten her roots. Last June, she provided a St. Lucia Travel Diary in collaboration with Vogue for World Oceans Day. Though she is not often in the limelight, Monroque is always recognized at fashion's most exclusive events.(Photo: Shala Monroque via Instagram)

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Shala Monroque, St. Lucia - Dubbed a "modern style icon" by New York magazine, St. Lucian socialite and model Shala Monroque is most known as the muse for world-renowned designer brand Prada. Though she often is seen in the Big Apple, she has never forgotten her roots. Last June, she provided a St. Lucia Travel Diary in collaboration with Vogue for World Oceans Day. Though she is not often in the limelight, Monroque is always recognized at fashion's most exclusive events.(Photo: Shala Monroque via Instagram)

Nazanin Mandi, California - With her striking features and gorgeous smile, it’s no wonder how the Valencia, California, native stole the heart of R&B crooner Miguel, having also starred in his music video “Do You.” Currently signed to Wilhelmina Models, she’s landed major campaigns for Smashbox Cosmetics and CoverGirl, and can be seen by Miguel’s side at Hollywood’s biggest events. (Photo: Nazanin Mandi via Instagram)

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Nazanin Mandi, California - With her striking features and gorgeous smile, it’s no wonder how the Valencia, California, native stole the heart of R&B crooner Miguel, having also starred in his music video “Do You.” Currently signed to Wilhelmina Models, she’s landed major campaigns for Smashbox Cosmetics and CoverGirl, and can be seen by Miguel’s side at Hollywood’s biggest events. (Photo: Nazanin Mandi via Instagram)

Melissa Forde, Barbados - Best known as Rihanna’s close childhood friend, the Bajan beauty is often seen traveling the world and attending A-list parties with her superstar bestie. On her off-time, she is a skilled photographer, with Rih using #MTFPhotography to shout out Forde's work on social media.(Photo: Melissa Forde via Instagram)

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Melissa Forde, Barbados - Best known as Rihanna’s close childhood friend, the Bajan beauty is often seen traveling the world and attending A-list parties with her superstar bestie. On her off-time, she is a skilled photographer, with Rih using #MTFPhotography to shout out Forde's work on social media.(Photo: Melissa Forde via Instagram)

Hannah Bronfman, New York City - The daughter of Edgar Bronfman Jr., former Warner Music Group Chairman and CEO, and actress actress Sherry Brewer, Hannah Bronfman has earned a reputation for DJ’ing at New York City’s hottest parties and recent modeling gig for DKNY. A stylista at heart, she created Beautified, an app that helps users book last-minute appointments at NYC’s top-rated salons and spas. If she’s not the embodiment of brains and beauty, we don’t know what is.(Photo: Hannah Bronfman via Instagram)

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Hannah Bronfman, New York City - The daughter of Edgar Bronfman Jr., former Warner Music Group Chairman and CEO, and actress actress Sherry Brewer, Hannah Bronfman has earned a reputation for DJ’ing at New York City’s hottest parties and recent modeling gig for DKNY. A stylista at heart, she created Beautified, an app that helps users book last-minute appointments at NYC’s top-rated salons and spas. If she’s not the embodiment of brains and beauty, we don’t know what is.(Photo: Hannah Bronfman via Instagram)

Bria Murphy, California - Bria, daughter to funnyman and actor Eddie Murphy and model Nicole Murphy, has been making a name for herself in the world of entertainment and fashion. The California cutie recently steamed up the lense for a lingerie photoshoot with L.A. photographer iamEpic, and her resume includes being a runway and print model for LA Models and the face of Dark and Lovely hair products. (Photo: Bria Murphy via Instagram)

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Bria Murphy, California - Bria, daughter to funnyman and actor Eddie Murphy and model Nicole Murphy, has been making a name for herself in the world of entertainment and fashion. The California cutie recently steamed up the lense for a lingerie photoshoot with L.A. photographer iamEpic, and her resume includes being a runway and print model for LA Models and the face of Dark and Lovely hair products. (Photo: Bria Murphy via Instagram)