<p>As Paris Fashion Week unfolds, we're taking a look back on some of the most iconic French models whose influence helped define decades of style, beauty, and fashion history.</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">France has always been a beating heart of the fashion world&mdash;home to haute couture, storied maisons, and a legacy of innovation that continues to influence runways worldwide. At the center of this legacy stand the French models who have become icons in their own right, embodying everything from classic Parisian elegance to avant-garde cool.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From the smoky runways of the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/pamela-hanson-revisits-the-spirit-of-90s-fashion-in-a-new-photography-book" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1990s</a> to the bold statements of today&rsquo;s boundary-pushing shows, French models have served as both muses and trailblazers&mdash;captivating audiences with their poise, presence, and unmistakable sense of style.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There&rsquo;s something singular about the French approach to modeling: an effortless blend of confidence, nonchalance, and cultural edge. These women haven&rsquo;t just worn the clothes&mdash;they&rsquo;ve helped shape the story of modern fashion itself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/celebrities-at-paris-fashion-week-spring-summer-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spring/Summer 2026 collections</a><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/celebrities-at-paris-fashion-week-spring-summer-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a></span>unfold in <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/le-grand-hotel-cayre-paris-hotel-stay-travel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris</a>, join </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">L&rsquo;OFFICIEL</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in celebrating the French models who have become part of fashion history.</span></p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Carla Bruni</h2>

Carla Bruni in 1995. Getty Images.

<p>Though she was born in Turin, after a series of campaigns for Guess jeans at the age of 19, Carla Bruni quickly rose to fame in France by working for fashion houses such as Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Versace. By the 1990s, Bruni became one of the highest-paid fashion models. In 2008, she married the French President Nicolas Sarkozy and became the First Lady of France.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: In&egrave;s de la Fressange</h2>

Inès de la Fressange in Chanel, 1987. Getty Images.

<p>In&egrave;s de la Fressange was born in Gassin, France in 1957. She appeared for the first time in Elle at the age of 18, and eight years later signed an exclusive contract with Chanel, becoming the first model to do so. La Fressange became a muse of the late Karl Lagerfeld due to her resemblance to Coco Chanel, the company's founder.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Thylane Blondeau</h2>

Thylane Blondeau attends the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2025 show. Getty Images.

<p>Dubbed 'the most beautiful girl in the world' at the age of six by Vogue Enfants, Thylane Blondeau began modeling in numerous children's fashion campaigns. Born in Aix-en-Provence, France in 2001, the 24-year-old is signed with IMG Models and is an ambassador for several major fashion houses.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Cindy Bruna</h2>

Cindy Bruna walks the L'Oreal Spring/Summer 2025 show. Getty Images.

<p>Cindy Bruna was born in Saint-Rapha&euml;l, France in 1994. She was scouted at the age of 16, but was initally hesitant to go into modeling because she wanted to finish school and become an accountant. After eventually accepting the offer, she walked for Calvin Klein in 2012, then soon landed the cover of Vogue Italia in 2013 and 2014. After walking in her first Victoria's Secret show in 2013, she has participated in every show since. In 2020, she was named as L'Oreal's international spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Sigrid Agren</h2>

Sigrid Agren on the runway at Valentino's Spring/Summer 2010 show. Getty Images.

<p>Sigrid Agren was born and raised in Martinique. After entering the Elite Model Look in France as a teenager, she signed with Elite Model Management in Paris but decided to put off modeling to finish school. Upon her return, she closed the Prada Resort show in 2008, then went on become the face of the company in 2009. Since then, she has appeared in numerous international fashion shows, notably for designers like Chanel, Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Dolce &amp; Gabbana.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Loli Bahia</h2>

Loli Bahia walks the runway during the Ann Demeulemeester Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024 show. Getty Images.

<p>Born in Lyon in 2002, Loli Bahia is rapidly becoming a favorite amongst Gen-Z. At 17, she landed her first job walking for Louis Vuitton and went on to walk in over 60 shows that same year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Most Iconic French Models In Fashion History: Laetitia Casta</h2>

Laetitia Casta walks the Christian Dior runway in 1998. Getty Images.

<p>Casta began her modeling career at the age of 15 after winning a local beauty pageant. Since then, she has appeared on over 250 magazine covers and was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 1998-2000. Casta was one of the muses of Yves-Saint Laurent, walking as the bride in his shows for several years. In 2016, she was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and is the spokesperson and brand ambassador for L'Oreal, a position she has held since 1998.</p>

The Most Iconic French Models in Fashion History

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