Paloma Elsesser Profile, Biography, Lists
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Bio Summary
- Full Name: Paloma Kai Shockley Elsesser
- Born: April 12, 1992 in London (Camden Borough)
- Nationality: American (raised in Los Angeles; based in NYC since 2010)
- Height: approx. 5 ft 6½ in (169 cm)
- Heritage: African‑American mother; Chilean‑Swiss father
Early Life & Education
Raised in a vibrant, socially conscious “hippie poor” household in LA, Paloma faced identity and body shaming early on, inspiring her pursuit of self-worth through education and activism. In 2010, she relocated to New York to study psychology and literature at The New School; she later left to pursue modeling.
Entry into Modeling
Spotted on Instagram by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath in 2015, Paloma became the face of Pat McGrath Labs’ first eye-shadow launch. That breakthrough propelled her into high-fashion campaigns and runway work.
Career Highlights
- Ad Campaigns & Editorials: Balenciaga, Nike, Fenty Beauty, Glossier, Victoria’s Secret (2024), Supreme, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Ferragamo, H&M.
- Runway Shows: Fendi, Versace, Simone Rocha, Lanvin, Eckhaus Latta — NY, Paris, Milan, and more.
- Magazine Covers: American Vogue (Jan 2021), British Vogue (April 2018, among “New Supers”), Vogue Arabia, i-D, Teen Vogue, Elle, Glamour.
- Screen Appearance: Debut in Uncut Gems (2019).
Achievements & Awards
- Fashion Awards 2023: First plus-size model to be named Model of the Year.
- Models.com: Named among “The New Supers” and nominated Model of the Year (2020).
Advocacy & Influence
Paloma uses her platform to champion body acceptance, racial inclusivity, and mental health. Her candid social media presence—“keeping it crispy”—focuses on authenticity and emotional honesty, reaching hundreds of thousands daily. She publicly walked away from social media during backlash after her 2023 award win, and has spoken at Vogue’s Forces of Fashion and serves on the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund committee.
Personal & Cultural Roots
- Family Matters: Close-knit with siblings: director Ama Elsesser, rapper/skater Sage Elsesser, and sister Kanyessa McMahon.
- Brooklyn Home: Recently renovated a historic townhouse in Bed-Stuy, blending modern creative design with community roots.
What Sets Her Apart
- Interdisciplinary Vision: Writer, poet, and creative collaborator—co-created a plus-size capsule with friend Alexia Elkaim; working on essay collection.
- Industry Disruptor: Challenges the traditional fashion hierarchy through authenticity, representation, and thoughtful involvement in creative direction .
Notable Quotes
- “If I don’t exist, maybe I should exist.” — embracing her space in the industry.
- On representation: “Do I think that representation melts away people’s self‑hatred? … it’s not nothing.”
Conclusion
Paloma Elsesser is not just a model—she’s a force for change. Breaking barriers in fashion, she normalizes plus-size bodies of color, advocates mental well-being, and pushes brands toward genuine inclusivity. Her authenticity and leadership mark her as a defining face in modern beauty culture.
