Paloma Elsesser is a British-American fashion model who has become a defining face of the body positivity movement in the fashion industry. Known for shattering conventional beauty standards, Paloma rose to prominence in the mid-2010s and quickly became one of the most in-demand plus-size models of her generation. Her presence on the runway and in major campaigns marked a cultural shift, encouraging inclusivity and self-acceptance across the fashion world.
Born in London and raised in Los Angeles, Paloma had a multicultural upbringing, which she credits for shaping her deeply rooted sense of identity and style. She initially studied psychology and literature in New York but was discovered on Instagram by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, which launched her modeling career. Since then, Paloma has walked for fashion giants like Fendi, Lanvin, and Alexander McQueen, and graced the covers of Vogue, i-D, and Elle, becoming a muse for both editorial and commercial fashion.
What sets Paloma apart isn’t just her striking looks but her unrelenting advocacy for representation and mental wellness. She has used her platform to speak candidly about body image, racial identity, and the pressures of the fashion industry. Paloma has become a cultural icon not just for her beauty but for her intellect, compassion, and commitment to empowering others.
Her work has extended beyond modeling into acting and activism, with her debut in the film Uncut Gems (2019) opposite Adam Sandler earning critical praise. In 2021, she was named “Model of the Year” by Models.com Industry Awards, further cementing her position as a trailblazer in fashion.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Paloma Kai Shockley Elsesser |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Fashion Model, Actress |
| Birthplace | London, England, UK |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Age | 33 years |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1992 |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Caste/Religion | Mixed (Afro-Chilean, Swiss-American) |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Aries |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 170 cm (5’7”) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | 70 kg (approx.) |
| Body Measurements | 38-33-44 |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents | |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | N/A |
| Mother’s name | N/A |
| Brother’s name | Sage Elsesser (rapper/pro skater) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | Rumored relationships (not public) |
|---|---|
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | N/A |
|---|---|
| College/ University | The New School, New York City |
| Educational Qualification | Studied Psychology and Literature |
Controversies
Paloma Elsesser has managed to maintain a relatively controversy-free career. However, she has stirred discussions within the industry for calling out tokenism and lack of genuine diversity in high fashion. She’s been vocal about the performative inclusivity of some brands, challenging the fashion world to go beyond just casting diverse models for campaigns and truly embrace change behind the scenes.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Caribbean cuisine, plant-based dishes |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | Moonlight (2016) |
| Favorite Actor | Mahershala Ali |
| Favorite Actress | Viola Davis |
| Favorite Color | Earth tones, especially brown |
| Favorite Designer | Eckhaus Latta, Fenty, Gaultier |
| Favorite Destination | New York, Paris |
| Favorite Cafe | Cafe Mogador (NYC) |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Vintage and thrifted fashion |
| Favorite Book | Sula by Toni Morrison |
| Favorite Athlete | Serena Williams |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Variable (modeling contracts) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | N/A |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Public |
| Phone Number | Not Public |
| House Address | New York City, NY, USA |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Paloma Elsesser |
|---|---|
| @palomija (not highly active) | |
| N/A | |
| @palomija |
Personal quote:
“I think what makes a person beautiful is vulnerability and authenticity. That’s where power lives.”
Early Life and Career:
Paloma Elsesser was born in London to a mother of African-Chilean and a father of Swiss descent, before moving to Los Angeles, where she grew up in a culturally rich and artistic household. Her early years were marked by identity exploration and a passion for the arts. Paloma originally pursued a degree in psychology and literature at The New School in New York, unsure of where her path would lead.
Her big break came when Pat McGrath, one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, discovered her on Instagram. That collaboration led to campaigns with Glossier and Fenty Beauty, and soon, Paloma was being booked by elite designers and editors.
She walked for brands like Savage x Fenty, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Chloé, and became the first plus-size model to walk for Fendi. Her editorial appearances in American, British, and French Vogue reshaped how beauty is perceived in fashion media.
Her transition into film came with the Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems, where her natural charisma on-screen hinted at a promising future in acting. Paloma’s voice has been an essential part of fashion’s evolution toward diversity and intersectional feminism.
Current life/Events:
Paloma Elsesser continues to be a prominent face in global fashion. In 2023 and 2024, she headlined campaigns for Coach, Lanvin, and Victoria’s Secret’s rebranded collections. She has also been featured in TIME’s 100 Next list and is rumored to be working on a memoir chronicling her journey through identity, fashion, and activism. With her finger on the pulse of fashion and her heart rooted in change, Paloma is shaping culture far beyond the runway.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Paloma Elsesser
- She was born with the middle name “Kai,” which means “sea” in Hawaiian.
- Paloma was named after the Pablo Picasso painting “Paloma,” which means “dove” in Spanish.
- She is the sister of rapper and skateboarder Sage Elsesser, aka Navy Blue.
- Paloma was once rejected by 12 modeling agencies before getting her first big break.
- She’s passionate about tarot reading and often incorporates spiritual practices into her daily routine.
- Despite being a global fashion icon, Paloma still prefers thrift shopping over luxury boutiques.
- She considers herself a bookworm and often shares her latest reads on Instagram Stories.
- Paloma worked as a waitress and retail clerk before modeling.
- She’s a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and often discusses therapy and self-care in interviews.
- She participated in creating the 2023 CFDA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion report as an advisory member.
