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How Germany's Next Topmodel shattered fashion's old barriers for good

Heidi Klum's iconic show no longer has age, height, or gender limits—and its winners prove fashion's future is fearless. Meet the trailblazers who changed the game forever.

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1 min read
The image shows an old book with a variety of men's faces, each with a unique expression and...
The image shows an old book with a variety of men's faces, each with a unique expression and hairstyle. The text on the paper reads "Our Artists - Past and Present," suggesting that the men in the image are of different ages, genders, and ethnicities.

These candidates have made history - How Germany's Next Topmodel shattered fashion's old barriers for good

Germany's Next Topmodel has seen a wave of historic firsts in recent seasons. Changes to the show's rules and Heidi Klum's push for diversity have opened doors for contestants of all ages, genders, and body types. From transgender winners to male champions, the competition now looks very different from its early years.

The shift began in Season 16 when Alex Mariah Peter became the first openly transgender contestant to win the title. Since then, no official data has tracked how trans participation has evolved in major fashion shows or casting formats.

Season 17 broke multiple records. Martina and her daughter Lou-Anne entered as the first mother-daughter duo to compete together. That same season, Barbara Radtke, aged 68, became the oldest contestant in the show's history. Kashmira, standing at just 1.54 metres, also joined as the shortest competitor ever.

Season 18 saw Vivien from Koblenz crowned as the first plus-size winner. The following year, Season 19, marked another milestone when Luka and Julian became the first twins—and first siblings—to compete as a team. Jermaine from Kassel then made history by becoming the show's first male winner.

The changes reflect broader rule updates. Since 2024, the programme has dropped age limits, height requirements, and now allows men to compete.

The show's evolving format has led to a more inclusive line-up of winners and contestants. With no restrictions on age, gender, or body type, Germany's Next Topmodel continues to redefine fashion competition standards. These adjustments have already produced a wider range of champions than ever before.

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