Meet the 19-year-old Israeli Model Named the Most Beautiful Woman in the World
Nineteen-year-old Yael Shelbia has just been named the most beautiful woman in the world by TC Candler and the Independent Critics. The group placed the actress and model at the top of the 2020 installment of their highly-anticipated list of the 100 most beautiful faces in the world, which also included Ariana Grande, Lupita Nyong'o, and Lily Collins.
Shelbia, one of Israel’s most renowned modeling talents, also graced the cover of the February issue of L'Officiel Arabia. Shot by Israeli photographer Yossi Michaeli, Shelbia donned a breathtaking blue and white silk-printed blouse by MICU, a Jerusalem-based brand co-founded by Israeli designers Michal Stern and Inbar Ben Shabbat. This cover proved especially important for fashion, as it marked a fashion collaboration between Isreal and the United Arab Emirates.
This isn't Shelbia's first time on the list, coming in at 14th place in 2017. Shelbia has since modeled for Kim Kardashian's KKW Beauty and is currently serving her compulsory military service in Israel's air force. Shelbia is determined to not only be representative of beauty but also representative of female empowerment. Her modeling serves as proof of fashion's recognition of individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. Thus, her recognition as the most beautiful woman in the world doesn't just commend her looks; it also signifies empowerment and inspiration for individuals worldwide. As she continues to appear on screens and runways across the globe, her presence will leave an everlasting imprint on the world of fashion and entertainment.
Former magazine editor TC Candler has partnered with the Independent Critics to publish its annual list since 1990. Combing through thousands of celebrities from around the world, Candler — in his own words — set out to "put together a list representative of the modern ideal of worldwide beauty. Aesthetic perfection is only one of the criteria. Grace, elegance, originality, daring, passion, class, poise, joy, promise, hope… they are all embodied in a beautiful face."
Meet the actress and model below.
