Palvin is ranked 40 on the Top 50 Models Women list by models.com. Palvin is often compared to Russian model Natalia Vodianova; British Vogue editor Miranda Almond said, "We chose Barbara because she is absolutely exquisite looking a cross between a young Brooke Shields and Natalia

Vodianova".Palvin credits Vodianova and Kate Moss as her favorite models.