Every few years, a new group of models emerge from the sea of faces which flood the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris each season. This was evident during the recent SS11 collections. An emphasis amongst designers and casting directors alike towards models with personality, individuality and larger than life beauty, heralds a return to the supermodel type in the mold of Linda, Naomi and Christy during the late 80s and early 90s. The following twelve new faces embody this shift in aesthetics toward models with true supermodel potential.
1. Kirsi Pyrhonen
Seventeen year old Kirsi hails from Finland and is represented by DNA in New York. Pyrhonen's unique, other-worldly beauty, feline features and hypnotic gaze landed her 20 blue chip bookings during the SS11 collections, including the likes of Balenciaga, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton.
Muse Magazine, September 2010.
Photographer - Samili Karala.
Source - magmuse.com
Givenchy SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
J Mendel SS11
Photgrapher - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Louis Vuitton SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
2. Bo Don.
Dutch-born model, Bo Don logged a staggering 36 shows during the SS11 show season. Don's classic yet tomboyish features have made her a coveted face with clients such as Roberto Cavalli, Altuzarra and Chanel. The eighteen year old beauty only began modelling in 2010 and is represented by Marilyn in New York.
Photo courtesy of models.com
Special thanks to Janelle, Ariana and Betty @ models.com
Altuzarra SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Roberto Cavalli SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Peter Pilotto SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
3. Melodie Monrose
Melodie was discovered just weeks before the SS11 castings were scheduled to begin and was flown from her hometown in Martinique to New York where she was signed on the spot by Wilhelmina. Melodie's exotic looks and incredible runway presence have made her one of the most coveted newcomers, with a phenomenal 49 runway bookings during her debut season.
Photographer - Renie Saliba
Source - models.com
Emilio Pucci SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Yves Saint Laurent SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Prada SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
4. Jessica Clarke
New Zealand model Jessica Clarke was first tipped by top US casting director Ashley Brokaw, in the lead up to SS11, as a face to watch. In an interview with the NY Times, Brokaw described Clarke as "classic supermodel material." Lofty praise for a newcomer which Clarke lived up to by scoring a New York Fashion Week Calvin Klein exclusive. Clarke's perfectly symmetrical bone structure, mesmerising baby blues and willowy 180 cm frame make her one of the most exciting new prospects in recent times. Clarke who is represented by DNA in New York, logged a runway tally of 19 shows including Emilio Pucci, Julien McDonald and Lanvin.
Photo courtesy of DNA Model Management
Source - dnamodels.com
Elie Saab SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Barbara Bui SS11
Photographer - Marcus Tondo
Source - style.com
Salvatore Ferragamo SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
5. Fei Fei Sun
Chinese-born model, Fei Fei competed in the Elite Look of the year competition in 2008 where she was placed in the top four finalists. She then modelled locally before relocating to New York in 2010 where she is now represented by Women Model Management. Fei Fei's high cheek bones, almond shaped eyes and distinctive walk have captivated photographers and designers alike. Fei Fei's runway tally stands at 36 and includes Alexander Wang, Valentino and Altuzarra.
Photo courtesy of Elite Paris
Source - models.com
Altuzarra SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
J Mendel SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Max Azria SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
6. Linnea Regnander
Linnea is signed with IMG in New York and hails from Sweden. The 178 cm tall newcomer logged an impressive 34 shows in her debut season including BCBG, Valentino and Bottega Veneta. At only 17 years of age, Regnander's delicate features and serene-like beauty lend a worldly elegance to any runway she graces.
Photo courtesy of IMG Model Management
Source - models.com
BCBG SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Brioni SS11
Photographer - Marcus Tondo
Source - style.com
Valentino SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
7. Samantha Gradoville
Nebraskan-born Gradoville consolidated on her stellar FW10 breakthrough, where she opened and closed the Prada show, with an equally impressive 43 show tally at the SS11 collections. The 20 year old stunner showed true versatility and a sophistication, making her the darling of key note designers in Milan and Paris. No doubt Gradoville will be a likely contender for upcoming campaigns and editorials in the aftermath of the SS11 season.
Photo courtesy of models.com
Special thanks to Janelle, Ariana and Betty @ models.com
BCBG SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Altuzarra SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Yves Saint Laurent SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
8. Anais Mali
Born in France and of African and Polish heritage, Anais was discovered on the streets of Paris at the age of 16 but put modelling on hold to complete her studies. Modelling since 2009, 19 year old Anais recently moved to New York and is represented by Ford Models. Standing at 177 cm in height, with feline-like eyes framed by perfectly sculpted cheekbones, Anais has a beauty which is captivating and globally accessible. Anais is off to an auspicious start with 22 shows at the SS11 collections including the likes of Loewe, Missoni and Carolina Herrera.
Photo courtesy of COACD
Source - coacdinc.com
Rag & Bone SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Unique SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Marc Jacobs SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
9. Hailey Clauson
California girl Hailey is a model destined for an incredible future. At only 15 years of age, Clauson has made an impressive debut at the SS11 collections with 15 bookings including blue chip clients such as Calvin Klein, Gucci, Versace and Christian Dior. Clauson's old-school supermodel looks and chameleon-like ability to transform on the runway and in front of the camera have captured the attention of key note photographers, editors and casting directors.
Photographer - Terry Gates
Source - haileyclausonblogspot.com
Lanvin SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Elie Saab SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Versace SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
10. Julia Saner
Eighteen year old Swiss model, Julia Saner competed in the Elite Look of the year competition in 2009 and took home the honours. Standing at 181 cm in height with classically, beautiful and expressive features, Saner is the complete package. Industry insiders agree, with Saner logging a total of 21 shows during her debut season in Milan and Paris including Chanel, Givenchy and Christian Dior.
Photo courtesy of Vogue italia
Source - vogue.it
Elie Saab SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Valentino SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Roberto Cavalli SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
11. Shena Moulton
Shena Moulton is fast earning accolades in the modelling world for her enthusiasm, professionalism and bubbly personality. No mere human clothes hanger, Moulton brings to life the garments that she wears and has an unmatched charisma and presence on the runway. Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein seems to agree, having cast Moulton in his line-up for the third consecutive season. Moulton amassed a total of 32 shows during the SS11 collections including Jil Sander, Diane Von Furstenburg and Christian Dior. Sixteen year old Moulton hails from Jamaica and is represented by Muse Model Management in New York.
Photo courtesy of Muse Model Management
Source - models.com
Jil Sander SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Calvin Klein SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
Rachel Roy SS11
Photo courtesy of Rachel Roy
Special thanks to Yan @ Rachel Roy
12. Arizona Muse
Arizona Muse was unquestionably the break out star of the SS11 shows. The New Mexico native, opened for BCBG, Prada, Miu Miu, The Row, Rochas, Kenzo and Chloe. Arizona began modelling when she was 18 years old and took a few years off in order to have her son Nico. Now at the ripe old age of 21, Arizona is back and represented by Next Model Management in New York. Arizona's lanky frame measuring at 178 cm, coupled with her tousled bob and chiseled features, rendered her instantly identifiable throughout the SS11 shows. The cool girl of the season logged a total of 24 bookings during the SS11 collections.
Photo courtesy of COACD
Source - coacdinc.com
Altuzarra SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Max Azria SS11
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com
Prada SS11
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com
