17-12-09
Rebranding, Revamping
Nastya Smerechevskaya @ Image Discovery (Ukraine)
Our themes of the beginning of this week were all oriented on how fashion (and modelling especially) are able to reinvent old concepts and renew old ideas. Whether they manage it effortlessly or just fail, they always try. Superficially or in depth. Or both. What you see is what you get and what you get today is partly what you'll see again tomorrow but you won't recognize it. Or not immediately.
That was for fashion's soft(est) power. Now we're always focused on models - faces. Human beings who have to embody human feelings. Delightfully tricky, isn't it ?
Nastya came just in time to illustrate today's topic. New tests, new vibe. Not totally new vibe but new ideas thrown into the previous pictures' concept. Interesting track to follow. We introduced Nastya Smerechevskaya a few weeks ago (early November exactly) and her snakeskin outfit has certainly caught your eyes while her face attracted your attention. So, let's take the same kind of eye-catching outfits, same black and white and try to shed a new light on Nastya. Does that work ? We'd say yes. Now how to know which part of the results are due to the photographer's skills (and make-up) and which is due to Nastya's own improvement... tough question. No answer, just pictures.
Pictures. In the end it's all what matters. And all you can get anyway. But these new tests of Nastya are bringing an interesting detail on the table. A kind of poetic postulate about the thin line between polaroids (or more exactly digitals) and early test shots. The difference is getting tinier than ever these days with the increasing number of experimentations done on both. Polas looking like tests, with a huge room left to creativity to balance the clinic look of digital photography. Test who are as raw as polas in they will to show the girl how she really is. In the end everything is focused on the model's potential. Potential meaning ability to take pictures. Here we go.
Last part of our rebranding-revamping daydreaming delirium is about the agency behind Nastya, Image Discovery. Website is temporarily unvailable due to... rebranding and revamping. More image-focused which is pretty logical for something simply named Image Discovery. Discover it soon. CQFD, ladies and gentlemen.
Fans of Amanda
Amanda Legnani @ Eskimo (Brazil)
A little more than six months later and here she comes again. From raw polaroids to more elaborated (yet still wild and geniune) test shots, Amanda's power hasn't stopped increasing with time without losing this touch of mystery that caught our attention when we saw her (and featured her) for the first time. Dark mood, blue eyes meet 5'11 (180) height and angular features. The formula - striking on polaroids - works on test pictures as well regardless if she poses in front of a good-old VW bus on a sunny afternoon or get caught in timeless black and white. Versatility often relies on a girl's features but sometimes finds its way through the model's expression. Needless to add that the latter is more interesting. Needless to say we count Amanda among those. We're fans.
16-12-09
Meet Julia !
Julia @ Uncover Models (Poland)
Redheads have a special place on our page and after discovering Julia last week, it's not about to stop soon. Bright red hair, powerful blue gaze and a pretty pout to fall for, Julia's features caught our attention within the first seconds we started looking at her book. If she's already adding a couple of strong test shots to her roster, truth is her polaroids are the most striking pieces so far and, besides the clear fact her own potential does a lot for it, we also owe her mother agency Uncover Models (Warsaw) that perfect styling which allows us to be fully aware of her natural talents. Polish jewel, fashion captials standards... perfect mix. And perfect silhouette as well: 5'11 (180 82-59-88). You shouldn't only keep her in mind, it's already big time to rush. Red alert.
14-12-09
Class
Iris van Berne @ CODE (The Netherlands), Next (NY, Paris, Milan, London)
Craziness, coolness and... class. Third concept for tonight and last
post of the day. Beautiful way to end it and run across (or against?)
the cold wind to rush back home. Conceptual evening. Class is a bit
like craziness and coolness, easy to say yet harder to describe. But
even harder to ignore when you're turning around fashion. How to embody
class ? Who does really look classy ? We'll try our best to answer.
Trying hard in a light-hearted mood.
Iris is no stranger to whoever reads this page and we're pretty glad to
write a little bit on her again as she's starting in New York in quite
an exciting way. You may have noticed her here - or there - you may have
been impressed and we can almost promise you'll be smitten again. But
just trying to enjoy the present moment, concentrating on her test shots by
Cameron Krone. The model who knows how to embody class by the
photographer who knows best how to capture it ? Dream team it seems.
And dream team it looks like from first to sixth piece. Black and
white, shadows and lights - the "Krone-touch" always works and maybe
looks better than ever when it comes to highlighting little details
that, according to us, does really spell class. Tiny little
expressions, quick subtle glimpses etc.
Coolness
Vanessa Lee @ Union (London)
After revisiting craziness, let's try to reinvent coolness. Or just give a simple meaning to this word which is, to say the least, pretty hard to describe. Trying to make sense, even just for a few minutes. If we take it as literally as possible, we'd say nobody does it better than a girl who was scouted on Oxford Street. London still has this lovely vibe and will always remind us of the sweetest memories, Vanessa Lee could be the latest girl to reach our blog who has the ability to embody this feeling (as far as a model can embody a feeling). 5'8 maybe but brand new and eye-catching for several other reasons including the highly emotional gaze she gives to the camera, Union's newest living doll has already experienced what it feels like to work with great photographers (like Warren DuPreez plus a fab team by his side) and you can expect her in magazine very soon. Fasten your seatbelts and try the impossible - prettiest definition of coolness, no ?
Craziness
Claire Broeders, Maaike Klaasen and Quirine van Laack
@ SPS (The Netherlands)
Craziness. Or how to revisit the ways to be crazy on a fashion shoot. Jalouse did it for its last issue of the year and did it well, making the whole magazine more attractive again. We've been missing a little those features with new girls doing their first steps even if this year brought us a couple of good editorials in Jalouse. Without going back to its old-school vibe, we're glad to feel it looks true to itself and its concepts. The young ladies this months are all from the Netherlands which doesn't sound extremely original when you hear it first. Though, it's far from what you would expect when one says "dutch girls". Imagine Patricia, Lisanne, Mirte and just go the opposite way.
Claire, Maaike and Quirine all have some classic features but certainly knows how to let explode their potential slightly beyond the sleekness, going crazy through a few glossy pages. From candid happiness to limitless craziness, from cute scenes to magnificent madness, the theme is visited from every possible side without overplaying any aspect or going too far in any direction. Who would have ever imagine it was possible to find some balance in craziness ? Maybe we could have done it but it still sounds strange. They say Wild Things, we can add bright words.
11-12-09
The Point of No Return
Dovile Virsilaite @ IMG (Milan)
Raindrops and snowflakes fighting the blue boots to hit the feet. But
they won't make it. Some trends are lasting against time and elements,
some faces are made to embody those eternal trends. Hidden in the
darkness of the second level of fashion photography, showing up as
unforgettable lightnings is the everlasting night of December.
We've been running this page for around three years, we should be
celebrating. We did it somehow, we ate too much. We're back with green
tea and soon with green tees as well. Things have changed, moved,
evolved, transformed. Sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worst.
One thing is sure, the usual landscape isn't the same anymore:
overcrowded at some place and desert where it used to be interesting to be,
three years ago. We need a storm, we need a kick. Or we'll blow
ourselves to replace the wind.
Dovile Virsilaite by Alan Gelatti, found by chance on Monday afternoon in Vanity Fair, italian edition. Goosebumps and heartbeats in our beloved bookshop and a little more money thrown in the magazine void that bites our purse for a few years already. Celebrating again and celebrations look much better with Dovile, a face we've been featuring again and again, trendy or not. She'll never make any headline again but she'll make ours forever as she just changed both our aesthetics and the way we consider a model's career. Stay where you are but keep moving us.
Aymeline Valade @ Women (Paris)
Aymeline Valade. TMSRRE-girl of this past season, sharp features and powerful gaze, grown-up beauty full of mystery - finally got a piece of her book on glossy paper in our collection. Expressive, impressive. Upside-down and always uptempo, giving us a perfect overview of her skills (in Biba by Taka Mayumi). Underrated or just following the new regular pattern of a modern model's career ? You tell us. We don't care. We're more than happy she works and it's all what matters in the end. If you're not interested by our shadowy lands of unknown faces and timeless favorites you can check Jac's first spread in Numéro on models.com, it's beautifully written and the title is the best we've read in months. Otherwise that's all, we wish you happy holidays. Just kidding...
10-12-09
One Night in Riga
We couldn't not call it One Night in Riga even if the whole event
lasted a little longer than an evening and we even spent two days just
to arrive in town through trains and buses. Ford Supermodel of the
World in Baltic countries was hosted by 2B Models, the agency who will
take care of the girls found via the contest and we already know the
level of management they can expect from the latvian boutique. Nikole
Ivanova's or Laine Rogova's debuts could be pointed as good example of
the great teamwork done so far by Ford and 2B. The girls we're
featuring here tonight are the examples we'll be able to give in one
year, for the next edition.
Megija @ 2B Models
She's in pole position and you knew it, she was featured - live from
Riga - at the beginning of last week when she won her ticket to Sao
Paulo (wolrdwide finale). The classic blonde with loads of charisma and
a quiet yet very strong gaze has certainly a bright future ahead of
her. You could tell from her pictures (both regular snaps taken during
the casting or Natalie Berezina's test shots) and we can testify she is
as striking in person. Charisma, as we said before, is often what makes
the difference.
Laura @ 2B Models
Blond as can be, with these tiny features and impish expressions, Laura
caught our attention on pictures. Something special, something
sparkling in her gaze, something delicate in her poses. All these
little things were also more or less obvious when she introduced
herself in the casting-room, walking in Megija's footsteps. Potential
is still raw and should grow as she gets older (she's only 15 but
already 5'9), attitude is untouched and she even turned out to be one
of those heartbreaking kids you want to hug right after the show.
Una @ 2B Models
The outsider. The girl with a good book, good look but that you
wouldn't call your number one at first sight. Of course we can't stop
at first sight and had to wait till the last moments to get fully aware
of Una's endless potential. Because it really is endless, we're not
just trying to be kind. Flawless walk, vivid expressions during the
casting and on the catwalk, her assets were just too strong not to make
her a favorite of ours. And keep in mind the venetian blond hair and
5'10"5 height.
Jolanta @ 2B Models
Jolanta is a girl we've been following since she entered the
competition a few months ago. From the shy young lady we saw on
pictures to the poised mademoiselle who stepped into the casting room
in Riga, her modelling skills improved fast enough to leave us
speechless. Long locks, endless 5'11 silhouette at 14-years-old only
and that lovely attitude, her beauty type seems to go a little further
away from Ford's usual standards. Or is she just another proof that
good eyes can see beyond personal tastes ?
Dzeina @ 2B Models
As we are just talking about aesthetics, Dzeina might be one of the
typical Ford-girls that have entered the contest for the best.
Capturing attention from the jurors and international scouts who did
the trip to Riga, she could easily rely on her balanced beauty from
head to toe (5'10 as well) and strong book, even made of tests only.
Marta @ 2B Models
Not the eye-catcher but the girl who may surprise you in a very good
way in let's say six month, one year, three season... a young lady with
a lot of energy, positive attitude when she's modelling and an
expressive cuteness radiating from her smile. She is one of the girls
that makes it interesting to watch development after the contest's
buzz. And add that the 17-years-old Latvia is no less than 5'9, not sky
high but enough to reach the stars sometimes.
Diana @ 2B Models
So special. Not the girl that stands out from the crowd at first look.
But simply try to keep looking in her eyes. Try again. She could break
some stones with a gaze like this. We're trying to restrain our use of
these words but she's got piercing blue eyes. For real. Not just to
tell it in a pretty way. And it's actually when she stands in front of
the camera that her power starts to rise at a higher speed: so much
presence, effortlessly. Sometimes it seemed she was here just to remind
us what modelling is first about: natural talent to look beyond great
on glossy pictures.
Kristiana @ 2B Models
Another outsider and another 5'9 teenager. Not belonging the winning
crew but certainly a girl you might be interested in following her
development. Carefully and step by step till you can't get enough. It's
actually another privilege of being at such events. You can see girls
that are ready to jump in the next plane to New York and others who are
just diamonds in the rough. Models in making that will give you high
hopes and goosebumps once their agency starts molding their books. And
Kristiana's personality is just as sweet as can be.
Alina Anna @ 2B Models
Short hair was the first reason to notice her but certainly not the
only one. You'll not forget how brilliantly she works out her haircut
but you'll get smitten by her walk, attitude and the glimpses she gives
to the audience while literally marching in the casting-room. Her young
age certainly makes these skillseven more remarkable and her looks
quickly becomes addictive. Alina is 5'9"5 and ready for her own little
victory.
Katrina Karlina @ 2B Models
Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere. Let her be a bad one
and let her go first to Sao Paulo. Then everywhere else is waiting for
her. Crow-black hair and delicate pale skin, tons of energy and huge,
classy smiles (and so on), Katrina Karlina certainly embodies the kind
of beauty Ford is striving for at the moment. So, seeing her among the
winners simply makes sense and gives you a little more faith in the
agency's vision. A unique girl with some universal appeal. Catch her if
you can...
Viola @ 2B Models
Outsider number four. She really started to get a lot of attention when
she arrived on the runway - using a large palette of expressions and
putting all her energy in her walk to create a little surprise on the
last hours of the contest. Even without that lovely performance (quite
remarkable for 14-years-old!) her first test ever and 5'10 height
already managed to get her a place among our favorites.
Aina @ 2B Models
The Lithunian with quie a Brazilian look is going to... Sao Paulo for
the finale and it's well done. First because her look is quite special
- love the golden shade of her skin and the thick eyebrows - then she
was clearly another Ford-girl able to use her beauty is several ways.
Call it versatility, talent or whatever but call her a model. Finding
her way to the finale seemed natural for her with that precious yet not
unaccessible beauty.
Egle @ 2B Models
Egle is the first model we met after we touched the latvian ground and
she's from... Lithuania. Good combo makes a nice story and good
personality gave a nice talk on our way to Natalie Berezina's studio as
Egle was getting ready for her new tests. Classic beauty with an
intellectual twist, 5'9 and looking as great on pictures as she sounded
during our convo. Hope those unforgettable memories are the start of a
bright future.
Kersti @ Baltic
The estonian winner with her green eyes and 5'9"5 height caught quite a
lot of attention and many scouts agreed they had a soft spot for her
soft look. While Megija captured the audience for her icecold charisma
or Katrina Karlina made some striking debuts relying on a rock-chick
attitude, Kersti quickly appeared as the multi-tasked model that may
fit for every situation in every location from Athens to New York. It
sometimes takes to be a pretty allrounder to become a worldwide
finalist.
Zane @ 2B Models
Last but not least, our personal favorite. Zane. Fifteen-years-old from Latvia, "playing the guitar for two years". She's not eye-catching but she's simply addictive once you start paying attention to her, trying to make her pull a smile for you. 5'8 only but ready to grow, with a touch of gentle darkness in any of her expression, she probably won't be the fastest girl to hit New York but we're simply mesmerised by the potential and eager to see how a wise development could morph her into a full-time model.
All girls who attended the even were absolutely amazing and we feel a little sorry not being able to feature everyone tonight. Though, it's the way it goes in fashion modelling even, if this time, it has more to do with the pictures quality and availability. Just felt the need to write this note, to make sure we payed the best tribute we could to all the contestants that deserved it.
Meet Nina !
Nina @ Love Model Management (Argentina)
It took five seconds or so to lovely Nina to capture our attention among the newbies from Love Management in Argentina. She's only 5'8 (174) but it didn't matter much - listen to your heart and keep her face in mind. Delicate freckles, light blue-grey eyes and this touch of freshness we always love, the 16-years-old was discovered only two months ago and already shot for Harper's Bazaar (Latin American edition). We couldn't keep her undercover any longer. We love her look and... we love Love.
09-12-09
Like a rose in the snow
Ginta Lapina @ Women (NY)
It's Ginta Lapina by Greg Kadel but it's not so Ginta by not so Kadel. It's from latest issue of Numéro but doesn't look very Numéro at first sight. It's a little revolution that brought back some smiles here at the end of the day. We never expected to see this side of Ginta. Never. As expressive as she usually is (on the runway, backstage and everywhere else), she remains pretty shy-looking in a very delicate manner, never giving too much to the camera - just enough to make you feel the urge for another story. Breaking the borders of her own photographic behavoir, breaking the codes and rules of Kadel-made atmospheres, playful from head to toe and seemingly inspired by the true Ginta (reminiscent of some runway or backstage moments, growing them out of proportions). First appearances of Ms. Lapina in the magazine, last issue of Numéro of this decade and first of next one, we're just loving some colorful crossroads at quarter past nine.
Black Sea, Red Hair
Nataliya Kom @ Art Podium (Ukraine)
Auburn hair and the freshness of slightly awkward poses were two good reasons to fall for Nataliya Kom, 15-years-old from Art Podium in Odessa, starting her career at 5'9 (175 86-60-90). Distant gaze from warm brown eyes is certainly unsuual enough to be noticed too while her swan-like neck adds a little more grace to the delicate teenager. The way might still be long for her, it's not a reason not to keep an eye on her from now on.
Die gleichen Lieder
Toni Garrn @ Joy (Milan)
Same old songs ? Sometimes. Same old reactions towards Toni Garrn's editorial performances (here by Camilla Akrans for latest German Vogue) can be read all over the internet. Lack of expressions, not enough energy or whatever, there is always something to be criticized in a model's career or book and Toni's success surely brought its full batch of negative comments as well. If we often consider critics as useless or pointless - especially when it turns into repetitive negativity, those against Toni are even more and almost always... wrong, no less. Lack of expressions ? She doesn't play, she pictures or embodies. You don't like it ? Photographers, editors and designers think it's fun to work on this and every single model doesn't have the required skills to look that effortlessly statuesque. Wax-doll at first sight with charisma in disguise. Doesn't she sound brilliant suddenly ? Then, not enough energy. "There or/and/then not there" - could be something we'd like to see more often with todays models. Distance, effortless elegance with a touch of glossy grotesque. Another aspect that should be kept in mind: how many classic beauties did really hit this level over the last seasons (especially considering this look has been more and more coveted lately) ? Not many if you think twice.
Bouncing Babies love White Chocolate
Viviane Orth @ Way (Brazil), IMG (NY)
We miss Riga, miss Vilnius but we're cheering up with some new pieces of brazilian beauty turned blonde while giving the last touch to our super Riga-special update to be released later today or tomorrow. Southern stunner just in time to forget how much we miss the North, Viviane Orth's new hairdo and unmistakable expressions seem to announce a new season which could be a new era if we think twice. Smart evolution, step by step, or bloody revolution... who knows how the fashion world is going to change in the next few months. Something in the air, something in (and about) her hair too. First time we met Viviane was quite long ago it seems, seasons back, but her beauty remains the same except her hair now and a little extra power in her expressions. Changing for the best, keeping what makes her so special. You got the formula, girl, and won't let it go. From fresh face at McQueen to (smooth) drama queen with platinum hair...
Casual Chic
Marina Serbul @ Mandarina (Romania), IMG (Paris)
Casual mood plus effortleslly elegant young lady will most likely give you the epitome of casual chic and that's exactly what happened when Marina arrived in Paris. Enjoying the perks of working in a parisian flat in front of Alexandre Brunet's camera, the dark blond sweetie took her time to enhance her palette of expressions and work out her English level before traveling. And the results are just amazing on every front. Book is getting thicker, skills are getting stronger... but this incredible freshness that caught our eyes at first sight remains untouch. For the best.
08-12-09
We've got no time we're in love, got no time to lose
Nanou Vandecruys @ Silent (Paris)
With cheekbones to fall for, jawline you may never forget and that strong, distant gaze - colder than ice - Nanou is the girl you notice within the second she enters your sight regardless it is on glossy paper, on coveted catwalks or hanging around backstage. And the world could be tossing and turning, nothing changes Silent's silent policy: no needs for words, just groundbreaking facts. Eric Guillemain, captured both the girl's appeal and the agency's strategy in one iconic shot. Isn't this all we need to know/see ?
07-12-09
Switch on the lights
Monika Vyzaite @ Supermodels (Lithuania)
People are going to run for a little more than two weeks. Then will stop during two weeks and then we'll be 2010. High and low then back again. The city is getting mad, crazy people running, running, running... and bumping into each others. Crashes and crushes, that's the point in December. Crashing into umbrellas or overloaded shopping-bags ? Enough for today. But we surely don't mind another crush before turning off the computer for the night (if only we do it). Two crushes actually as one girl can hide another. Behind Monika comes Kristina. Twins do it better, as always. On a side note: their beauty seems so obvious it rings a bell. Did we see them in a bus last week ? In dreams ? Whatever...
Kristina Vyzaite @ Supermodels (Lithuania)
The two natural blondes just arrived at Supermodels in Lithuania will most likely catch your eyes for their silhouettes as Monika scores 5'10 (178) while Kristina even hits 5'11 (180). But what we may have to add is that their shining personalities might bring them closer and faster to a bright future. Or maybe you can already feel good vibrations from the few pictures posted above. Back to our few words on current street frenzy, seems that it's getting into the office, not for the best. Our only salvation remains the newbies and the fake accoustic Depeche Mode on the radio. Reach out...
Meet Katya !
Katya Berditchevskaya @ Lily Models (Ukraine)
Blondes were in the spotlights these last days and we thought the week would start better with a brunette. Changing the beauty types but keeping the good mood. Katya from Lily Models was planned as our first one today and we're glad to introduce the green-eyed beauty from Ukraine, relying on some natural talents and a 5'9 (176 86-59-89) silhouette to catch some attention. By natural talents for modelling we mean this laid-back look on polaroids and, even more, her ability to go from sensual poses to geeky expressions, working out huge glasses as easily as lingerie. Quite useful for ediorial works...
06-12-09
Get out of the shell !
Miriama Becikova @ Elite (Prague/Bratislava)
Already Monday ? No, still Sunday... But there are definitely new faces we remember faster than others, girls that catch our eyes within the first second we see their book and we can't get them out of our head. One of the last time this happened was when discovered Romana Umrianova. Wait a minute... you're right, a girl from Elite just like Miriama. Blond hair and blue eyes have never looked that unusual (as odd as it seems) than on her face. We guess it's a matter of features and delicate expressions that are actually the only criterias for a newbie to stand out from the crowd. For sure, her 5'10 (178) height doesn't hurt as well and the careful development given by Elite keeps her book on the right slope, adding quality tearsheets on a good pace to make her ready to get out of her shell. More on Miriama, soon.
Relax, Baby, Everything will turn out fine...
Shall we call it a soft comeback or simply admit that modelling careers are going high then low, easy come-easy go, these days ? We'd go for the second option without hesitating. Things aren't as linear as they could seem before, careers are getting more complicated to follow and almost every single model has to choose between her work and school duties at least two times a year. When you put all these criterias together, it becomes impossible to judge if a girl is really on the right slope or not. You can take a deep breath, run on Prada's catwalk then disappear in the shadows for the next eighteen months. And come back, a smile upon your face as if you had left just the day before. It's tricky but we can't help: we love it.
Marcelina Sowa is certainly one of these girls who saw her career going out of the beaten tracks after impressing everbody with brilliant beginnings (Vogue Paris, John Galliano and on and on). Out of the beaten tracks doesn't necessarily mean that she went away for good, though. Taking less obvious ways, changing things, adjusting and popping up again. Making us happy to see each new piece, leaving people who watch her career hungry for the next glossy pages to be released. A comeback in L'Officiel Paris looks like a brand new start, treated like the freshest newbie again. Playing the Gulliver-girl in front of Harri Peccinotti's camera, the story is simple yet strange. As almost every spread in the magazine. Perfect to picture her whole career, actually.
Marcelina Sowa @ Model+ (Poland)
We would have been seriously thrilled with one editorial but we quickly found out that Marcelina has a second one in this week's French Elle. In spite of a funny paper quality, the story is beyond lovely in the way it uses her best strength. Put her in a playful world and leave her exactly how she naturally is: dreamy yet always looking very serious. Almost melancholic on some pages, close to impish on another. Marcelina has got this unique ability to model underwear the same way as Haute Couture, giving to chic a new meaning. Quiet, poised. Relaxed ? We thought it was a lovely story for a Sunday afternoon.
05-12-09
Quintessentially Morwenna
Morwenna @ Premier (London)
Seems like today's topic is tall strawberry-blondes: Morwenna is 5'10"5 (179) and got warm blond locks to remember as well. We're usually not fond of December holidays but we surely don't mind some present in advance like the polas above. Currently in London (quite the place to be for a quintessentially british girl), we should stay tuned for more of those playfully melancholic (!!) gazes she gives to the camera. Half laid-back, half dramatic and dreamy all the way, her portfolio reached our inbox this week among a high-profile package but was the one who caught most of our attention. In town and in shape, gently rocking our Saturday morning... guess we'll be swinging until new eve, trying to keep our mood as light-hearted as possible but looking to the future pretty seriously.
