13-11-09
Eight Days to Countdown
Scouting goes from "get discovered by chance at your local shopping-mall" to "be seen, be signed - rush to worlwide events". Usually we're more focused on street-scouting and lucky discoveries, we still enjoy the charms of the good-old way to find new talents. But contests have definitely started to take their own place in our heart as another reliable process of discovering models after attending a couple of them at a small-town level. A good way not to overlook anyone and when they are run by high-profile agencies, they become a scout's best weapon and a good experience to any girl (with potential, of course) striving for a career as a model.
Here we go: Ford's famous Supermodel of the World and the show takes place in two of the most iconic US cities on the same day - New York and Los Angeles. Two cities, one day, one winner. The formula sounds great, catchy. So, all we can say today is to save the date, Saturday, November 21st 2009 then eight days to countdown. And if you're leggy enough, living in the US and ready to go, here is the link to register. Then, who knows what's going to happen. Maybe you'll be featured on our page like Jacquelyn was. Later... or soon.
Raw
Margo Bushueva @ Ford (Paris)
Photographers' way to describe the models they worked with is always interesting and inspiring. What do they think and why do they like a girl more than the previous one, what makes her suddenly a better model and who do they want to shoot with next time. We featured Alexandre Brunet's story published in Dedicate a few weeks ago, including a few pictures of his favorite - Stella Maxwell. Time went by and time brought him another favorite in front of his camera: Margo Bushueva. A girl who's got a vibe. We know how easy it is to write such words and how lame it turns out to be when there is not thoughts and no vision behind. But in Margo's case, there is definitely more than pretty words. Pictures speak for themselves like in a short movie. Scene after scene, we discovered Margo (5'11"5 - 179) in motion, as raw as possible. Just her, just her looks and attitudes, no fancy stuff and no added promises. We guess this owes to be called "a vibe".
Shiny, shiny
Jasmine Yan @ Elite (NY)
Second time here for Jasmine, brand new but already a favorite. We first focused on her incredible ability to express emotions on raw pictures (Jonathan Leder is a maestro for that), this time it will be her soft and subtle features only and with a slightly more elaborated styling. Still nothing but Jasmine, despite the city background and the sleek, sunny day aesthetic. Yorick Nube certainly knows how to picture both harmony and/then drama out of casual atmospheres and does it in his own delicate manner. Not hard to understand Jasmine was the perfect model of the situation.
12-11-09
Way ahead of the game
Hind Sahli @ DNA (NY), Elite (Paris), Elite (Milan), Elite (London)
It's been a little while since we introduced Hind a few months ago with a couple of polaroids and her first tests done in Paris before summer. And we've been relentlessly thinking of doing an update on her as her book started to grow, she made a stop by New York signing with DNA and finally started her career with a beautiful first season there. First class shows piled up day after day from BCBG to 3.1 Philip Lim via Philosophy, Lacoste, Max Azria and Vera Wang. Then things seemed slightly slower...
This being said, a first season in Paris which includes Hussein Chalayan and Kenzo (by Antonio Marras) is always good to add to any model's portfolio, regardless of what people consider as being the avant garde of the city. These two never failed bringing us the good surprises and the breeze of fresh air one needs during a whole week of fashion shows in the City of Lights. And you might know it now: we always prefer girls that are promising for being who they are than the latest talk of the town.
Next step in Hind's career has a similar taste. Nothing astonishing, just Biba. We're not going to dive into that topic again - we know it isn't Vogue. But we don't care. After all, wasn't Biba one of the first magazines worldwide to publish editorials featuring Lakshmi Menon ? Way ahead of the game. The story shot by Takao Oshima (styled by Delphine Pavy) is pretty simple: silk, velvet, white background... and Hind.
Acting in English
Gaia Weiss @ Just WM (Paris)
Born and raised in Paris with French and Polish roots, Gaia seems to be another of those precious discoveries that only Eskimo knows how to find. Another one and another completely different one, with a lovely story behind her modeling career and a look that playfully goes back and forth between classic and rock'n'roll. It becomes even more interesting when you know both are heavily related, her look starts where her story brought her when she fell in love with London after being a perennial fan of The Beatles.
Bringing back with her a little vibe from Saint James Park in her eyes like others would bring postcards in their luggage. Facts say she's 5'11 (180) and nobody will ever complain but her face screams poetry and grace (might be from her experience as a classic dancer and theatre performer) - her true strength as a model. And even beyond modeling actually as she's taking some acting lessons now. In English, of course.
Wanted: Kirsti
Kirsti Vill @ EMA (Estonia)
She came to us within the same package as Marilin and Brit, two others promising young ladies from EMA in Estonia but we thought it was better to wait a little longer for Kirsti. Seems we weren't that wrong as she's now ready to go to Tokyo with Donna Models while she added a few more centimeters to reach 173. Still smaller than the average model but such an unusual face, fresh look and, after all, young age were also to things to keep in mind. Delicate features yet already quite a laid-back attitude on her pictures - not bad for someone just getting used to the camera.
10-11-09
And the Operator said...
Manuela Lazic @ New York Models (NY)
... 40 cents more or it's over. Love the phone and the vintage vibe we get from it. Reminds us of that day in our childhood when they suddenly replaced coins by cards in public phones. Didn't expect to get that blast from the past from one of the freshest faces and we really don't mind the contrast on each picture by Mark Wimberly. Looks like the first time Manuela has to play a role, other than too obvious ones, and truth is she gets even much more powerful this way. Not only cute and fresh, intense as well. Already a part of recent modeling history with her sister Elena (both started with Elite Paris, got nice jobs and even a Moschino Cheap & Chic campaign), Manuela is getting ready to spread her wings and fly higher, carefully groomed by New York Models.
Growing and Glowing
Valerie Van De Graaf @ SPS (The Netherlands)
It's just a short update but still a milestone in Valerie's career. Needless to repeat the whole story again, we've been featuring her once per week lately and you might get our point on a shy girl who recently started to blossom. In front of cameras and everywhere else. Interesting fact arrived from Paris where she shot with photographer Jonathan Segade (nice to feature his work again!) . For many girl, many models and especially blond ones, this styling and atmosphere would have looked too much. Not for Valerie. She just managed to make this series epic, fresh, plenty of humor. Glowing.
09-11-09
Meet Nastya !
Nastya Smerechevskaya @ Image Discovery (Ukraine)
Monday morning. Same coffee in the same bright orange plastic mug. Back on tracks with a topic we've been brewing all day yesterday, Nastya. Image Discovery's latest discovery is slightly atypic for various reasons. First of all, maybe because she's got some typical Eastern European features - cat's eyes and feline expressions, flawless skin and so on. Same old story ? Not really, not only at least. There is some potential in this girl that joyfully crosses geographical boundaries. Like this innate sense of poses, that love story with the camera from the first digital session on.
The reason why it took us so long to write such a little piece on Nastya (5'9"5 - 177) is mostly likely due to the strange atmosphere and styling of her pictures. How to handle that unusual way to present polaroids, supposed to be as neutral as regular. Nothing but the girl should catch the attention on those and it actually does despite of these quirky prints on her outfit, quirky fabric on her second outfit etc. Nastya's got enough power to outshine everything around and on her. Does the words "her face screams potential" ring a bell to you ?
05-11-09
Portraying Potential
Karina @ Image Discovery (Ukraine)
We love the atmosphere of today. For several reasons but one of them has to be the joyful mix of DIY pictures from mother agencies all over the world using style as their best new weapon to promote their newest finds and girls doing their first (or second) steps in magazines as big as Vogue Italia. Between the two, there might be only a tiny bridge we could name creativity. Innovation all the way, from the quirky digitals taken at the agency's offices to how a newbie handles her first serious editorials and makes her marks in the spotlights. It's not what you do, it's how you do it. Or how to fit some standards and be different at the same time.
After Mandarina twice in two days, we thought Image Discovery could be another good example of how mother agencies from countries like Romania, Ukraine or anywhere else outside Paris, NY and London, can raise their level of creativity when it comes to make the difference. New faces' portfolios can be just a set of polaroids - when the girl has enough potential, response from fashion capitals is just as fast as can be. But when the turnover rate is as high as today, when good agencies do their good work everywhere in the world, having basics in your rosters doesn't always highlight your efforts the right way.
We introduced Karina a few weeks ago and those digitals would have been enough to keep the expectations sky-high till she signs somewhere in Paris, NY or Milan and gets actual A-level work. Though, as her new pictures arrived yesterday and provided they bring some extra information on Karina's potential, we decided it's time for a little update (turned bigger than expected). The atmosphere suits her expressions if it's not her expressions that sets the mood. Ukrainian kitsch spread all over the series through a few fancy accessories balanced by some classy black and white. Pure portraits.
Don't you see these tears we cry are tears of joy ?
Melodie Dagault @ Marilyn (NY)
Besides Rianne's revival by Steven Meisel for the second issue in a row, Vogue Italia brought us a few more nice surprises for November. Nothing truly special happened over all the whole magazine though it's where you'll see one of the most sensational beauty story of the year. No less and that's enough to dedicate a few lines to it. Emma Summerton behind the lens and four girls we wish we could see more often, the formula works and even rocks.
First of all, Melodie Dagault. We were still hungry after her recent spread in Numéro and we're glad to see something that striking after waiting eagerly for the next piece. Opening the ball with her usual epic and dramatic yet sensitive and subtle moods, Melodie delivers something hard to describe with words. Easy to feel, though. Tears of joy, first part.
Alexa Yudina @ Women (NY)
All-time favorite of ours since her first polas and first tests, Alexa took her time before turning into a true editorial girl. Took some gorgeous test shots more than anything else (Erica Shires among the unforgettable ones) and a few safe runway appearances to complete that career in making. Subtle shade of blonde (true venitian, isn't it ?) and subtle features from forehead to chin, distant gaze lost in her dreams and body language that says a lot but never tells too much. Like a silent movie actress in a futurist mood. Did it once again. Tears of joy, part two.
Janete Friedrich @ One (NY)
Orange bright in black and white. Sounds like a lovely deal again. Again in Vogue Italia. One's Brazilian darling keep her editorial roster at the highest level after walking for Rad Hourani twice (not that we support the concept of exclusive, simply that the designer loves her and keeps his faith). Photographers keep their faith in Janete too and she doesn't seem to let them down. Results just above. Tears of joy, part three.
Hanna Rundlof @ Marilyn (NY)
Too rare. Too precious ? By saying this we're either so right or too specious. But truth is that we would love to see a little more of Hanna in magazines since we fell in love with her attitude and talent (very photogenic, anytime) in Paris Fall Winter 2009-10. Time goes by but freshness remains and talent is not about to fade away. Hanna might be the perfect one to complete and even balance that lovely casting, adding that down-to-earth sweetness coming from her otherwordly features (opposites breeding each others, amazing). Tears of joy, part four. Last but not least. All scans from Vogue Italia November 2009 by the one and only Diciassette(17).
Secret Weapons
Oana Timerman @ Mandarina (Romania)
We seriously can't get enough of Oana, of these moods she brings to her pictures. But who could ? Who could overlook her classic-beauty-with-a-twist and wonderful palette of expressions ? Who couldn't get caught loving her fragile intensity and striking versatility on yesterday's pictures ? We have doubts someone couldn't at least be intrigued and willing to know more about her. And truth is that she could be one of most coveted girls currently at Mandarina Models, especially with the recent rush to Romania during the current scouting trips. With a vintage touch and a true DIY-vibe, Oana's latest digitals are as many new secret weapons added to her portfolio. Well, not that secret anymore as you can check them live right now (taken yesterday afternoon). But Mandarina surely have some more, waiting to be developed and discovered.
Meet Katerina !
Katerina Kopova @ Bohemia (Czech Republic)
Fresh, fresh, fresh. And even fresher than fresh, Katerina, 15-years-old is just beginning and has that über-fresh look of the girls just starting at the minute. But don't get fooled by it to easily, there is already that unique ability to express emotions, from serious to ethereal to laid-back moods, on her first tests from Bohemia Model Management. The camera loves her and that's often the first requirement to fulfil to start a career as a model. Add to this a naturally modelesque silhouette and a height of no less than 5'10 (178 85-61-90). Worth to watch and worth to keep in mind, this early bird is almost ready to fly.
04-11-09
Technique and Inspiration
Oana Timerman @ Mandarina (Romania)
Mandarina Models as the new masters of headscarf styling ? Why not. At least, they can already count a few masterpieces with Oana's latest digitials. The idea is brilliant for two reasons mostly. First of all, the styling suits her so well as it shows a very different side of her potential. Hence our idea to put a few ones with her hair on her shoulders to compare and watch the obvious: she's versatile enough to go from one character to the other by a simple change of hairdo. From strong, classic beauty to an ethereal, edgy creature. Genius. Second point is pretty similar to first in the fact it's another good way to highlight her potential. The emphasis it puts on her features - emerald eyes, incredible cheekbones, impeccable skin, fierce yet distant expression - is precious and even priceless. The technique itself is pretty interesting: refined styling tips combined to the least fancy way to take pictures ever. Results speak for themselves and Oana keeps getting more and more attention each day.
Blue Cats love the Carpet outside, We just love Ksenia
Ksenia Malanova @ Eskimo (Russia), Women (Milan)
Here she comes again. We introduced Ksenia Malanova, Eskimo's brightest Russian jewel, back in July of this year and wanted to celebrate her first steps in Milan with Women. Many new pictures. Updated polaroids, various new tests. Discovering brand new sides of an endless potential. We knew she was talented and that such a beauty is priceless. We didn't know how far this could go and how much the camera would love her. Got the answer from every angle in every possible style. Still raw and focused on her face and expressions with no added promise. From sleek black and white to the most simple shot in white tank-top, Ksenia delivers unique pictures, using that precious piercing gaze of hers to capture our attention. She's 17 and as you've probably noticed from every picture above, she's got perfect proportions besides that limitless potential. The hardest part of our work was to pick the pics... there was twice as many of the same quality left in her portfolio.
Where we go, where we don't, where we're lost and found
Anastasia Krivosheeva @ Women Direct (NY), Ksenia Kahnovich @ IMG (NY)
Time goes by. Too fast and too slow at the same... time! Too sweet, too harsh. Always wrong as it seems but life is a neverending imperfection for whoever is striving for his own vision, lost somewhere then found exactly on the opposite path. Pictures can take us away from that quest (sometimes close to nonsense), pictures relax us and brought some new questions on the table. The same picture can be delightful and painful at the same time as we can't see them through the present moment's lens. We watch them with the past sweetness and the bitterness of any lost moment. Praising for it to come back, knowing it won't. Fear of the future with a teaspoon of exicitement calling for a second one. Pictures bring troubles. Thanks to pictures. Thanks a lot.
Stylist Peju Famojure recently worked on the October issue of L'Officiel Maroc (as the name tells you it's the Moroccan version of L'Officiel) and shared with us the results of that story shot by Stephanie McNiel and Alexey Yurenev (not the first time we heard of these two, in a very good way). Models are Anastasia Krivosheeva - too rare yet always precious - and Ksenia Kahnovich, also too rare somehow. The atmosphere is out of this world or belongs to an unexplored part of it, where our feet never saw the color of the ground (yes, yes feet can see). Out of time and on some picture even out of tune. In any beautiful melodys, lyrics are wrong. Always. It's not a curse, it's the only way to reach your ears. Sometimes you've got the feeling what you can't see seems mysterious. Wrong - it's what you see who is really mysterious. The light, not the shadows. Shadows are just shadows.
Long live L'Officiel Maroc, any magazine able to give us goosebumps like this at 9.30am between the first and the second coffee of the day belongs to the ones we want everywhere on our tables and shelves.
03-11-09
Ungaro Girl
Jovana Culjkovic @ Just WM (Paris)
She's seventeen and 5'11 (180), she's Jovana at WM and... she's the mysterious newbie who walked for Ungaro Spring Summer 2010 one month ago. Remember the elegant silhouette, the aura of mystery, the soft dark vibe of her look ? We can't imagine you forgot but, in case, you still can fall in love seeing her polas from Paris. Laid-back yet still dramatic - deep green eyes with a touch of sweet melancholy, Jovana got quite a coveted spot for a start but we believe she's already more than a shooting star passing by. She'll be back soon and when we say soon it can always be sooner than expected. If later, it can only be stronger.
Just can't stop (all around the world)
Valerie Van Der Graaf @ SPS (The Netherlands)
We already told you the story. The young and shy Valerie who, little by little yet faster than expected, turned into a true model using hundred percent of her potential. We already told you but, as in every beautiful story, a brand new and as much beautiful chapter is getting written again. After making her (strong) marks in towns like Paris and especially Milan, Valerie is rocking London (with Select) with the same might. Blond hair and thick brown eyebrows work everywhere, sweet and intense expressions tune everything.
Meet Charlotte !
Charlotte @ Modelwerk (Germany)
We promised you yesterday evening that you'll wake up here with new faces. As promised, here is Charlotte. Coffee has never smelled as good as in a bright fluo orange plastic-glass and you can feel the mood getting lighter in the offices. Who else than a flawless 5'10"5 young lady can warm up the atmosphere on a cold Tuesday morning in November ? If you've got another answer than Charlotte, we beg you to send it (her?) to us by mail.
We heard about some fantastic newbies at Modelwerk when we were in Paris last month. Wasn't hard to believe as many from our favorite Germans are from the model factory in Hamburg (think Theresa Genth, Isabelle Sauers or more recently Siri Laude and Tamina). Girls that anyone abroad would pray to sign with his agency. Charlotte's kind, exactly: soft and sweet with a strong gaze that immediately pops up on pictures. Even on polas. Expressive eyes that look straight at the camera, leaving no time to escape from their magic. Too new to say anything as her agency told us ? Seems that we've already written a lot. That's what happens when someone sends us inspiring new faces.
02-11-09
Soon we’ll be home but we don’t know if you will too
Ginta Lapina @ Women (NY)
Sweet music, early hours of the night. Bright colors and delicate shades. Ginta in Flair. We wish Ginta everywhere, everyday but just get delighted every single time she appears. Expected or unexpected, enough to keep our love alive, still rare and precious. Ginta by Beau Grealy who shot some of our most cherished editorials of the last two years, who catches his characters like only few can do and sets atmosphere with the same talent. It's quite simple, it's quite striking, it's quite stunning. Like Ginta. Found in Latvia a few times ago by Dandy Models - what do they have in stores right now ? Dreaming of baby Gintas and the next Ieva Laguna. Love Latvia. Dreaming. Tomorrow we'll wake up with new faces again. Sorry for those who missed them here. Italian Flair was scanned by the one and only Blackangel41999.
