What do Natalie Joos, Andrew Weir, Michelle Lee, James Scully, and Ashley Brokaw, all have in common? This talented group are the masterminds behind the casting of runway shows for the likes of Zac Posen, Yigal Azrouel, Thankoon, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Hererra, Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, and Rag & Bone, to name but a few. The job of determining which newcomers will rise from obscurity to become the most coveted faces of the season is a nearly implausible task. The Cut probes Joos et al. for their tips on who will be this seasons breakthrough models.
 |
| Valerija Sestic Photographer - Unknown Source - thefashionspot.com |
Switzerland's Valerija Sestic is of Croatian descent and is high on casting agent Michelle Lee's must have list, "Works a striking dichotomy - while very young and fresh, she also has a domineering quality reminiscent of a young Cordula Reyer."
 |
| Beegee Margenyte Image courtesy of Supreme Models Source - thefashionspot.com |
Lithuanian stunner Beegee Magenyte is represented by Supreme Model Management and has casting maestro James Scully backing her as this season's face to watch, "This is only Beegee's first full season, but she enters the shows with the pedigree of having banked future editorials with Carine Roitfeld and Mario Testino. I expect her to be a hit right from the beginning of the week."
With a Prada campaign under her belt before having set foot on an international catwalk, Kelly Mittendorf is destined for super success. Casting agent Natalie Joos concurs; "She has a more than intriguing look, with slanted wider-set eyes, a full head of curly chestnut hair, and a big smile at all times. Kelly, a proud American girl from Arizona who can be seen in the new Prada Ads, is sure to shoot straight to the top this season."
 |
| Kelly Mittendorf Photographer - Unknown Source - thefashionspot.com |
With a Prada campaign under her belt before having set foot on an international catwalk, Kelly Mittendorf is destined for super success. Casting agent Natalie Joos concurs; "She has a more than intriguing look, with slanted wider-set eyes, a full head of curly chestnut hair, and a big smile at all times. Kelly, a proud American girl from Arizona who can be seen in the new Prada Ads, is sure to shoot straight to the top this season."
 |
| Xiao Wen Ju Photographer - Unknown Source - models.com |
The buzz surrounding Chinese model Xiao Wen Ju from IMG Models is palpable and with casting agent Ashley Brokaw in her court, its no wonder. "A season under her belt has done wonders for her confidence. She has great presence when she walks and her face is divine. Xiao doesn't look like anyone else out there."
 |
| Julia Frauche Photographer - Unknown Source - models.com |
Also getting the nod from casting maestro James Scully, is French newcomer Julia Frauche who is represented by Next Model Management, "My underdog of the season, she is a dead ringer for Raquel Zimmerman, who in my opinion is the ultimate chameleon with one of the best bodies in the business. Julia reminds me so much of Raquel when she started out, so I'm curious to see how her season goes. I, for one, will definitely be using her."
 |
| Senait Image courtesy of Elmer Olsen models Source - thef-list.blogspot.com |
Canadian newcomer Senait is represented by IMG Models in New York and is another of Michelle Lee's favourite new faces, "She has an undeniable classic beauty, and a lovely personality to match."
 |
| Gertrud Hegelund Photographer - Unknown Source - models.com |
IMG Models Gertrud Hegelund is the baby sister of model Agnete. With a current Louis Vuitton campaign is rotation, Gertrud according to Natalie Joos is destined to be amongst tis seasons most wanted. "Getrud hails from Sweden and is the younger sister of Agnete. I booked her for a Turkish Vogue editorial that came out a few months ago. She's super tall and regal, and a little bit of an enigma, and she's being kept very exclusive."
 |
| Ilse de Boer Photographer - Unknown Source - models.com |
The wave of Dutch models continues with Andrew Weir's pick, Ilse de Boer represented by IMG Models. "Ilse has a powerful combination of features, making her one of the strongest faces I have seen in a long time."