Dutch model Bette Franke, who has been modelling since 2003, was the big surprise package of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Franke, a runway veteran at age twenty-two, left a gaggle of newcomers quivering in her wake during her, wait for it, 54 runway appearances for the likes of Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Chloé, Chanel, DSquared2, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Oscar de la Renta, Hermés, and Jil Sander amongst others.
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| Bette Franke Australian Harpers Bazaar - January 2012 Photographer - Benny Horne |
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| Australian Harpers Bazaar - January 2012 Photographer - Benny Horne |
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| Australian Harpers Bazaar - January 2012 Photographer - Benny Horne Source - fashiongonerogue.com |
Over the course of her modelling career, Franke has not only been a regular fixture on the international catwalk circuit but has also gained significant editorial exposure in publications including British Harpers Bazaar, Italian Flair, W, V Magazine and in the Japanese, British, German, Italian and French editions of Vogue. Campaign appearances throughout 2006 and 2007 for Hugo by Hugo Boss, Max & Co., Celine, Blumarine, Oscar de la Renta, cK Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and Lacoste suggested that Franke would continue to ascend the rungs of the modelling ladder.
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| US Harpers Bazaar - September 2011 Photographer - Camilla Akrans |
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| US Harpers Bazaar - September 2011 Photographer - Camilla Akrans Source - models.com |
I have had my eye on Franke's evolution over the past eight years and have always thought of her as a beautiful, sweet looking kid. As happens all too often with models having started out so young, interest in Franke began to wane from 2008 and her editorial and show options slowly dwindled. In 2010, Franke took an extended break from the international show circuit only to reemerge at the Spring/Summer 2012 collections with a renewed vigour and a sensual, womanly allure that shed her in a completely new light.
Franke not only looks sensational but she also exudes a confidence and sense of knowing that perhaps this is now her time to fulfil her true potential. I am certain that in 2012, Franke will be turning up in blue chip editorials and campaigns everywhere as fashion editors, casting agents, stylists and photographers clamour for a piece of fashion's "newest" star.
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| Polaroid courtesy of Why Not Models Source - thefashionspot.com |
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| Roland Mouret - S/S 2012 Photographer - Yannis Vlamos |
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| Alexander Wang - S/S 2012 Photographer - Yannis Vlamos |
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| Barbara Bui - S/S 2012 Photographer - Alessandro Viero |
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| Isabel Marant - S/S 2012 Photographer - Yannis Vlamos |
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| Nina Ricci - S/S 2012 Photographer - Yannis Vlamos |
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| Calvin Klein - S/S 2012 Photographer - Filippo Fior All runway images courtesy of style.com |