Super Contenders

Joseph Altuzarra's Paris meets Marrakech collection was brought to life on the runway by an extraordinarily beautiful group of newcomers. Last season's breakthrough faces Sui He, Nyasha Matonhodze, Xiao Wen Ju and Julia Frauche led the charge alongside some clear contenders for the current Fall/Winter 2012 collections. With only a few more days left of New York Fashion Week, Kati Nescher, Maria Bradley, Marte Mei Van Haaster, Nadine Ponce, Nadja Bender and Ava Smith have clocked serious runway mileage at only the most influential, trendsetting shows. From Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, Helmut Lang, Jason Wu and BCBG Max Azria, one thing is clear a new generation of models is primed to takeover with equal measures of attitude and beauty.

Sui He
Altuzarra - Fall/Winter 2012
Photographer - Marcus Tondo
Source - style.com

Nadine Ponce

Ava Smith

Julia Frauche

Maria Bradley

Kati Nescher

Nyasha Matonhodze

Nadja Bender

Marte Mei van Haaster

Xiao Wen Ju
Altuzarra - Fall/Winter 2012
Photographer - Marcus Tondo
Source - style.com

Curve Ball

Hervé Leger's Fall/Winter 2012 presentation featured a refreshing line-up of models that kept me guessing with each turn on the runway. Generally each season, you get used to seeing the same predictable groupings of models traipsing down the runways, so much so that it all starts to become a little staid. Not so at Hervé Leger, thanks to the brilliant casting of duo Barbara Nicoli and Leila Ananna who were on the lookout for models with a "straight forward kind of beauty". The only familiar faces on hand at Hervé Leger were models on somewhat of a comeback trail like Kendra Spears, Elsa Sylvan, Yulia Kharlapanova, Irina Kulikova, Ginta Lapina and Marike LeRoux. Citing "eighties glamour" as a reference point, Nicoli and Ananna threw models du jour, Shu Pei Qin, Jasmine Tookes, Kate King, Emily Baker, Julia Frauche, Jacquelyn Jablonski and Juju Ivanyuk into the mix alongside brand spanking newcomers, Tilda Lindstam, Carolina Thaler, Katryn Kruger, Lina Zhang, Nadine Ponce, Sharam Diniz, Daniela Mirzac and Mackenzie Drazan. The combined effect was a line-up which captivated, enthralled and intrigued as much as the Leger's equestrian themed signature bandage dresses.

Tilda Lindstam
Hervé Leger - F/W 2012

Carolina Thaler

Amanda Ware

Katryn Kruger

Julia Frauche

Elsa Sylvan

Lina Zhang

Juju Ivanyuk

Shu Pei Qin

Emily Baker

Daniela Mirzac

Jasmine Tookes

Nadine Ponce

Sharam Diniz
Hervé Leger - F/W 2012
Photographer -
Source - style.com

Better With Age

Hot on the heels of Saskia de Brauw and Aymeline Valade comes twenty three year old classic French beauty Julia Frauche. Frauche was the standout star of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections in September with "who's that girl" appearances at Calvin Klein, Altuzarra, Jason Wu, Reed Krakoff, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Celine, Balenciaga, Chanel, Chloé, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Marni. With a show list that reads like the who's who of the fashion elite, you could be forgiven for assuming that Frauche was yet another overnight modelling success story. Scouted at the age of sixteen in the south of France, Frauche had zero interest in modelling and was focused instead on her education. Upon graduation, Frauche relocated to Paris to attend college and was approached again to model. It was at this time that Frauche chose to give modelling a try.  

Intermission - December 2011
Photographer - Greg Harris
Source - models.com

Dazed & Confused - January 2012
Photographer - Yelena Yemchuk
Source - models.com

Intermission - December 2011
Photographer - Greg Harris
Source - models.com

Following five years of grunt modelling, scraping by with commercial editorial work and money jobs to pay the bills, Frauche switched representation to Next Model Management and decided to give the show circuit one final shot. In an interview with the Cut, Frauche explains "I have been doing this job for five years and I was like, "Okay this is my last chance. I'm going to try the shows and this is going to be the last time for me." The gamble paid off, with Frauche charming casting agents and designers with her mature outlook and womanly allure. Dubbed "baby Raquel" by casting agent James Scully for her likeness to Brazilian supermodel Raquel Zimmermann, Frauche is self-effacing in spite of the buzz surrounding her new found success. Speaking again with the Cut, Frauche recalls "This season, everyone was like, "Oh you're baby Raquel." But it's a really good compliment for me; I'm really happy about it because I love her. She's beautiful, and I hear she's nice, too."

US Vogue - January 2011
Photographer - Mariano Vivanco
Source - thefashionspot.com

Julia Frauche & Olivier Rousteing
US Vogue - January 2011
Photographer - Mariano Vivanco
Source - thefashionspot.com

Frauche has since landed on the pristine pages of American Vogue, Paris Vogue, German Vogue, Dazed & Confused, Intermission, and French Numero, displaying an insouciance and a versatility that women of all ages can relate to. The recent success stories of models well into their twenties, like Kati Nescher and Frauche, heralds a shift in the fashion paradigm towards models that women can identify with rather than a fifteen year old playing dress-ups. As Frauche reveals succinctly to the Cut, "I was a really shy person when I started, so it took time for me to learn how to communicate with people. I learned by travelling, being by myself all the time. I'm more mature now and I know what I want to do." It is this confidence and innate sense of self, coupled with a beauty that is mesmerising which will have Frauche marked as one of the definitive models of the next generation.

US Vogue - February 2012
Photographer - Raymond Meier
Source - thefashionspot.com

US Vogue - February 2012
Photographer - Raymond Meier
Source - thefashionspot.com

Numero - November 2011
Photographer - Liz Collins
Source - models.com

Numero - November 2011
Photographer - Liz Collins
Source - models.com

Sitting Pretty

Casting and Management Company, Confessions of a Casting Director (COACD) is my ultimate resource for polaroid shots of modelling's newest talent. Based in New York, COACD's advertising client roster includes Levis, Uniqlo, Diesel, Adidas, Macy's and Neiman Marcus. A favourable impression on casting guru Douglas Perrett and his team at COACD, can land a model in the pages of Mixte, Dazed & Confused, Wonderland, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Interview and Love Magazine.

Emily Didonato

Karo Mrozkova

Karlina Caune

Maud Welzen

Calandra Stavroudis

Mackenzie Drazan

Estée

Julia Frauche

Josephine Skriver

Kelly Mittendorf

Maria Bradley

Ophelie Rupp

Daga Ziober
All images courtesy of COACD

NYFW - Top Ten Breakthrough Models

With New York Fashion Week drawing to a close, the task of compiling my list of Top Ten Breakthrough Faces for the Spring/Summer 2012 NYFW season has proven to be arduous. The ten models listed in this post are all undeniably beautiful and blessed with an exquisite physicality. What these models possess however which has been lacking in seasons past is personality and a distinct focus on individual beauty. Take a gander and let me know if you agree with my selection or if you think I have overlooked one of your own favourites.

1. Josefien Rodermans

Dutch sensation Josefien Rodermans was a vision of pure loveliness as she opened and closed for Calvin Klein on the final day of New York Fashion Week. The 180 cm tall beauty is represented by Women Model Management and possesses a tough yet endearing insouciance which is reminiscent of Freja Beha Erichsen. With a Calvin Klein exclusive under her belt, Rodermans looks poised for a stellar season ahead.

Josefien Rodermans
Photographer - Ingmar Sannes
Source - ingmarsannes.blogspot.com

Too darn hot
Photographer - Unknown
Source - models.com

Calvin Klein S/S 12
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

2. Karolina Waz

Poland's Karolina Waz blitzed an imposing trail through New York Fashion Week with her star turning opening slots at BCBG Max Azria and Marc by Marc Jacobs, as well as her appearances at Cushnie et Ochs, Doo Ri, Thakoon, Band of Ousiders, Carlos Miele, Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Elie Tahari and Ports 1961. Represented by Ford Models, Waz has industry pundits fawning over her pristine beauty and illuminating runway presence.

Karolina Waz
Photographer - Ryan Kalivrentonos
Source - ryankalivretenosphotographytumblr.com

BCBG Max Azria - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

3. Cora Emmanuel

Cora Emmanuel is the surprise package of New York's Fashion Week. Discovered at the 2008 Elite Model Look of the Year, Emmanuel failed to place within the top 25 competitors. Now represented by NY Model Management, Emmanuel true star potential is being realised with riveting appearances at Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Elie Tahari, Edun, J. Crew and Tommy Hilfiger. The Martinique-born native stands at  180 cm and possesses the kind of bone structure and gazelle-like dimensions that model agents dream of.

Cora Emmanuel
Photographer - Ryan Kalivretonos
Source - ryankalivretenousphotographytumblr.com

Alexander Wang - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

Edun - S/S 2012
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

4. Valerija Sestic

Fifteen year old Swiss model Valerija Sestic charmed her way through New York Fashion Week with her felinesque features, beguiling presence and adorable personality. Represented by Women Model Management, Sestic is 176 cm in height and owes her exotic looks to her Croatian heritage. Sestic  was ubiquitous during New York Fashion Week, walking for BCBG Max Azria, Rag & Bone, Doo Ri, Prabal Gurung, DKNY, Y-3, Carolina Herrera, Mar by Marc Jacobs, Herve Leger, Tory Burch, Rodarte, Oscar de la Renta, Theysken's Theory, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ports 1961 and Philosophy.

Valerija Sestic
Photographer - Tibi Clenci
Source - thefashionspot.com

Prabal Gurung - S/S 2012
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com

BCBG - S/S 2012
Source - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

5. Cris Urena

Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Cris Urena's sophisticated beauty coupled with a killer physique and diligent work ethic has the fashion industry in raptures. Represented by New York Model Management, nineteen year old Urena brought her trademark sizzle to the runways of Herve Leger, Band of Outsiders, Ruffian, Rachel Roy, Elie Tahari and Peter Som. Urena possesses that rare mix of high fashion moxie and girl next door appeal which will make her an attractive option for a broad spectrum of clients.

Cris Urena
Image courtesy of NY Models
Source - thefashionspot.com

Band of Outsiders - S/S 2012
Photographer - Marcus Tondo
Source - style.com

Herve Leger - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

6. Daga Ziober

Daga Ziober's star has been steadily on the ascent since her Calvin Klein exclusive debut at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows. The Polish newcomer stunner left all in her wake at New York Fashion Week, logging serious runway mileage at Herve Leger, Donna Karan, Peter Som, Richard Chai, Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Calvin Klein, Doo Ri, Diane Von Furstenburg, Micahel Kors, Rag & Bone, Prabal Gurung, Reed Krakoff, Tommy Hilfiger and Theysken's Thoery.  Represented by Marilyn Model Management, seventeen year old Ziober stands at at 177 cm and has a quiet ethereal-like quality that translates beautifully onto the runway and in print.

Daga Ziober
 Photographer - Unknown
Source - thefashionspot.com

Altuzarra - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

Reed Krakoff - S/S 2012
Source - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com

7. Julia Frauche

French model Julia Frauche has the kind of mesmerising beauty that stays with you long after the final turn on the runway. At 178 cm in height, Frauche stands out from the model pack with her melancholic eyes which emit an intensity of emotion that is all too missing from today's vacant-eyed models. Frauche landed only the most blue chip of bookings at New York Fashion Week, walking for Calvin Klein, Altuzarra, Derek Lam, Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, Reed Krakoff, VPL and Tommy Hilfiger. Frauche's je ne sais quoi allure and sophistication will make her an attractive proposition at the shows in Milan and Paris.  

Julia Frauche
Photographer - Unknown
Source - bellazon.com

Carolina Herrera - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

Calvin Klein - S/S 2012
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

8. Bette Franke
Runway veteran Bette Franke is experiencing what can only be described as a rebirth in the modelling world. Franke made a triumph return to the runway at New York Fashion Week with a staggering 16 show tally. There is a distinct shift in Franke, from the confident swagger in her strut to her newly evolved womanly sensuality. Credit has to be given to Franke's management team at DNA Models for relaunching her onto the catwalk circuit at a time when Dutch models are very much in Vogue. Franke has never looked better walking for the likes of Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang, Donna Karan, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam, Rag & Bone and Reed Krakoff.

Bette Franke
Polaroid courtesy of Why Not Models
Source - thefashionspot.com

Calvin Klein - S/S 2012
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

Reed Krakoff - S/S 2012
Photographer - Monica Feudi
Source - style.com

9. Jasmine Tookes
California girl Jasmine Tookes looks set to make the crossover from commercial modelling to high fashion with her stellar runway appearances at New York Fashion Week. Tookes tread the catwalk for Carlos Miele, Cushnie et Ochs, Peter Som, Elie Tahari, Jason Wu, Vera Wang and Tracey Reese. It was Tookes appearance however at the Calvin Klein show on the final day of NYFW which has Tookes marked as one of the "it girls" for the season. With recent appearances in Sports Illustrated, Vogue Italia and campaigns for DKNY, Gap Jeans and Abercrombie & Fitch, Tookes is a model capable of appealing to the masses. Tookes verstaility and mass market appeal could be just what high fashion houses need in these recession cash strapped times.

Jasmine Tookes
Image courtesy of IMG Models
Source - models.com

Calvin Klein - S/S 2012
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

Elie Tahari - S/S 2012
Photographer - Filippo Fior
Source - style.com

 10. Brenda Kranz
As Germany is my newly adopted homeland, I am delighted to include Hamburg native Brenda Kranz in my top ten breakthrough models of New York Fashion Week. Kranz is part of Ford Model's battalion of new beauties storming the runways during the Spring/Summer 2012 season. Kranz was riveting in her 14 show appearances which included BCBG Max Azria, Herve Leger, Zac Posen, Chado, Doo Ri, Richard Chai, Theysken's Theory, Adam and Port 1961. Kranz has an imposing runway presence and the most sublimely svelte figure and impeccable bone structure.

Brenda Kranz
Image courtesy of Oui Models
Source - thefashionspot.com

Herve Leger - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com

BCBG Max Azria - S/S 2012
Photographer - Yannis Vlamos
Source - style.com