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Superwomen

When the majority of people envision the tall goddess-like women who walk down the runways during the world’s most prominent fashion weeks wearing innovative outfits from some of the greatest designers of all time one question often comes to mind, are these women super human? The answer to that question may shock you. These ladies are not Barbie’s. In fact, there is no certain criteria, measurements, skin color, nationality or even age group that you have to meet to be a supermodel of the runway these days. The current stars of the runway come from all over the world and share a twelve year age gap from the youngest to oldest models. There is currently the largest range of diversity among the models in terms of ethnicity and overall looks. Many of them got their big breaks by simply living their daily lives in small towns, were spotted at local fast-food restaurants, coffee houses, or simply chose to enter a modeling contest for the fun of it. This goes to prove that if you really want to be the next Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, or Gisele, you too can do it! All it takes is the determination, confidence, and belief that you have what it takes. Here is a little background on the current top stars of the runway…

Chanel Iman Robinson, 19: Chanel is an American born supermodel from Atlanta, Georgia, who hit it big in the modeling industry after placing third in Ford’s annual Supermodel of the World competition back in 2006. Even though she didn’t win she ended up still signing with the agency. She is very close friends with Tyra Banks, who she also has named her mentor. Chanel is of both African American and Korean heritage and has reached outstanding success at such a young age. She has walked runways for: Custo Barcelona, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Dsquared, Hermes, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Jean Paul Gaultier and Stella McCartney.

Jourdan Dunn, 18: Jourdan was born in London, England. She was first discovered at Primark in 2006 and quickly signed with Storm Management in London. In 2008, she became the first black model to walk a Prada runway in over a decade. Her gorgeous dark skin is a perfect representation of the continuing shift toward achieving diversity in the fashion industry. Jourdan first debuted in New York fashion shows back in 2007. She walked for Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren, among others. Jourdan was listed on Style.com back in 2008 as one of the top 10 newcomers. She reportedly walked over 90 shows during the spring 2009 season.

Karlie Kloss, 16: The lovely Karlie was born in Chicago, but her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, that same year. She is not only an American model, but also a ballet dancer, which explains her perfectly slender shape. After being pointed out at a charity fashion show in St. Louis in 2007, she signed with Elite Model Management. In 2008 she chose to switch over to NEXT Model Management and has since walked runways for Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Givenchy, Gucci, Valentino, and Versace. (Interesting Fact: At Jill Stuart’s 2008 fall show Tyra Banks was showcased imitating Karlie’s infamous swaying motions on the runway as well as her “stoned death stare.”)

Arlenis Sosa, 19: The stunning Dominican beauty was first “discovered” while walking around New York City with her family. Arlenis was told by a fashion designer that she had the looks to be a model, which prompted her to walk into (and sign with) Marilyn Models. She first appeared on the runway for Banana Republic in 2008 and has since walked for Dior, Oscar de la Renta (which, she opened), Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, John Galliano, Emanuel Ungaro, Hussein Chalayan, Alexander Wang, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Tsumori Chisato, Jason Wu, Carlos Miele, Derek Lam, Isac Mizrahi, Matthew Williamson, Narciso Rodriguez, Ruffian, Tadashi Shoji, Iceberg, Mariella Burani, Diane von Furstenberg, as well as 2008’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She was also recently featured in “People Magazine’s” feature, ‘100 Most Beautiful People’.

Miranda Kerr, 26: Miranda is most known for being the first Australian addition to Victoria’s Secret’s stunning group of angels. She first entered modeling after winning a 1997 Australian nationwide modeling competition that was put on by both “Dolly Magazine” and “Impluse” fragrance. After winning and shooting with the magazine, there was a lot of media backlash as to whether or not she was too young to be a part of the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries. The conservative Australian press even related her bathing suit shoot to that of “child pornography”. After overcoming a huge personal trauma (the death of her high school boyfriend) Miranda signed with Chic Management’s Sydney division. She instantly received a large amount of print work, especially for the Australian surf chain Billabong, leading her to move to New York so she could get the most out of her modeling career. Since landing in the states she has signed with IMG in New York as well as other international agencies and has walked for a substantial amount of designers including: Alex Perry, Baby Phat, Lisa Ho, Voodoo Dolls, Levi’s, Bettina Liano, Nicola Finetti, L.A.M.B., Heatherette, Betsey Johnson, Trelise Cooper, Jets, John Richmond, Blumarine Swimwear, Neiman Marcus, Seafolly Swimwear, Anna Molinari, Rock and Republic and Roberto Cavalli (not to mention the numerous Victoria’s Secret fashion shows).

Ali Michael, 19: Ali was born in Texas, where her modeling career was originally launched after winning the Fashion!Dallas/Kim Dawson Model Search in 2005 when she was just 15-years-old. She is currently only 19 and has already taken the high-fashion world by storm having walked runways for timeless designers including Chanel, Christian Dior, Lacoste, ADAM, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs, Max Azria, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Doo.Ri, Paul Smith, Luella, Louise Goldin, Aquascutum, House of Holland, Burberry Prorsum, Iceberg, Fendi, Bruno Pieters, Balenciaga, Sonia Rykiel, Karl Lagerfeld, Akris, Celine, and John Galliano. Back in February of 2008 Ali received international attention after she was sent home from Paris Fashion Week after being told that “her legs were too plump”. “The Washington Street Journal” wrote an article based off of Ali titled, “Wasn’t Skinny Supposed to Be Out of Fashion?” Soon after, Ali appeared on the “Today Show” to discuss the pressures to be thin as a model as well the progressive increase over the years to be skinner. After being sent home Ali got herself healthy and stronger than ever then returned for a knockout spring/summer 2009 season.

Hilary Rhoda, 22: Born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Hilary’s destination for the fashion industry began after she attended a ProScout event and was instantly signed with modeling powerhouse IMG. She soon after moved to New York’s Upper East Side with her mother, who also happens to be her manager, and dogs. She was hand-selected for her first job, walking in Balenciaga’s spring fashion show. Soon after she was opening for Valentino’s Parisian show. Next it was on to the opening of Balenciaga’s show in Paris as well. She has since opened shows for Derek Lam, La Perla, Moschino, Salvatore Ferragamo, Christian Lacroix, and Givency throughout New York, Milan and Paris. She also closed for La Perla and Christian Lacroix in Milan and Paris. Other runway shows Hilary has participated in include Anna Sui, Donna Karan, Versace, and Rag & Bone in New York.

Jessica Stam, 23: Also known simply as “Stam”, Jessica was born in Kincardine, Ontario, where was discovered at a local Tim Hortons coffee shop by an agent from the International Model Management agency. In 2002, she won the Los Angeles Model Look Search, and soon after world-renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel helped jump start her career and soon after cast her in every advertisement campaign that he worked on. It was very much like a Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick, photographer & model/muse relationship. She walked a total of 64 shows in Spring of 2006 during New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. She also opened the 2006 Victoria’s Secret “Pink” segment of the show. Some of the designers she has walked for include Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Alexandra Tomlinson, 23: Alexandra signed with IMG shortly after arriving in New York City from her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, back in 2003. The following year Alexandra made her debut in spring walking runways for Marni, Jil Sander, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuiotton in both Milan and Paris. Since her initial runway season she has added Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, John Galliano, Givenchy, Armani Prive, Adam Lippes (which, she closed for), Balenciaga, Hermes, Lanvin, Christian Lacroix, Sonia Rykiel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino to her runway resume.

Daria Werbowy, 25: Daria is a Polish-born Canadian-Ukranian model. She was born in Poland, but is also a citizen of Ukraine. Daria was 5’11” at just 14-years-old, in other words, she was destined to be either a model or… basketball star. Ironically, she had never considered modeling, but suddenly found herself thrown head first into the business after meeting a classmate’s mother who ran Toronto’s Susan J. Model & Talent Management. At fourteen, the Polish beauty won a national modeling competition and switched to Elite Models with hopes of achieving more out of the modeling industry. After switching over and being guided by IMG, Daria gained several reputable bookings. She holds the record for opening and closing the most runway shows of any model in one single season. Her past clients have included: Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Pepe Jeans, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Hermes, Valentino, David Yurman, Missoni, Versace, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Coco Rocha, 20: Born Mikhaila Rocha, ]Coco was born in Ontario and soon moved to Richmond, British Columbia. She is of Irish, Russian, and Welsh descent. In 2002, agent Charles Stuart approached her and asked her to consider modeling for him. It was something she had never thought of before, but chose to give it a try. Her professional career began in 2004 after she moved to New York City and signed with SUPREME. Her career didn’t really kick off until 2006 when she shot an editorial with famed photographer Steven Meisel alongside supermodels Gemma Ward and Amanda Moore. The editorial kick started her career and the week after she was walking runways at New York fashion week for a handful of designers including Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs. Like a dream come true, back stage at the Anna Sui show Coco met the legendary Naomi Campbell. Naomi held her hands and said that she was “her favorite model”. She soon took on Paris Fashion Week walking for Stella McCartney, Christian Lacroix, and Emanuel Ungaro, and was even asked by Marc Jacobs to open and close his Louis Vuitton show. Talk about a success story…

Sophie Srej, 16: Sophie may be only sixteen, but her striking Hungarian looks have left a strong lasting impression on many people in the industry. In 2007 she signed with local agency Icon Management and just a year later found herself signed with IMG in New York City. In September 2008, Sophie debuted at the Calvin Klein spring show as an exclusive. Many people have become mesmerized by her extremely long, skinny legs. They also helped her book the spring Prada, Marni, and Missoni shows in Milan. The following month she was the opener for the spring Ann Demuelemeester show in Paris, and also walked for Chloé and Kenzo. Her success in the fashion industry is clearly just beginning.

Sigrid Agren, 17: Another new “it girl”, Sigrid was born in Martinique, France. She is currently signed with both Elite and New York Model Management. Sigrid is known for her tantalizing lips, eyes and hair. When she is not modeling, you will find her pursuing her other passion, ballet. Back in 2004 at just thirteen, Sigrid entered the Elite Model Look in her home city of Martinique. She won the semifinals and signed with Elite in Europe. Two years later she decided to put off modeling full-time to focus on school. A year later she signed with New York Model Management and debuts as a closer in the resort Prada show in New York. For her first New York Fashion Week back in September of 2008 she walked for Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Rodarte, and Ralph Lauren shows. After heading to Milan she closed the spring CNC Costume National and Prada shows in Milan as well as Louis Vuitton in Paris. Sigrid has become a favorite among Alexander McQueen, Andrew Gn, Barbara Bui, Karl Lagerfeld, Sonia Rykiel, Wunderkind, Valentino, Chanel, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and Yves Saint Laurent in Paris.

Lakshmi Menon, 28: Fresh out of Bangalore, India, Lakshmi Menon is known for her strong features and alluring pout. She began modeling at 15-years-old. In October of 2007 she walked for both Hermes and John Paul Gaultier shows in Paris. In February of 2008 she walked for Zero Maria Cornejo, Issey Miyake, and Stella McCartney shows in New York and Paris. Last July she opened the Givenchy show in Paris. In September of 2008 she walked for her very first New York Fashion Week and even closed the spring Ohne Titel show, while also walking in the Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Vera Wang. That same month she flew off to Milan and was the closer for La Perla’s show after wakling for Alessandro Dell’Acqua, D&G, Givenchy, Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Stella McCartney.

Sessilee Lopez, 20: Sessilee was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has a twin sister who is only 5’6” compared to her towering 5’10” height. She signed with IMG back in 2004 and moved to New York to pursue modeling full-time. Instantly she booked the Daryl K and Vivienne Tam shows in New York. Soon after she was walking for Zac Posen, Emporio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Dries van Noten, and Vivienne Westwood shows in New York, Milan and Paris. Her resume also includes Baby Phat, Peter Som, Imitation of Christ, L.A.M.B., and Jean Paul Gaultier in New York and Paris, Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy in Paris. Sessilee was even handpicked by Kanye West, whom she was also reportedly dating, to be in his “Flashing Lights” video.

Katie Fogarty, 16: Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Katie was signed with NEXT Management in New York and debuted the next month walking runways for the spring Jill Stuart show in New York, also walking for Ohne Titel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. She is also represented in Milan.

Constance Jablonski, 18: Constance was born in France and entered the French Elite Model Look contest when she was just sixteen. She signed with Elite that same year and two years later signed with the Marilyn Agency as well. Last September she made her first runway appearance walking for BCBG Max Azria, Don von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Matthew Williamson and Marchesa in New York. That same month she both opened and closed for the Blumarine show in Milan, as well as opened for La Perla. The following month she hit the runways during Paris Fashion Week for Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Viviene Westwood. Constance is just getting started and the french beauty undoubtably has a bright future ahead of her.

Gisele Bundchen, 28: The Brazilian born supermodel has worked her way up the ladder of the fashion world and recently earned her the #1 spot on Forbes’s “highest-paid model in the world” as well as the sixteenth richest women in the entertainment industry. Her name is inked in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for appearing on the most magazine covers out of any other model, ever. Gisele’s original dream consisted of professional volleyball. She even considered playing for the national Brazilian team, Sogipa. Because of her extremely thin figure she inherited the nickname “Olivia Pailto”, which translates to Olive Oil, Popeye’s super skinny girlfriend. While out eating at a local McDonald’s with friends, Gisele was first discovered by a modeling agency. She was placed in modeling contests and ended up placing second in Elite’s “Look of the Year” contest and decided to move to New York City to pursue her modeling career with full force. In a matter of no time Gisele was walking the runways at New York’s Fashion Week. This was only the beginning of the Brazilian beauty’s transformation to being the current hottest supermodel in the world. According to ‘Vogue’ Gisele influenced “The Return of the Sexy Model”. Since her debut in the industry Gisele has walked runways for every major designer in every major Fashion Week around the globe. Her first major runways Gisele graced were for the spring Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Alexander McQueen shows in Milan and Paris back in 1996. She has also walked for designers Carolina Herrera, Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Prada, Anna Sui, John Galliano, and Valentino. In 2001 she “officially retired from the catwalk” and then opted to return to the runway and quickly booked jobs for Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabanna and Christian Dior’s fashion shows. She has been the most “highly demanded” model ever since…

Natalia Vodianova, 27: Originally from Nizhny, Novgorod, Russia, Natalia found herself working full-time at a fruit stand. She was scouted and suddenly found herself leaving home for Paris with a dream of becoming a fashion model. Soon after arriving in Paris she signed a contract with Viva Management. In March of 2002 Natalia was chosen to open the Yves Saint Laurent show in Paris. Two years later she was also asked to open the fall Calvin Klein show in New York, after which she was booked to open up their spring show as well. She continued doing a lot of work for the famed designer including everything from fashion shows to fragrances. She has also walked for Valentino, Chanel, Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Yvees Saint Laurent.

Agyness Deyn, 26: With the birthname of Laura Hollins, Agyness was born in Littleborough, England, and began working at the Village Chippy at age fifteen, where she met fashion designer Henry Holland. A year later she found herself winning the “Face of Rossendale” modeling contest and leaving All Saints Catholic Language College, where she maintained straight A’s in math, business, and theater. In 2005 she began dating Josh Hubbard, a rocker of the band “The Paddingtons”. A year later she appeared dripping wet on the cover of French Vogue. Shortly after she was named the face of Blugirl by Blumarine. In September of 2006 she hit her first major runway, walking for Marc by Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, and Zac Posen in New York. That same month the British sensation was back in London walking for the spring Giles show. Again that month she flew to Milan to walk for Versace. Just weeks later she was given the honor of opening Jean Paul Gaultier’s 30th anniversary show in Paris. Other shows that have included Agyness in their lineup include: Anna Sui, Isaac Mizrahi, Burberry, Michael Kors, Temperley, Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Missoni, Rufflan, House of Holland, Gareth Pugh, Costello Tagliapietra and Henry of Holland.

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