Agyness Deyn
With her pixie crop and bleached blonde hair, Agyness Deyn came to define cool for the early 00s. The Mancunian modeling sensation racked up an impressive array of work with everyone from Burberry to Armani, all while garnering the kind of press recognition not seen since the days of the supers. Though she's added acting to her repertoire, Aggy remains an icon of rebellious chic.
Nationality: United Kingdom
Age: 30
With modeling, you rose to a level that not a lot of people ever get to. And now you're starting with this new profes- sion (actress). Is there anything nerve-wracking about that?
"When I started modeling, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Actually, I still don't know what I'm doing while modeling. But at the beginning, it was like, "Oh, god, is this right? Is it not?" So I'm kind of going through that again, but I think it's a discovery, which is fun."
Nationality: United Kingdom
Age: 30
With modeling, you rose to a level that not a lot of people ever get to. And now you're starting with this new profes- sion (actress). Is there anything nerve-wracking about that?
"When I started modeling, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Actually, I still don't know what I'm doing while modeling. But at the beginning, it was like, "Oh, god, is this right? Is it not?" So I'm kind of going through that again, but I think it's a discovery, which is fun."
Alessandra Ambrosio
With the pointed support of the Katie Grand camp (Love, Industrie, Vogue Russia), repeat booking with Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and campaigns for Loewe and Moschino, Ms Ambrosio joins the latest trend in fashion: the cross-over from the sexy market into high editorial.
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 32
How has the modeling industry changed since you first started working?
"I guess it’s like a real job. When I started, it was a hobby, something fun to do. Before, models had that rock star life and it was all about going to the parties and having that glamorous life, and I think these days, models are more like businesswomen and the whole industry takes it really serious."
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 32
How has the modeling industry changed since you first started working?
"I guess it’s like a real job. When I started, it was a hobby, something fun to do. Before, models had that rock star life and it was all about going to the parties and having that glamorous life, and I think these days, models are more like businesswomen and the whole industry takes it really serious."
Amber Valletta
The more womanly she becomes, the more beguiling she grows. Besides, she is one the great money machines of modern model times and one can rest assured that her bookings were not inexpensive. Ample proof that when great beauties grow up they acquire a priceless aura.
Nationality: American
Age: 39
What was the biggest challenge that you had to overcome in transitioning from modeling into acting?
"Probably my own brain, my own fear. I love modeling, but i just feel that acting is more of my thing, i enjoy it more."
Nationality: American
Age: 39
What was the biggest challenge that you had to overcome in transitioning from modeling into acting?
"Probably my own brain, my own fear. I love modeling, but i just feel that acting is more of my thing, i enjoy it more."
Angela Lindvall
One of the great campaign champions of recent times, Angela Lindvall has slowly but surely evolved into that rare and coveted level where only supermodels dare to tread. Do you notice that her campaign work is almost always "only-girl", for the best clients, throughout her career. And she still maintains that quality.
Nationality: United States
Age: 34
What are you looking for personally when you see the runway designs?
"I've worked with the best creative people in the industry for the last 15 years whether it's designers, art directors, stylists, hair and make-up, everything. I think ultimately these are all-stars and the stakes are high. For me it's about how would this relate into high fashion and whether it could be pulled off as a runway look, and then how it will be worn. How a woman will wear these clothes all the time, how will it relate into everyday practicalities."
Nationality: United States
Age: 34
What are you looking for personally when you see the runway designs?
"I've worked with the best creative people in the industry for the last 15 years whether it's designers, art directors, stylists, hair and make-up, everything. I think ultimately these are all-stars and the stakes are high. For me it's about how would this relate into high fashion and whether it could be pulled off as a runway look, and then how it will be worn. How a woman will wear these clothes all the time, how will it relate into everyday practicalities."
Anja Rubik
A long term must book for Chloe, former OTM notable Anja had a monster FW05 season in Paris and is still being lensed fitfully by Inez and Vinoodh while appearing religiously in Vogue/Bazaar. She rocks!
Nationality: Poland
Age: 29
What is fashion for you?
"Fashion is my life, my work, my everything. I owe everything to this world that has helped me to grow up and become the woman I am. Fashion has taught me a lot, especially, to learn to live in any condition. It’s always been a passion for me and I now live by even more: it is like living in a dream, for now, is real. The great thing about fashion is that it embodies the desires of all the people as luxury, coveted by many people. I’m attracted by luxury and this is also a reason why I like fashion."
Nationality: Poland
Age: 29
What is fashion for you?
"Fashion is my life, my work, my everything. I owe everything to this world that has helped me to grow up and become the woman I am. Fashion has taught me a lot, especially, to learn to live in any condition. It’s always been a passion for me and I now live by even more: it is like living in a dream, for now, is real. The great thing about fashion is that it embodies the desires of all the people as luxury, coveted by many people. I’m attracted by luxury and this is also a reason why I like fashion."
Carmen Kass
There is a feeling that fashion will always need and that is the ideal of an obscenely rich, ultra-sexy, super-woman pulsing with an almost dismissive beauty. Nobody gives that feeling better than Ms Kass and for that reason she remains one of the most bankable faces (and bodies) in the business right now. Just ask the raft of clients who continue to sign her on as being vital to their brands.
Nationality: Estonia
Age: 34
How early did you know, or what was the moment you knew you became a supermodel?
"Back in a day models (Naomi, Kate, Christy, Nadja, Cindy, Claudia, etc...) that were continuously working with major fashion houses, appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines and acquired fame also outside of the business through that kind of modeling became credited with a status Supermodel. Today models like Petra Nemcova, Heidi Klum, Bar Raphaeli and many others alike have been credited Supermodel status with all kinds of other reasons and therefore I think that media has ruined original status of "supermodel".
Understanding the above mentioned, I never paid importance to the status but cared more for ongoing business".
Nationality: Estonia
Age: 34
How early did you know, or what was the moment you knew you became a supermodel?
"Back in a day models (Naomi, Kate, Christy, Nadja, Cindy, Claudia, etc...) that were continuously working with major fashion houses, appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines and acquired fame also outside of the business through that kind of modeling became credited with a status Supermodel. Today models like Petra Nemcova, Heidi Klum, Bar Raphaeli and many others alike have been credited Supermodel status with all kinds of other reasons and therefore I think that media has ruined original status of "supermodel".
Understanding the above mentioned, I never paid importance to the status but cared more for ongoing business".
Caroline Trentini
8 years ago Caroline Trentini leaped into the pages of American Vogue and the magazine hasn't been the same since. A perennial favorite of Anna Wintour, Steven Meisel, Craig McDean, David Sims, Patrick Demarchelier and every designer under the sun; Caroline has made her mark and is in it for the long haul.
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 25
How do you go so long, all those weeks doing shows?
It is crazy, but its my job. The experience, the money and working with your girlfriends it's like a big party. I'm not going to say I enjoy it one-hundred percent, its very stressful and can be very heavy sometimes. But like I said, I just try to stay with all the good parts of it because at the end of the day I'm very grateful and happy with how everything is going.
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 25
How do you go so long, all those weeks doing shows?
It is crazy, but its my job. The experience, the money and working with your girlfriends it's like a big party. I'm not going to say I enjoy it one-hundred percent, its very stressful and can be very heavy sometimes. But like I said, I just try to stay with all the good parts of it because at the end of the day I'm very grateful and happy with how everything is going.
Carolyn Murphy
The signature face of Estee Lauder Cosmetics and its array of blue chip fragrances has capped off a dream editorial career with a dream contract. Her longevity has been a masterpiece of management on the part of her very devoted agency.
Nationality: United States
Age: 37
How did you start modeling and how old were you?
My mother put me in what’s called a “charm school” when I was 16 years old. She thought I was lacking confidence because I was quiet, a tomboy and more into art. In reality, I was just a nerd!
Nationality: United States
Age: 37
How did you start modeling and how old were you?
My mother put me in what’s called a “charm school” when I was 16 years old. She thought I was lacking confidence because I was quiet, a tomboy and more into art. In reality, I was just a nerd!
Daria Werbowy
She has been a model with one of the most impeccable booking records of recent times with every single campaign being as prominent and as blue chip as they come (Prada, Prada fragrance, Gucci, Chanel, YSL, Missoni, Vuitton). Add to that major covers and a near monthly Only Girl rotation in US Vogue and Vogue Paris at her height and then the grand ring of a Lancome contract. Flawless!
Nationality: Canada (Country of Origin - Poland)
Age: 29
Have you ever conquered any of your fears?
"I have a huge fear of snakes. I have a friend in Paris who has two snakes in a tank, so I put my arm out with my sweatshirt pulled up, and he put one of them on me and my whole body went stiff as a rock. I just couldn’t do it! I did try. I’ve been on photoshoots where I’ve said I’ll try it, but when they bring them to me I just can’t do it! I’m not afraid of heights though; I’m quite ballsy in that way. I’ll even bungee jump off a cliff...I’ve jumped off a bridge before."
Nationality: Canada (Country of Origin - Poland)
Age: 29
Have you ever conquered any of your fears?
"I have a huge fear of snakes. I have a friend in Paris who has two snakes in a tank, so I put my arm out with my sweatshirt pulled up, and he put one of them on me and my whole body went stiff as a rock. I just couldn’t do it! I did try. I’ve been on photoshoots where I’ve said I’ll try it, but when they bring them to me I just can’t do it! I’m not afraid of heights though; I’m quite ballsy in that way. I’ll even bungee jump off a cliff...I’ve jumped off a bridge before."
Doutzen Kroes
Victoria's Secret, L'Oreal, Miu Miu and every human with a pair of eyes and a pulse can't be wrong; Doutzen is the face of a generation. The meteoric rise of Ms. Kroes can be summed up in one word - destiny.
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 28
What was it like getting back in to shape after having your son?
"It was tough, it's lots of workouts and Adriana is back and she had her son seven months ago. It's amazing, we work really hard, we workout a lot and it's a little bit of genetics, too because my mom, she came back after pregnancy really fast and I also feel like this job helps, too...because...it's our job to look this way, so we're given the time to go to the gym and we don't have regular jobs nine to five and we can never say we don't have time for the gym. We have to go and that's also a bonus to this job get to go back to work and have hair and makeup and feel pretty again, besides being a mom."
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 28
What was it like getting back in to shape after having your son?
"It was tough, it's lots of workouts and Adriana is back and she had her son seven months ago. It's amazing, we work really hard, we workout a lot and it's a little bit of genetics, too because my mom, she came back after pregnancy really fast and I also feel like this job helps, too...because...it's our job to look this way, so we're given the time to go to the gym and we don't have regular jobs nine to five and we can never say we don't have time for the gym. We have to go and that's also a bonus to this job get to go back to work and have hair and makeup and feel pretty again, besides being a mom."
Eva Herzigova
From the moment she appeared as the Wonderbra girl in those unforgettable 90s ads, Eva Herzigova has had the attention of the entire world. Moving with ease from commercial work to the most exclusive of high fashion clients, Herzigova has had the kind of diverse and successful career most models dream about. Nearly 20 years later and she's still going strong!
Nationality: Czech Republic
Age: 40
Did you ever expect that you would stay in the fashion industry as long as you have?
"I had no idea. I remember when I started out at 16, there was this model named Hunter, whom I would see at castings. She was much, much older and I asked her once, "How long have you been doing this?" She said eight years and I remember thinking it was an eternity. I've been doing it for 20 years and I never would have expected it. There's the return of the supermodels from the '90s and I think that's because they have a story to tell that people can connect to. Before, there would be an ad for an anti-aging cream and you would have a 17-year-old's face on it. For some reason, no one asked any questions."
Nationality: Czech Republic
Age: 40
Did you ever expect that you would stay in the fashion industry as long as you have?
"I had no idea. I remember when I started out at 16, there was this model named Hunter, whom I would see at castings. She was much, much older and I asked her once, "How long have you been doing this?" She said eight years and I remember thinking it was an eternity. I've been doing it for 20 years and I never would have expected it. There's the return of the supermodels from the '90s and I think that's because they have a story to tell that people can connect to. Before, there would be an ad for an anti-aging cream and you would have a 17-year-old's face on it. For some reason, no one asked any questions."
Helena Christensen
The Danish beauty with the expressive gaze and artistic spirit has done it all as a model. Time spent as a VS Angel - check. Starring in the hottest music video ever - check. Gracing the cover of every magazine imaginable - double check.
Nationality: Denmark
Age: 44
Do you have any other general tips? mom tips, beauty tips, anything you want to include!
"Having a child is a great joy, honor, responsibility and a beautiful adventure. It is exhausting, invigorating, frustrating, empowering, stressful, enlightening and totally blows your mind in the most surprising ways ever. I think it’s important to acknowledge how tough it sometimes can feel and to know that it’s ok to be honest and open about that. Sometimes I never thought a night would end…and now I don’t know how to stop time so I have this wonderful kid stay a kid for a lot longer. It’s the most magical experience in life, having a child and feeling love."
Nationality: Denmark
Age: 44
Do you have any other general tips? mom tips, beauty tips, anything you want to include!
"Having a child is a great joy, honor, responsibility and a beautiful adventure. It is exhausting, invigorating, frustrating, empowering, stressful, enlightening and totally blows your mind in the most surprising ways ever. I think it’s important to acknowledge how tough it sometimes can feel and to know that it’s ok to be honest and open about that. Sometimes I never thought a night would end…and now I don’t know how to stop time so I have this wonderful kid stay a kid for a lot longer. It’s the most magical experience in life, having a child and feeling love."
Isabeli Fontana
Isabeli was born in Curitiba, the south of Brazil. At 12, she knew she was destined to be a model, fulfilling that destiny a year later by making the finals of a local contest. A mother of 2 children, Isabeli is having one of her best seasons ever for the F/W 2008 season with 5 major campaigns under her belt. 2009 marked her 3rd appearance for the Pirelli Calendar. In June 2012, debuted her line for Faith Connexion's first resort collection (2013).
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 29
Any beauty tips or secrets you've learned through modeling?
"I've learned that you cannot sleep with makeup on because your skin gets oily at night. So it's best to clean your face and moisturize well. Even if it's oily, it's good to moisturize. So put a good product on your face; your face has to be fed with a good moisturizer cream."
Nationality: Brazil
Age: 29
Any beauty tips or secrets you've learned through modeling?
"I've learned that you cannot sleep with makeup on because your skin gets oily at night. So it's best to clean your face and moisturize well. Even if it's oily, it's good to moisturize. So put a good product on your face; your face has to be fed with a good moisturizer cream."
Iselin Steiro
Discovered during a brief break from architecture school, Iselin rose through the ranks to become one of the most immaculately booked girls of the decade. Her editorial and campaign track record remains pristine to this day.
Nationality: Norway
Age: 27
When and how were you discovered?
"I was discovered while Christmas shopping with my family in 1999, by a model scout. Such a cute story"
Nationality: Norway
Age: 27
When and how were you discovered?
"I was discovered while Christmas shopping with my family in 1999, by a model scout. Such a cute story"
Jessica Stam
Wham, bam, thank you Stam! The girl with the unforgettable face has amassed an impeccable body of work that speaks for itself. Vogue Italia covers, Miu Miu ads, editorials in every magazine worth naming - Stam came in at the top of the game and has remained there ever since.
Nationality: Canada
Age: 27
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
"I make clothes look good."
Nationality: Canada
Age: 27
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
"I make clothes look good."
Laetitia Casta
Laetitia Casta, the ultimate French beauty remains relevant, radiant and completely in demand. No matter the season, La Casta stands as an undeniable icon of beauty in and out of the fashion industry. How many catwalkers can claim they were chosen to be the emblem of an entire nation? In addition to her tenure as Marianne, Laetitia has also served as muse for everyone to the late great Yves Saint Laurent, to Jean Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld.
Nationality: France
Age: 36
Tell us about the story behind the campaign. (D&G)
"I think passion and sensuality are at the heart of this campaign. The story begins with a traditional Italian wedding scene, with one of the guests (my character) secretly seeking to be somewhere else. She makes her departure and catches the eye of one of the local boys, which is where Noah comes in. Our journey together evolves and you see us travelling in his sports car together before capturing the romance of their passion at the beach. I love that the campaign really tells this story so beautifully – the locations, the styling and the whole atmosphere really helps to portray the mood and theme."
Nationality: France
Age: 36
Tell us about the story behind the campaign. (D&G)
"I think passion and sensuality are at the heart of this campaign. The story begins with a traditional Italian wedding scene, with one of the guests (my character) secretly seeking to be somewhere else. She makes her departure and catches the eye of one of the local boys, which is where Noah comes in. Our journey together evolves and you see us travelling in his sports car together before capturing the romance of their passion at the beach. I love that the campaign really tells this story so beautifully – the locations, the styling and the whole atmosphere really helps to portray the mood and theme."
Lara Stone
And they said it would never happen in our lifetime... namely a model who is a cultural sensation...But Ms. Stone is that rare model who sells not only campaign product but moves covers (see Interview, Love, W, Vogue Paris) inspires designers (see Marc Jacobs for Vuitton SS 10) and confirms that a compelling personality makes fashion all that more vivid and dynamic.
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 29
Growing up, were you treated differently because of your beauty?
"I think it was the other way round. People found me ugly and weird looking. All those years of that whole insecurity thing just makes you feel horrible then really slowly you start to think if they can make me look nice in the picture then it’s not that bad."
Nationality: Netherlands
Age: 29
Growing up, were you treated differently because of your beauty?
"I think it was the other way round. People found me ugly and weird looking. All those years of that whole insecurity thing just makes you feel horrible then really slowly you start to think if they can make me look nice in the picture then it’s not that bad."
Natasha Poly
Natasha bolted away from the FW 04 pack as the girl of that season with the continued support of French Vogue. Now as the multi-product face of Gucci, she's finally evolved into that lucrative must-book she was always meant to be.
Nationality: Russia
Age: 27
What beauty/lifestyle advice would you most like to impart to your best friend/daughter/sister/ readers?
"Loving yourself and thinking positive are the first essential rules to go through life. They’re also the most difficult...but it's so important to reflect a good aura and strong charisma, no matter what you do!"
Nationality: Russia
Age: 27
What beauty/lifestyle advice would you most like to impart to your best friend/daughter/sister/ readers?
"Loving yourself and thinking positive are the first essential rules to go through life. They’re also the most difficult...but it's so important to reflect a good aura and strong charisma, no matter what you do!"
Milla Jovovich
Simply put, there is no other model in the universe who can juggle a L'Oreal contract, consistent work with the likes of Inez and Vinoodh AND a successful side gig saving earth from zombies. Milla J has carved out a niche for herself that is completely individual and she's achieved success in and out of the fashion world as a result.
Nationality: Ukraine
Age: 37
You are an actress now, how did people react?
The "model-turned-actress" thing was a big chip on my shoulder for years. It was ridiculous how angry I would get. Now they call me an "ex-model", which is so frustrating and annoying.
Nationality: Ukraine
Age: 37
You are an actress now, how did people react?
The "model-turned-actress" thing was a big chip on my shoulder for years. It was ridiculous how angry I would get. Now they call me an "ex-model", which is so frustrating and annoying.
Natalia Vodianova
The supermodel with the fastest rise to the top of the industry is indisputably Natalia Vodionova, converting the cachet of a Calvin Klein contract into full-on celebrity via her Vanity Fair profiles and Only Girl covers.
Nationality: Russia
Age: 31
How does being a model affect your style?
"Being a model created my style. I wasn’t aware of fashion before I started working, so my inspiration comes from the clothes I’ve worn and people I’ve met."
Nationality: Russia
Age: 31
How does being a model affect your style?
"Being a model created my style. I wasn’t aware of fashion before I started working, so my inspiration comes from the clothes I’ve worn and people I’ve met."