Modeling Journey

A true test of a model's skill is her ability to portray and embody a wide range of emotions and looks. I'll admit that I had at one point categorised model Alessandra Ambrosio as being capable of a singular solitary trademark Victoria's Secret sexy look. The following images from an upcoming editorial for LOVE Magazine, blow my assumptions completely out of the water. The editorial lensed by Boo George captures Ambrosio at her most beautiful, without relying on the model's obvious physical attributes and instead allowing her to display an intensity and character that delivers true editorial punch. Ambrosio loses herself in the character role of naval officer and in turn finds a newly converted fan in me.

V Spain unveils it's Top Ten Latina Beauties in an editorial shot by Sebastian Faena. Joan Smalls, Isabeli Fontana, Caroline Trentini, Izabel Goulart, Rose Cordero, Tati Cotliar, Elsa Benitez, Alessandra Ambrosio and Arlenis Sosa amongst others, feature in the series of coloured, and black and white portraits. Hailing from Argentina, Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, the models selected aptly represent the diversity of Latina beauty. 

Victoria's Secret high fashion takeover continues with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's sizzling British Vogue cover and Candice Swanepoel's Vogue Italia cover coup. Swanepoel's crossover from mainstream commercial modelling to the high fashion arena was kick started in 2010, with her editorial appearance in the Winter issue of V Man lensed by Mario Testino. Swanepoel turned more than a few heads, with Testino giving his seal of approval, "Candice is an amazing new find for me. Gorgeous, free, fun. She was awesome and did not feel inhibited. She made the shoot an amazing experience."

Indeed 2010, was the year of the Victoria's Secret high fashion ascension with Miranda Kerr and Alessandra Ambrosio amongst others, making their mark. Kerr landed three Vogue covers (Italian, Spanish and Australian versions of the magazine) and appeared in multiple fashion editorials for US Vogue. Ambrosio transformed into a glamourous Goth for the cover of Love Magazine and was cast in the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2011 campaign alongside fellow Victoria's Secret models Isabeli Fontana, Maryna Linchuk, and Izabel Goulart. Victoria's Secret Angels Doutzen Kroes, Chanel Iman, Adriana Lima, Ambrosio and Kerr, were the subject of a feature editorial in US Vogue shot by Peter Lindbergh, dissecting the return of sexy curves to the catwalk. With the lines between commercial and high fashion modelling becoming ever increasingly blurred, what Swanepoel et al prove, is that a little va-va-voom and a whole lot of personality are the just what the world of high fashion needs right now.

I have been based in Berlin for six months, having moved here from the sunny shores of Sydney, Australia in July 2010. My first  two thoughts upon arriving in Berlin were, "I hope I will be able to cope with the arduous winter here and secondly, will I be able to find my favourite glossies in order to get my much needed fix of fashion and models." 

Berlin is an international city and an epicentre of creativity for artists, writers and anyone seeking a level of self-expression. I was delighted therefore to find that not only were my much loved American and European magazines readily available but so was the ultra-cool Russh Magazine from my hometown.

Russh Magazine was created in September 2004 and is published bi-monthly. The magazine has a strong emphasis on personal style with a distinctly Australian flavour which is endearing, intriguing and honest. What I love most about Russh, is that the editorial content and cover shots are always original, unpredictable and innovative. This little Aussie hipster publication stays true to it's roots but is clearly international in it's mindset. Russh features only the top tier models from around the globe in  homegrown and international fashions. The styling and concepts of the editorials are exciting and fresh and do not follow a set formulaic approach. 

In the words of Russh editor Stevie Dance, "Russh, she is the mystery girl you want to befriend but are just a tad intimidated by. That is, until you realise that she is just as dorky as you, in the coolest kind of way."

In the February edition of US Vogue, Patrick Demarchelier captures Angela Lindvall, Coco Rocha, Anja Rubik, Aminata Niaria, Bonnie Chen and Alessandra Ambrosio and their significant others in a series of candid and intimate portraits. The shots are accompanied by sweet anecdotes of how each couple met and their first date experiences. Demarchelier allows each model to inject her own personality into the frame and the chemistry between the couples make this editorial all the more charming.