Modeling Journey

Raquel Zimmerman's blue chip appeal shows no signs of wavering even after more than a decade in the modelling biz. Zimmerman's reign continues with three Fall/Winter 2011 campaign appearances for Alexander Wang, Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent lensed by Fabien Baron, Steven Meisel and Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Zimmerman also features in the August 2011 editions of US Vogue in two editorials captured by Meisel and Steven Klein, in Paris Vogue posing again for Lamsweerde & Matadin, and on the cover of Vogue Espana photographed by Josh Olins.

Zimmerman first rose to prominence in the late nineties amidst the Brazilian wave of models bringing sexy back into fashion. Whilst many of her Brazilian counterparts have since fallen by the wayside, Zimmerman's appeal and reputation as one of the most versatile models in the industry has made her an enduring presence in publications like Paris Vogue, US Vogue, Vogue Italia, V Magazine and W. I particularly adore Zimmerman because she is not your conventional cookie cutter beauty. Zimmerman's elongated face, distinct jawline, and distended gap between her upper lip and nose, make for a face that is uniquely beautiful and intriguing.

Zimmerman is the undisputed campaign queen having figured prominently in campaigns for Gucci, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Fendi, Oscar de la Renta and Shiseido cosmetics. Zimmerman's stunning versatility and her ability to transform in front of the camera ensure her the kind of longevity that is only accorded to models truly worthy of supermodel status.

French model Aymeline Valade has emerged as this season's most coveted newcomer landing three  Fall/Winter campaigns for Kenzo, Just Cavalli and Etro photographed by Mario Sorrenti, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, and Mario Testino respectively. At age twenty six, Valade's success may come as a surprise to many given that most newcomers are barely shy of their teens. Valade's breakthrough occurred during the Fall/Winter 2011 collections in New York when Alexander Wang selected her to open his show. What followed was a deluge of runway bookings in Milan and Paris for the likes of Gucci, Chanel, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton for which she closed. Valade has since made an indelible mark editorial-wise in blue chip publications including W, Interview, Numero, the Journal, i-D Magazine and German Vogue.

Valade along with Arizona Muse and Saskia de Brauw represent a shift in modelling's aesthetic toward models with life experience, a defined sense of self and purpose, and above all with personality. More than just a pretty face, Valade is an inquisitive woman who is clearly at one with her body, having trained for years in classical ballet. Valade details in an interview with the Cut that "I was scouted multiple times at multiple ages, but due to school and lack of interest I never pursued it. When I was 23, I went to Paris and was interning at a communications agency. Every day I passed by an agency and they scouted me. I did a few jobs with them but left after my internship was over. I eventually signed with Women Paris when my old agent from the agency became my manager and the rest is history."

Valade's striking individual looks are accentuated by an insightful mind and serene nature, adding in the interview with the Cut that "Happiness is a state. It is not something you think about, but something you are. The best thing to do is to just enjoy every situation as much as you can, the less you think about it, the better." Valade to me represents a backlash against the past few years of android-like pre-pubescent models predominantly from Eastern European block countries. Valade possesses the looks and personality to inspire photographers and designers to allow models to project their own personality onto the runway and editorial pages.

  

Iconic model Daria Werbowry sets sail for the high seas in this free spirited editorial for the International Herald Tribune Style supplement, T magazine. The editorial shot by Cass Bird in St Bart's, features Werbowry at her best, thanks to the "less is more" styling by Sara Moonves. A sun-kissed Werbowry looks at one with nature in bikinis, tank tops and casual wear by Missoni, Erro, Liza Bruce, Opening Ceremony and Alexander Wang. 

Being a keen sailing enthusiast, Werbowry looks completely in her element. In fact shortly after this shoot, Werbowry was scheduled to embark on a two month island hopping sailing trip from Guatemala to Belize, with the final port of call being in Costa Rica. Werbowry reveals to T magazine that "Sailing is the closest I can get to nature - it's adrenaline, fear, a constant challenge and learning experience, an adventure into the unknown, and of course there is nothing better than wearing the same T-shirt for days and not brushing my hair for weeks." Werbowry's passion for sailing and life, permeate the editorial and illustrate why Werbowry has always been more of a character model rather than simply another pretty face.

Dutch model Marique Schimmel continues the dominance of models from the Netherlands at the Fall/Winter 2011 collections. Represented by Supreme in New York, Schimmel has strong features and a tomboyish charm that is in keeping with modelling's current preoccupation with androgyny. Represented by Supreme Model Management in New York, Schimmel stands at 178 cm in height and has an athletic, robust physique. Schimmel has emerged as the darling of the Fall/Winter 2011 shows, walking for a roster of blue chip clients including Proenza Schouler, Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, VPL, Richard Nicoll, Roberto Cavalli, D'Squared, Missoni, Dolce et Gabanna, Marni, Anteprima and Prada. Modelling only since July 2010, Schimmel is currently being embraced for her androgynous appeal but I have no doubt that her undeniable beauty will not be overshadowed for long.

Canadian model Kate King was tipped by top casting agent Anita Bitton in the lead up to the Fall/Winter 2011 collections as one of the faces to watch. Seventeen year old King has more than lived up to industry expectations by amassing a list of blue chip shows including Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs, Phillip Lim, Ports 1961, Diane Von Furstenburg, Cushnie et Ochs, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada and Emilio Pucci. Standing at 178 cm in height, King has a look that is exotic and modern. Of all the new models, King stands out to me the most with her long, languid limbs and a face that is mesmerisingly beautiful and relevant to modelling's current disposition toward distinctive faces. Represented by Elite Models in New York, King possesses a grace, presence and beauty that is reminiscent of Supermodel Christy Turlington.