Modeling Journey

Nineteen year old Dutch newcomer Milou Sluis is generating quite a buzz in fashion industry circles, having landed two high profile Fall/Winter 2011 campaigns for Blugirl and Armani Exchange photographed respectively by Michelangelo Battista and Matthew Scrivens. The 178 cm tall, cherub faced beauty began modelling in 2010 with Ulla Models in the Netherlands and is currently represented by DNA Models in New York. Sluis made her international debut at the Spring/Summer 2011 shows walking in smaller shows like Ashley Isham and most recently appeared in the Philosophy resort 2012 show.

Slius bears a striking resemblance to her Dutch modelling compatriots Daphne Groeneveld and Doutzen Kroes, and has the classic beauty that will appeal to designers at the up-coming Spring/Summer shows in September. I for one, am completely transfixed by Slius' incredibly expressive blue eyes, her immaculate bone structure, and her peaches and cream complexion. With such an impressive Fall/Winter campaign coup, Slius is guaranteed to be on the one to watch list of every influential casting director, designer and photographer in town. 

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.

Every season as I scan through the various modelling agencies show packages, there are only a handful of new models who qualify for a second look. DNA Model's Josilyn Williams is one such candidate. Williams has a perfectly symmetrical face, framed by exquisite high cheekbones and beautiful crescent shaped eyes. Hailing from Birmingham Alabama, Williams recently arrived in New York for a round of go-sees and test shoots, and has since been slated for an editorial booking for V Magazine's September issue. Standing at 178 cm, Williams possesses incredibly elongated limbs and elegant refined features. I will be waiting with bated breath to see the kind of reception Williams receives at the upcoming shows in September. If the following test shots are anything to go by, Williams could well be the next big thing. 

I cannot rhapsodise enough over the impossibly gorgeous New Zealand model Jessica Clarke. Nineteen year old Clarke was scouted three years ago whilst on a family outing at a local cinema by Clyne Model Management director Kim Larking. Clarke has the kind of face that model agents dream of, perfect in symmetry, with azure baby blues, peaches and cream complexion and a come hither pout. Clarke made the move to New York in January where she is now represented by powerhouse agency DNA Models. The industry buzz surrounding Clarke hit overdrive before she had even set foot on an international runway. Influential casting director Ashely Brokaw gushed to the NY Times "Just saw a girl Jesica Clarke at DNA. Very excited about her. Classic supermodel material from New Zealand." Casting directors Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandes also spotted Clarke's potential as she made the rounds of New York's casting circuit and placed her on exclusive for Calvin Klein's Spring 2011 show. 

Clarke so far lists her D&G Spring/Summer 2011 campaign and her Calvin Klein exclusive during her debut season as two outstanding career highlights. In an interview with wwd.com, Clarke recalls "Getting the D&G campaign was amazing. I love Dolce and it was kind of surreal to shoot with Mario Testino. He's incredibly talented but also the nicest man. Also when I got the Calvin Klein exclusive my first season. It was such a big deal." Clarke maintains a level head despite the hype and explains in an interview with the Cut that "I would love to do a campaign and some super creative editorials. I have a lot of growing to do in terms of modelling so the more work I can do, the more experience which will help me become a better model." I'll admit that I have a serious girl crush on Clarke and cannot wait for the rest of the fashion industry to follow suit.

I can say with absolute certainty that New Zealand model Emily Baker was the standout star of the Fall/Winter 2011 shows. Ms Baker was ubiquitous in her debut season, appearing in shows for Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Altuzarra, Marc Jacobs, Preen, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, L'Wren Scott, Yigal Azrouel, Narciso Rodriguez, Max Azria, Acne, Prada, Gucci, D&G and Versace. Represented by DNA Models in New York, seventeen year old Baker has the complete package which has editors, casting directors, photographers and designers alike clamouring to book her. Standing at 177 cm in height with impossibly high, razor sharp cheek bones and piercing green eyes, Baker quite simply has "Super" written all over her.