Modeling Journey

Dutch model Bo Don looks every bit the natural beauty in a series of understated black and white portraits shot by Alex Freund for Gravure Magazine. Don looks completely at ease in front of Freund's lens posing with minimal make-up styling and free flowing hair. Represented by Marilyn Model Management, nineteen year old Don has been steadily building up her body of work since debuting at the Fall/Winter 2010 collections. Modelling for only a little over a year, Don has made editorial appearances in British Vogue, Dazed & Confused, Vogue Italia, Another Magazine, Russian Vogue, Italian Amica, Pop Magazine and French Revue des Modes. I adore Don's turned up button nose, tiny heart shaped mouth and large saucer shaped eyes. Don needs only to work on developing a greater range of expression and emotion which I am certain will come with greater experience and maturity.

It is rare that I come across a new face that truly engages and moves me. This was the case when I discovered Kelly Mittendorf's pictures recently and I have not been able to get her out of my consciousness ever since. Initially scouted at the age of eleven at her local swimming pool in Arizona, Mittendorf put modelling on hold to focus on her studies. Mittendorf has been modelling now for just over a year, having graduated as a high school honour student with a 4.3 GPA. 

Represented by Marilyn Model Management in New York and standing at 178 cm, Mittendorf has a face and presence that is impossible to forget. Mittendorf's chiselled, square jaw-line and impossibly high cheek bones are off set by wide set, feline-like eyes. Mittendorf has an incredibly expressive face and emotional range, alternating in an instant from an intensely hypnotic gaze to that of a free-spirited gamine. I also adore the distinct scar on Mittendorf's forehead and her infectious smile which is made all the more endearing by the gap between her front teeth. To me it is the sum of all of these imperfections which make Mittendorf memorable. I will be keeping a close eye on Mittendorf at the upcoming Spring/Summer shows in September and so should you.

Norwegian newcomer Merethe Hopland appears in a visually enticing editorial in the latest issue of French Revue de Modes. Photographer Giulia Noni, captures Hopland's flawless, classic European features and statuesque frame alongside a desolate freeway and grey skyline. The images literally pop as a result of the juxtaposition of Hopland's colourful ensembles in an assortment of bright citrus, lime and fuschia pink hues against the stark surrounding backdrop.

Hopland reminds me of a young Carolyn Murphy who also sported a similar pixie style haircut in her early modelling days. Represented by Marilyn Model Management in New York, Hopland stands at 180 cm in height and possesses a delicate beauty and elegance which make her a standout on the runway. During the recent Fall/Winter 2011 collections, Hopland landed a New York Calvin Klein exclusive  and appeared later in the season at Chanel, Missoni, Costume National, Max Mara and Salvatore Ferragomo. Hopland appears to be on the right track having also scored recent editorial appearances in Vman, Harper's Bazaar UK and German Vogue. 

Spring is here and to get you in the mood, Harper's Bazaar Spain takes us to the beach in a sultry, sun drenched editorial featuring one of my favourite models Arlenis Sosa. Lensed by Xevi Muntane, Sosa looks sensational in fashions by Isabel Marant, Alaia Azzedine, Salvatore Ferragamo, Missoni, Marni, and Jean Paul Gaulthier. Sosa hails from the Domincan Republic where this editorial was shot and is one of the most endearing, engaging and professional models in the industry today. Represented by Marilyn Model Management in New York, Sosa landed a beauty contract with Lancome Cosmetics in 2010 and is one of the staple models for US Vogue. 

Danish newcomer Josephine Skriver has had a Fall/Winter 2011 season that can only be described as impeccable. Seventeen year old Skriver captured the attention of casting director Russell Marsh at the pre-show castings and consequently walked in only the most prestigious of shows  including Calvin Klein, Prada, Gucci, Preen, Carlos Miele, Phillip Lim, Ruffian, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sportmax, Etro and Just Cavalli. Represented by Marilyn Model Management in New York, Skriver stands at 177 cm in height and has cobalt blue eyes, flawless skin and a pillowy pout. Skriver is one of the most exciting modelling prospects that I have seen in recent times. Blessed with angelic features, Skriver has the kind of natural, healthy looks and glow that the industry has been yearning for. When I look at Skriver, I get the same feeling that I got when I first laid eyes on Natalia Vodianova, Karolina Kurkova and Liya Kebede. Mark my word, this girl is going to be Major!