Modeling Journey

September is shaping up to be a bumper month editorial-wise for models of colour. American Elle showcases the illuminating beauty of Jamaican model Jeneil Williams in an editorial shot by Laurie Bartley. Represented by New York Models, Kingston-born Williams brings a touch of modernity to a series of outdoor shots set amidst the tropical flora and fauna of the Caribbean island of St Lucia. Williams looks simply spellbinding in neon bright graphic prints which contrast beautifully with her flawless ebony coloured skin. I have not purchased American Elle since the late Nineties but with editorials featuring the likes of Williams, Herieth Paul and Stephanie Seymour in its September edition, it may well be time to break the drought.

Chinese model Sui He is fast becoming one of the most coveted newcomers following a succession of sensational editorial appearances in V, Love and W magazine. In addition to that editorial trifecta, is Sui's limelight stealing cover appearance on Vogue China's 6th Anniversary issue lensed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, and her star turn as the current face of Ralph Lauren's Fall/Winter 2011 campaign.

Born in Wenzhou, Sui has been modelling for four years and received her first major breakthrough at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows when she was selected by casting director Jennifer Starr to open for Ralph Lauren, making her the first model of Asian descent to do so. What followed was a Dries Van Noten exclusive in Paris and select runway appearances in Milan for  D&G, D'Squared, Costume National and Anteprima.

Sui has a face that is distinctly Eurasian in appearance and is blessed with the most sublime angular bone structure. What is fascinating about Sui is that she is able to morph from a delicate and elegant beauty to that of a harder-edged unconventional gothic type as evidenced in her most recent editorial appearances for Love and V magazine. It is this versatility along with Sui's undeniable exceptional beauty which will ensure her longevity in the fickle world of modelling.

Hailing from Moscow, twenty-one-year old Valeriya Sorokoletova of New York Model Management is clear proof that the Russians are not quite done with as yet. The statuesque 176 cm tall, grey-eyed newcomer has a beguiling beauty that denotes a maturity beyond her years. Sorokoletova was scouted whilst returning home on her daily bus route and was swiftly signed by Rush Models in Moscow. Sorkoletova's piercing grey eyes and teutonic physicality remind me of nineties supermodel Nadja Auermann and it's no wonder given that Sorokoletova is of Russian and German descent. Sorokoletova's sophisticated and refined beauty is a welcome respite from the barely in their teens baby-faced models that have become a mainstay of modelling in recent years.

Chinese newcomer Sui He made a lasting impression at the Fall/Winter 2011 shows by becoming the first model of Asian descent to open and close for Ralph Lauren. Represented by New York Model Management, the 179 cm willowy beauty has had an impressive season, treading the runways for Doo Ri, Jill Stuart, Vivienne Tam, Diane Von Furstenburg, Cushnie et Ochs, Ohne Titel, Marchesa, Ports 1961, Elie Tahari, L'Wren Scott, Ralph Lauren, Anteprima, C'N'C Costume National, D'Squared, Dolce  & Gabbana, D&G and Dries Van Noten. Marked with natural poise, elegant long limbs and an ethereal like beauty, Sui He has the kind of editorial appeal and relevance in the global market which will place her in good stead in the aftermath of the shows.