Modeling Journey

Steven Meisel shoots some of modellings most compelling faces for W Magazine's September issue. A cast of supers, current tops and faces of tomorrow make up the cast of chameleons assembled for the editorial entitled "Transformers". Linda Evangelista, Raquel Zimmerman, Karen Elson, Jamie Bochert, Jessica Stam, Aymeline Valade, Fei Fei Sun, Guinevere Van Seenus and Candice Huffine pose for a duo of portraits, first as they see themselves and then as their alter egos. The results are magnificent with each model undergoing a dramatic transformation thanks to the creative genius of Meisel and stylist Edward Enninful. The September issue of W marks Enninful's first full issue as the magazine's fashion and style editor, and if this is an indication of things to come I will be anticipating each issue with abated breath.

W Magazine remodels the seventies with its March 2011 editorial lensed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. Styled by Alex White, the editorial features a who's who cast of modelling talent including Karolina Kurkova, Adriana Lima, Raquel Zimmerman, Anja Rubik, Hind Sahli, Anna de Rijk, Tasha Tilberg, Crystal Renn, Izabel Goulart, Delfine Bafort and Karlie Kloss, decked out in 70's revivalist fashion by Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce Gabbana, Chloé, Jean Paul Gaulthier and Roberto Cavalli. It's wonderful to see a mix of newcomers, established names and veteran models like Tilberg and Bafort bringing an element of surprise to this 70's glam-inspired editorial.

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.