Modeling Journey

Russh Magazine's August/September issue features a treasure trove of editorial goodies. Golden girl Nyasha Matonhodze stars in an Alex Franco lensed editorial entitled "On a Wing." Matonhodze looks simply sublime wearing an assortment of creations embellished with ostrich feathers, plastic scales and fur by Gareth Pugh, Prada and Haider Ackermann. Gillian Wilkins clever styling is perfectly suited to Matonhodze's unembellished natural beauty which is further enhanced by the surrounding landscape, and flora and fauna. At only sixteen years, Matonhodze seems poised for an incredible future having already landed a Louis Vuitton campaign shot by Steven Meisel, as well as editorials for Teen Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and V Magazine, and a stunning cover debut for the issue 6 of Love Magazine. 

Russh's September issue confirms Aymeline Valade as my favourite model of the moment. Captured by photographer Will Davidson, Valade looks so exuberant and brimming full of joy as she wanders and dances around the streets of New York. Stylist Stevie Dance kits out Valade in an eclectic mix of bodysuits, tunics, pantsuits and top hats by the likes of Dries Van Noten, Dolce Gabbana, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Collette Dinnigan and Josh Goot. Valade proves yet again that the combination of beauty, personality and womanly allure is precisely what the market place has been yearning for.

Estonian born Karmen Pedaru began modelling in 2005 after being scouted whilst at a theatre performance in her hometown of Tallinn. Pedaru was formerly an elite athlete competing for the Estonian national soccer team prior to being discovered. Pedaru has since hung up her soccer training boots for the equally rigorous runway circuit where she is now a permanent fixture. Pedaru's modelling career has been gradually building momentum and following more than six years in the industry, is set to hit overdrive. Pedaru is a firm favourite with Paris Vogue and British Vogue, and recently landed her first Vogue covers for the Portuguese and Greek editions of the publication. Pedaru also starred recently alongside Joan Smalls in Gucci's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign lensed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott and appears in the current Fall/Winter 2011 campaign for Michael Kors shot by Mario Testino.

Photographer - Unknown Source - bellazon.com

As a former athlete, Karmen compares her career to sport; stating that, "Modelling is kind of like a sport. You need a lot of endurance and focus." In an interview with Michal Figurski for reserved-fashion.blogspot, Pedaru elaborates "In this business you can't afford to be tired. It's really hard work. I fly about three times a week, yesterday I was in NYC, today I'm in Poland, tomorrow I'm flying to Paris. If I don't keep my energy and enthusiasm, I'll drop out. There's no work for tired models." Pedaru's sporting background puts her in good stead, "I played as a goal keeper for 6 years. I was well-built back then. You can still see my muscles here and there. I'm still quite fit, I play basket ball and roller skate."

As one of the most industrious and down-to-earth models in the industry, I am delighted to see Pedaru's strong work ethic paying dividends. Represented by Ford Models in New York, this statuesque 178 cm tall, olive green eyed beauty remains grounded in spite of her success. In the same interview for reserved-fashion.blogspot, Figurski poses the question; "Does being beautiful make life easier?", to which Pedaru replies, "It's a question of personality. If you're beautiful on the inside, then yes. Being beautiful only on the outside, you're nobody. I sense such people at first glance. There are many people like this in every business."

British Vogue - March 2011 Photographer - Mario Testino Source - models.som

Numero - May 2008 Photographer - Greg Kadel Source - thefashionspot.com

i-D Magazine - September 2008 Photographer - Pierre Bailly Source - nymag.com

Paris Vogue - July 2011 Photographer - Cedric Buchet Source - models.com

Purple Magazine - S/S 2009 Photographer - Mario Sorrenti Source - models.com

Paris Vogue - February 2011 Photographer - Paolo Kudacki Source - models.com

British Vogue - May 2011 Photographer - Mario Testino Source - nymag.com

Interview - August 2011 Photographer - Fabien Baron Source - models.com

Karmen Pedaru & Karlie Kloss British Vogue - August 2010 Photographer - Daniel Jackson Source - models.com

W Magazine - March 2010 Photographer - Mario Sorrenti Source - nymag.com

Numero - March 2010 Photographer - Solve Sundsbo Source - thefashionspot.com

Costume National - S/S 2010 Photographer - Glen Luchford Source - models.com

Gucci - S/S 2011 Photographer - Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott Source - bellazon.com

Russh Magazine - April 2009 Photographer - Simon Burstall Source - models.ocm

Michael Kors - S/S 2011 Photographer - Mario Testino Source - models.com

W Magazine - July 2009 Photographer - Claudia Knoepfel & Stefan Indlekofer Source - nymag.com

I have been based in Berlin for six months, having moved here from the sunny shores of Sydney, Australia in July 2010. My first  two thoughts upon arriving in Berlin were, "I hope I will be able to cope with the arduous winter here and secondly, will I be able to find my favourite glossies in order to get my much needed fix of fashion and models." 

Berlin is an international city and an epicentre of creativity for artists, writers and anyone seeking a level of self-expression. I was delighted therefore to find that not only were my much loved American and European magazines readily available but so was the ultra-cool Russh Magazine from my hometown.

Russh Magazine was created in September 2004 and is published bi-monthly. The magazine has a strong emphasis on personal style with a distinctly Australian flavour which is endearing, intriguing and honest. What I love most about Russh, is that the editorial content and cover shots are always original, unpredictable and innovative. This little Aussie hipster publication stays true to it's roots but is clearly international in it's mindset. Russh features only the top tier models from around the globe in  homegrown and international fashions. The styling and concepts of the editorials are exciting and fresh and do not follow a set formulaic approach. 

In the words of Russh editor Stevie Dance, "Russh, she is the mystery girl you want to befriend but are just a tad intimidated by. That is, until you realise that she is just as dorky as you, in the coolest kind of way."