The Style Notes

You see them everywhere, gracing the covers of fashion magazines all over the world,
walking down the runway during fashion week, posing in countless advertisements
and editorials. But how much do you really know about them? Here you can learn more
about today's most popular models! Don't forget to vote for your  favorite at the bottom
of the page! Select a model or scroll down to view.    

                                                                             MODEL PROFILES               
                                                                                     Daria Werbowy
                                                                                  Hana Soukupova 
                                                                                 Natalia Vodianova
                                                                                  Sasha Pivovarova
                                                                                       Jessica Stam
                                                                                      Lily Donaldson
                                                                                Freja Beha Erichsen
                                                                                    Snejana Onopka
                                                                                     Doutzen Kroes
                                                                                      Hilary Rhoda 
                                                                                  Caroline Trentini 
                                                                                       Anja Rubik
                                                                                      Karlie Kloss  new!
                                                                             Raquel Zimmermann new!
                                                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                     INTERVIEWS
                                                     Ali Michael 
                                                                                       Rachel Clark                                                         


                                                                                       
              

Daria Werbowy was born in Ukraine in 1983 but she was raised in Canada. She began modeling at the age of 14, but she didn't hit it big right away. She switched agencies a few times and didn't see her career flourish until she was signed by an international agency, IMG. She was originally supposed to make her debut in September 2001, but things didn't go as planned. "I was booked for eight shows which, of course, never happened," says Daria. "Afterwards I tried Paris for six months and that didn't work. I tried London for two months
and that didn't work. So I quit." She decided to go back to New York, and her big break was being in the Prada Fall 2004 ad campaigns. Since then she has landed coveted campaigns with
Chanel, Missoni, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and many more. She is currently the spokesmodel for Lancome Hynose perfume, and you can also find her in the current Hermes ads.

left: W magazine cover

Hana Soukupova is a 24-year-old Czech model. She was born in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic on December 18, 1985. Because of her height (she's 5'11- though some sources say even taller), she played basketball while growing up, but she was signed as a model when she was 14. In 2001, Hana won the Czech Topmodel competition, one of the most prestigious modeling competitions in the Czech Republic. Since then she has appeared in many high-profile campaigns, including Jill Stuart, Carolina Herrera, Escada and Versace. Hana has also been on the cover of nearly a dozen magazines in the last few years.

From left: at Michael Kors show; at Anna Sui [photo source: style.com]

Natalia Vodianova was born in Gorky (now Nizhni Novgorod), Russia's third largest city. She lived in poor conditions with her mother and two half-sisters. At 15, she moved into her own apartment with a friend. Natalia was enrolled in a modeling agency at this time, and one day she was spotted by a scouting agent from Paris. She was told that she could have a great future in store for her if she could learn English in three months. Determined, Natalia did just that and moved to Paris when she was 17. Soon enough, she was signed by the Viva modeling agency. Many offers followed, including
a Gucci perfume ad campaign.

In 2001, Natalia fell in love with Justin Portman, a British real estate heir. She gave birth to their first son, Lucas, on December 22, 2001. The couple were later married in a  lavish ceremony in Saint Petersburg. Natalia was back on the runway in no time, walking in over 30 shows for the fall 2002 season. Later she went on to shoot many campaigns, including Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Miss Sixty, Alberta Ferretti and countless others.The 5'9 model had her second child, daughter Neva, in March of 2006. But don't think motherhood is going to slow down her career. To date, she has appeared on the cover of nearly 40 magazines. Vogue also named her one of the Best Dressed Originals in their January 2007 issue.



Clockwise from top left: Mer Du Lord Spring 2002 campaign; Natalia and her husband; U.S. Vogue March 2006 

Jessica Stam was born in Canada in 1986. She was discovered in a coffee shop in 2001 by an agent from IMG. Stam's career took off when she appeared on the cover German Vogue, and since then she has graced the cover of countless others. She is a natural redhead, but she dyed it blonde before the spring 2006 shows, where she walked a total of 54 shows. She has been in nearly 30 campaigns; most recently Dior and DKNY.



From left: Numero August 2004; BCBG Fall '05; BCBG Spring '06

Lily Donaldson was born on January 27, 1987 in England. She was scouted by Select model agency while shopping in Camden in 2003. In only three short years, Lily has become of the leading models, even scoring a nomination for Best Model at the British Fashion Awards in 2005. She has also landed an impressive number of campaigns including Dior, Chanel, and Roberto Cavalli. With regular appearances in Vogue and a fixture on the runway, Lily is one of the most sought after models in the industry (alongside good friend Gemma Ward, of course). 

From left: Editorial for Vogue January 2006 photographed by Steven Meisel; modeling for Narciso Rodriguez [photos from style.com]

Freja Beha Erichsen was born in Denmark in 1987. Since her runway debut for the Fall 2005 collections, she has been one of the most in-demand models. Freja (pronounced fry-ah) has appeared in advertisements for Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Pringle of Scotland, Gap, Gucci and countless others. Her agencies include IMG New York and Paris, and Unique Models in her native Denmark. She can currently be found in the Chanel ads photographed by Karl Lagerfeld. Besides modeling, Freja also enjoys music and writing lyrics in her spare time. "I really like people who can express themselves through music," she says.

 Vogue China June 2006 cover

 In a recent interview, she says she owes her success to photographer Steven Meisel: “I think he’s the best photographer. He did two Italian Vogue covers for me; he did so much, so that’s why I’m here.”


From left: Snejana in V magazine August 2007 photographed by Inez & Vinoodh; Italian Vogue cover shot by Steven Meisel

Doutzen Kroes is a Dutch model from Friesland, a province in the north of the Netherlands. Since making her professional debut, Doutzen has graced the cover of magazines such as Elle, Numéro, and Vogue. She has also appeared in numerous campaigns including Valentino, Gucci, Escada, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein, recently replacing Christy Turlington as the face of Eternity, Calvin Klein’s fragrance. In addition to these high-fashion campaigns, Doutzen also appears regularly in the Victoria’s Secret fashion shows and catalog, and has also signed a contract with L’Oréal cosmetics. In 2005, she was selected as Model of The Year by Vogue.com readers. “She has learned a lot about the business and grew as a person,” says Mo Karadag, Doutzen’s agent. “And she’s still sweet.”

From left: Doutzen at Karl Lagerfeld; W Jewelry cover; at a Versace event

20-year-old Hilary Rhoda is sure making a splash in the fashion industry. The American hasn't even been around for two years, but has already landed coveted ad campaigns, editorials, and magazine covers. Born in Maryland, Hilary grew up playing all kinds of sports- including field hockey, lacrosse, and tennis. But after graduating high school, she moved to New York to concentrate on modeling.

For her first runway season ever, Spring 2006, Hilary appeared at all the right shows and earned herself a spot on Style.com's Top Ten Models list for that season. Since then, her career has skyrocketed. She has walked for almost every high profile designer and has been on several covers worldwide- including French Vogue, Numéro, Italian Vogue, and W Korea. Most notably, Hilary appeared on American Vogue's May 2007 cover as one of "the world's next top models". She is also one of the most in-demand models for ad campaigns; she has been the face of Donna Karan, Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren, and, most recently, Estee Lauder and Valentino.

Clockwise from top left: Estee Lauder advertisement; Chanel Spring 2007 show; Donna Karan advertisement; French Vogue cover.

Anja Rubik was born in Czestochowa, Poland in 1985. She was first scouted by a Parisian agency while trying out for a local modeling contest and she is now signed with Next Model Management in Paris, London, and New York. Anja has been on the runway since 2000,  when she made her debut in Paris, but it wasn't until 2005 that her career started to flourish. In '05, she was named one of Style.com's Top Ten Models, opened for Paco Rabanne, appeared in advertisements for Emanuel Ungaro, Giorgio Armani cosmetics, Jimmy Choo, and Versace, and was on the cover of W Jewelry. 2005 was also the beginning of her 3-year run in Chloé ad campaigns, most recently the new Chloé  fragrance ads alongside Clemency Posey and Chloë Sevigny.  
     After an impressive year in 2005, Anja has proven that she has the longevity that many other models' careers lack. She had equally good years in 2006 and 2007, appearing on the covers of Italian Vogue and Numéro twice, along with a slew of advertisements and editorials. In 2007 she surprised many people by cutting her long hair short after the Fall '07 shows ended. But her new look proved to only help her career, as you can currently see her in advertisements for Chanel eyewear, Dsquared2, Chloé fragrance, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino. To top it all off, Anja is at #5 on Models.com's Top 50 Models, and shows no signs of slipping.

Clockwise from top left: Anja backstage at a fashion show; Emilio Pucci SS08; Chloé fragrance ad; Anja attending the Chloé SS08 in Paris show as a guest  [photo sources: style.com and models.com]

                                     Ali Michael
April 4 2007: In this exclusive interview, Ali Michael talks with The Style Notes about her recent modeling success. Even though Fall 07 was her first runway season ever, 16-year-old Ali has already made a name for herself. Since winning a modeling contest in 2005, she has been featured in Italian Elle and Teen Vogue twice. Her agencies include Viva in Paris, DNA in New York, and Kim Dawson in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. She had quite an impressive first runway season, modeling for top names like Proenza Schouler, Anna Sui, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and even opening the Lanvin show (which, she says, landed her a gig with W magazine). In addition, Style.com has just named Ali one of their top 10 new faces! Keep an eye out for Ali, she's sure to have even more success throughout her career! UPDATE: Ali has also landed a coveted spot on the cover of Teen Vogue! She graced the cover with fellow American teens Chanel Iman and Karlie Kloss. Congrats Ali! 

How and when did you first start modeling?
About two years ago, one of my friend's moms suggested that I go into an agency. I went to an open call at Kim Dawson (in Dallas) and was told that they couldn't sign me becuase I had braces, but to enter their model search that they have over the summer and to work on my body in the meantime. In between the time of the open call and the time of the model search, I started researching the industry. I have always been a huge tomboy and was never interested in fashion, but once I started reading magazines and learning about the business, something drew me to it. I got subscriptions to Vogue, W, Italian Vogue (thanks to a Christmas present from my boyfriend,) Teen Vogue, and others and started living on The Fashion Spot. Also, I had worked really hard on changing my body (I used to be so unhealthy and eat only chocolate and fried food and junk-but I just cut all of those things out of my diet) and my braces were about to come off. I ended up winning the model search that year in 2005.

What has been your favorite project so far?
That would be kind of hard to say. I've been able to do a lot of really amazing jobs. One of my favorite projects would definitely have to be going to Tokyo for Teen Vogue. Every time that I've done a job for Teen Vogue they've been amazing. The people that I've worked with there have become great friends of mine and it's always fun to run into them at other jobs and things now. Plus, I never thought that I would ever go to Tokyo in my entire lifetime- let alone at sixteen years old. Another one of my favorite projects would have to be shooting W with Craig McDean. After the Lanvin show, my mom and I went out to a nice dinner before going home the next morning. We were eating our meals when I got a phone call from Viva, my agency, saying that one of the people from W Magazine saw me in Lanvin and that a car was coming to pick me up in ten minutes to go to a studio to shoot W with Craig. I couldn't believe it because the thought of working with Craig seriously blew my mind. I can't really even explain it. The shoot went great and Craig was really amazing to work with.

What are the best and worst aspects of being a model?
I think that there are a lot of really amazing things about being a model. First of all, you get to travel the entire world at such a young age. The things and places that I've seen are just incredible to be able to see when you're sixteen years old. Another thing that I love about being a model is the creative energy that's around you all the time. The fashion industry is one that's always coming up with new ideas and the people in it are really inspiring. The worst part of being a model would have to be being away from home. Being gone has definitely made me appreciate my house and especially my bed! I miss my boyfriend a lot too. We've been together for about two and a half years so being apart is really hard for us.

Your job has taken you all around the world. Do you have a favorite city
that you've been to?
Every city has been so different so it's kind of hard to choose, but New York and London are my favorites. New York just has this really great energy that I love. I can't even explain it. I also have the subway system figured out now so that's a plus! I also think that London has a really cool vibe about it. I was only there for a few days but I love the architecture and the weather and the whole feeling of the city. It's cool.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I'm at home, I'm always hanging out with my boyfriend David. He's my best friend and we have a lot of fun together. We're pretty nerdy and like playing video games and stuff like that. I also love music- my favorite band is Radiohead. I rode horses for seven years before I started modeling. I never really ride anymore, but I love being around horses and when I get the chance I love to do it. In New York I like just walking around the city becuase you can always find somewhere interesting to go in or something to do. Right now I'm living in the model apartment, so I hang out here a lot and read or get on the computer. Majority of my time online is spent on Myspace and The Fashion Spot. I'm obsessed with both.

Thanks to Ali for the interview!

                                  Rachel Clark
April 2, 2007:  The Style Notes catches up with Rachel Clark, a breakout star during the fall 2007 season. She walked in over a dozen shows, including Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Marni, Dries Van Noten, Moschino, Givenchy, and even opened the Proenza Schouler show. Now with a successful season under her belt, look forward to seeing even more of Rachel in the near future. In this exclusive interview, Rachels talks to The Style Notes about the ups and downs of modeling and her geeky side.

How and when did you first start modeling?
 Well first I lost my job working at a video game store, and then a hurricane completely obliterated my apartment (in Florida) So I figured that was the perfect time to try it out. I walked into an agency in Miami without expecting much and ended up getting signed on the spot. That was around October 2006.

What has been your favorite project so far?
Ooh hard one. I just did something for Louis Vuitton that was pretty cool. The shoot was at a chateau in the french countryside, absolutely gorgeous with long rectangular ponds and statues, hidden doors and spiraling marble staircases. It looked like something straight out of a Jane Austen book. There was also something I did in Mexico in the middle of this desert town. Tons of animals roaming around free. I enjoy every shoot involving animals really.

What are the best and worst aspects of being a model?
The worst aspects I'd have to say are the stereotypes and controversial catagories people automatically associate me with when they learn I'm a model. People will assume I have an eating disorder when I weigh the same that I did when I started -and no one said those things to me then. They'll assume I'm an idiot off the bat, that my interests
revolve around shopping, looking pretty, and being (excuse my french) a bitch. I use the internet a lot so I tend to find a lot of negative, untrue, and hurtful things in forums about a lot of other models. That sort of thing can get really disheartening.  

But with the bad comes AWESOME things. The job can be rushed and stressful but at the same time super exciting. Jetsetting from country to country. I see places on a regular basis that my family and friends would kill to see. I meet all sorts of people from all different walks of life. Some of the other models I've met have truly displayed more character and insight in 5 minutes than some people I've known for years. I've gained awesome friends, I can dress crazy, I get cool pictures for myspace. It's a 24/7 career. It teaches you to mature while at the same time lets you
be as young and free-spirited as you want.

What do you like to do in your free time?
First of all I love the internet and video games. I'm obsessed with role playing games like World of Warcraft, Dark Age of Camelot, Ragnarok, Final Fantasy. When I'm at home I mostly just hang out with my roomates and a few close friends and my pets of course. I lay pool/billiards a lot, sing karaoke, play dungeons and dragons every thursday because I'm a total geek. When there's nothing to do I usually take the top off my jeep and cruise along the beach blasting tunes. When I'm away from home I hang out with a few select models and friends I've become close to and when they're not around I prefer staying in and cramming snacks while playing on my laptop.

Who are your favorite designers?
Honestly I didn't know anything about fashion or being fashionable before I became a model; never even looked at magazines. I can spot some awesome things in every designer's collection, but then again I'm one of those people who couldn't tell you what my favorite brands are. Vintage and thrift, that's my handle.

Is there anyone in the fashion industry who you were particularly excited to
meet?
I didn't know about anyone in the fashion industry when I started but it was always exciting to meet the different designers; I never knew what to expect and they are quite interesting people. Some of the casting directors that I owe a lot of my growth to were absolutely wonderful people and the agents are awesome. I've been lucky so far to have such nice, fun people to work with.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
Well first I plan on investing what I make from this so that I can either retire or go back to school just because that's good for me, not necessarily for any particular job. When I'm done with this I want to be able to show more for myself and these years than just pictures. I want a stocked bank account and a decent education.

Thanks to Rachel for the interview!

Sources for the above photos and information include: herfamedgoodlooks.com, supermodels.nl, style.com, wikipedia, askmen.com, thefashionspot.com, and fashionmodeldirectory.com