Once upon a time, supermodels were household names, gracing every magazine cover and ad campaign under the sun, and even appearing in the odd George Michael music video. But while these days Naomi Campbell is better known for strutting into a courtroom than down a runway, and Kate “Co-kate” Moss seems to create a new tabloid scandal each week, a new crop of hot young things are making waves in the fashion world. Blessed with uniquely-pretty looks and eccentric style, these model muses don’t need personal drama to get attention. Instead, they’re inspiring designers with their fresh, eclectic, mix-matchy aesthetic. Far from being mere mannequins, these girls exert their influence over entire collections – Alexander Wang even commissioned his next-door neighbor, model Erin Wasson, to play stylist for his Fall 2008 showing, deeming the look “M.O.D” for “Model Off Duty”. Here’s a look into the wardrobes of three welcome additions to the fashion world. You might want to take notes – their street style may well be the inspiration for next season’s biggest trends.
AGYNESS DEYN
Known as “Aggy” to style worshippers, Agyness Deyn (real name: Laura Hollins) has been the androgynous darling of the fashion world for over a year now, booking Fall 2008 Fashion Week gigs at Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, and Rodarte, just to name a few. Not content to be just a flash in the pan, Deyn has had an enormous influence on contemporary fashion through her personal wardrobe, leading to a collaboration designing jewelry with fellow Brit Henry Holland, and prompting Burberry’s Christopher Bailey to declare her his muse. Part of Deyn’s charm is that her style is truly her own – pulling inspiration from punk rock (she has listed Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry as a style icon) and the “nu-rave” scene of her native London. Her trademarks include dapper trilby hats, skinny pants, patent leather brogues, and vintage tees – all thrown together with a chi-chi oversized Louis Vuitton bag.
CHANEL IMAN
At only 18 years old, Chanel Iman Robinson (yes, that’s her real name) has accomplished more than most models ever do in a lifetime: she has taken to the catwalk for the likes of Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen, booked a national ad campaign for United Colors of Bennetton, and even won $50 000 as a runner up in Ford Models’ 2006 “Supermodel of the World” contest. Yet in her downtime, her look is refreshingly unpretentious casual-chic. While her style may center around basics like slim-fit jeans and thin tees – not to mention bargain finds from Forever 21 – she knows how to give a look some polish by adding a structured jacket or blazer and a great designer bag (often from Chanel, natch). An aspiring designer, she’s proven to be a true style chameleon: you’ve gotta love a girl who can rock a sophisticated Stella McCartney dress and a sexier urban style with bold hoops and bangles.
Style trademark to steal: Make comfortable basics look special by dressing up your everyday denim with a ladylike jacket and a great pair of heels.
IRINA LAZAREANU
With her thick Sixties-style fringe and indie-rock-chick style, Lazareanu has a look that’s all her own – and it’s working for her. Since being hand-picked by Kate Moss to appear in a shoot for French Vogue that the supermodel was guest-editing, Lazareanu has impressed editors and designers alike: even Karl “The Kaiser” Lagerfeld, who had her open a couture showing for Chanel last year. Like Agyness Deyn, Lazareanu shows a penchant for a more androgynous look, rocking ties, fedoras, and menswear-inspired vests. She favors lots of black – both leggings and boyish blazers – and boots in all shapes and sizes, from slouchy knee-highs to ankle booties. If her effortless, thrown-together style evokes a certain kind of French joie de vivre, it should come as no surprise – this Romanian-born beauty was raised in Francophone Quebec.
Photos courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
