Great Danes

When one is asked to think of a country from which the world's most beautiful models hail, Brazil is never far from the top. Gisele, Adriana, Alessandra, Isabeli...  some of the industry's most well-known, highest-paid models - their names themselves ooze sex appeal - argument enough that Brazilian woman are the most beautiful. Or so it would seem. Overt sexuality is only one interpretation of beauty, and this is one interpretation that the Brazilians can definitely lay claim to. Lately, it feels like fashion is favouring a different kind of beauty. The best way to describe it would quite simply be understated. Less exaggerated. Pared-back. Minimal. Much like the clothes we are seeing on the runways. Céline. Chloé. Calvin Klein. 

A newcomer fast becoming a favourite of mine is Caroline Brasch Nielsen, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark. Making her first international appearance in Paris for Fall/Winter 2010, she debuted for Dries Van Noten and opened for Valentino and Sharon Whauchob. In the same season she also walked for the likes of Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Céline. She must have impressed Nicholas Ghesquière at least, because she nabbed a spot in Balenciaga's FW 2010 campaign- alongside Stella Tennant, Karen Elson and fellow country (wo)man Freja Beha Erichsen. She walked for no less than 60 shows in the most recent Spring/Summer 2011 season, opening 6 (including Narciso Rodriguez, Alberta Ferretti and Nina Ricci) and closing 4, one of which was Valentino. It comes as no surprise then that she was ranked third in FTV's latest first face countdown (behind Freja and Miss Kloss). Not bad for a 17 year old who has only been in the modelling game for 6 months. 

 I must say there is something captivating about these Danish girls - Freja has a similarly compelling nature. Reserved, almost to the point of shyness; but to the extent that it becomes enchanting, rather than awkward. Those insane cheekbones and solemn stare are softened with dimples, making sulky look serene. Ethereal, almost. After seeing her in Céline Resort I struggle to think of another girl who would have modeled that collection as perfect as she. She captured Phoebe Philo's minimalism to a (sharply cut) tee, and I wouldn't be suprised if some of her quiet freshness served as inspiration for Philo's (and many others, judging by the sheer number of shows she walked) latest spring collections. Fingers crossed for a campaign. To me she embodies THE Céline girl, and although 'obsession' doesn't quite seem the right word for Philo, here's hoping for something similar to Largerfeld's with Freja. Models as muses, as they say. Must just be those great Danes.  Siri Tollerød, Frida Gustavsson, Caroline and Freja, forget Brazil; those Nordic waters are where it's at. 

  

Pictures via tFS and Style.com

FBE 4 Vogue

Danish bad girl (and Lagerfeld favourite) Freja Beha Erichsen has landed on the cover of not one, but two, Vogues in the same month. Paris Vogue, wearing fall Chanel (no surprises there, seeing as she closed the show) and Vogue UK wearing new-season Miu Miu, where she also featured in an amazing colour-blocked editorial.

Anytime I see a new Paris cover or spread I immediately think back to last winter when I was lucky enough to be in Paris, where I could wander down to my local marchand de journaux and buy the very latest issue of Vogue hot off the press for less than the price of a café au lait et un croissant. Oh, to be in Paris! Damn you transcontinental passage for being so long and expensive, damn you.




pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue

Karl for Abbey = Abbey for Chanel

It doesn't take a genius to realise Abbey Lee Kershaw has been a favourite of Chanel's creative director for quite some time now. Karl Lagerfeld makes no secrets of his favourites, and fellow teacher's pet (if that's what they can be called, although- with their shared penchant for piercings and motorcycle boots- I doubt it) Freja Beha Erichsen and Abbey Lee are set to feature in the latest ad campaign for the luxury house. Freja featured in the barnyard romp for Chanel's country-inspired Spring/Summer 2010 show, closed for Karl's self-titled label in the same season and closed for Chanel's latest fall show. She also featured in Chanel's S/S 2010 campaign (and their S/S eyewear campaign), as did 90s supermodel Claudia Schiffer.


This is the first Chanel campaign for Abbey however, and she also happens to be the first Australian to feature in a ready-to-wear campaign for the house. I say ready-to-wear as most who watch TV will remember Nicole Kidman running around in a ball gown spritzing on Chanel No. 5 (and as far as the fashion counsel is concerned, beauty contracts DO NOT count as high fashion campaign coups). Abbey gained favouritism status by opening and closing for Fendi (another label Mr. Lagerfeld is creative director of) during the S/S 10 season, as well as opening the latest Chanel fall show (yes, the very same one Freja B closed. See a pattern here?)


Anyway, what I'm TRYING to say (if I haven't been nearly obvious enough for you) is that it's pretty darn plain to see who KL will pick to champion his brand over the line. And if their resumes-to-date (and the previous behind-the-scenes snaps) are anything to go by, they won't disappoint.



Pictures: fashionising.com and Grazia