If you’ve heard the name Denise Vasi, then I’m sure the name Russell Simmons wasn’t too far behind! Although she’s been rumored to be behind the breakdown of Kimora and Russell’s marriage, I still think she’s a great model! The twenty-three year old, New York native is currently signed to ID models where she has picked up campaigns for both Akademiks, the urban clothing company and Dollhouse, a shoe manufacturer. At only 5’7″, Denise has managed to break into the commercial end of the industry and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon. Denise currently resides in New York City.
Ana Bela (Marilyn modeling agency) was discovered after looking through a teen magazine and seeing a model guide with the names and addresses of modeling agencies in her hometown. She recognized the prestigious name Marilyn and just walked into the agency and got signed immediately! Originally from Sao Paolo, the twenty year old Brazilian stands tall at a striking 5’11”. Ana Bela, whom Dan Forbes photographed for the U.S. version of Harper’s Bazaar and Pamela Hanson for Vogue Teen, seems to have created some impression in New York City. She currently resides in Sao Paolo, where she continues to model full-time.
Gerren Taylor started modeling at the tender age of twelve. She is the youngest person ever to be represented by the runway division of L.A. Models (a modeling agency based in California). This Los Angeles native decided that she wanted to stay at home while pursuing her dream, rather than pack up and move to New York like so many other new models. However this hasn’t hindered her career, as she still manages to book the biggest fashion shows and photo shoots. She landed her first runway gig modeling for an Alexander McQueen’s fashion show in Las Vegas in October of 2003. In the industry she’s know as ‘Baby Naomi’ because of her striking resemblance to supermodel Naomi Campbell, though it’s quite possible that Gerren will make a name for herself in the modeling world, incomparable to anyone else.
In June of 2003, Jaunel McKenzie (Women Model Management) became the first Caribbean model, after Lois Samuels, to be selected for the Couture collections in Paris. The twenty year old, who is originally from Jamaica, has been featured in several issues of American Vogue as well as French and Italian editions with the industry’s top photographers. She also has been featured in many magazine editorials, such as her 25-page editorial for an issue of W Magazine. Jaunel was raised in Nannyville Gardens, Kingston where after leaving high school, she was discovered by accident. With two months to spare and no solid plans, Jaunel decided to enter the Pulse Model Search; a search she initially thought had more to do with model training. She was unaware of the fact that she had signed up for one of the biggest competitions Jamaica sees annually; It was here that she was first noticed by the industry. Jaunel now resides in New York where she continues to model, she aims to eventually own her own accounting firm and clothing line.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was scouted at an early age by a French film director who introduced her to her first modeling agency. As soon as Liya graduated from high school, she moved to France to begin her career. Liya inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where fate would find her through Gucci designer, Tom Ford. He hired the then unknown model for his runway show and the rest is histroy! In 2003, Liya Kebede (IMG Models) was the first black woman to land the coveted cosmetics contract with Estée Lauder (the first in the company’s 59-year history!) She has also graced the covers of Italian, Japanese and Spanish Vogue, V, French, Flair, i-D and Time’s Style & Design. In 2005, she was appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and she also founded a foundation to support the cause. She currently lives in New York City with her husband Kassy Kebede, son Suhul and daughter Raee. To learn more about her foundation visit, www.liyakebede.com.
Visit Sylvia “Angel” Kerali @ StealSytle —— By: Sylvia ‘Angel’ Kerali
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