Gisele Bundchen, the 29 year old Brazilian model is established world wide as one of the richest women in the entertainment industry.
At thirteen years old, Bundchen was discovered whilst eating a McDonalds with friends; she then took place in the Elite Look of the Year competition, however she achieved second place as Claudia Menezes achieved first. She then moved to New York City and walked for fashion week.

Gisele has been named “the most beautiful women in the world”, and appeared on the cover of music magazine, Rolling Stone. Bundchen has been featured in the Pirelli Calendar, twice; and has appeared in over 7,000 magazine covers including: Vogue, Elle, Allure and Esquire.

Recognized by Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer as a Supermodel; who have both been known to criticize the industry as it hands out the name Supermodel to women whom they feel don’t deserve it.

"Supermodels, like we once were, don't exist any more" said Claudia Schiffer believed. Naomi Campbell also commented on the issue, "Models need to earn their stripes - I just think the term is used a little too loosely. Kate Moss is obviously a supermodel but, after Gisele, I don’t think there’s been one."

Gisele has campaigned for Christian Dior, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Victoria’s Secret, Vogue refer to her as ‘return of the sexy model’. The Brazilian model has hit headlines because of her curvaceous physique in comparison to models like Kate Moss who have a petite figure.

Bundchen has startled the likes of Vogue and warmed our hearts with her ability to stun internationally; known as one of the best Supermodels Gisele has defiantly made Brazil proud of her achievements.

Lisa Overton

Officially named the first Super Model, Janice Dickinson was originally turned down by Eileen Ford for looking to ethnic; the fashion industry at the time required blue eyes and blonde hair, but when Jacques Silverstein’s girlfriend commented that she liked Dickinson’s look she was signed up to Wilhelmina Model Agency.

Once told that she would amount to nothing, Janice has certainly proved many wrong by becoming an American Supermodel, Actress, Author, Agent and judging on America’s Next Top Model and at 54 years old still going strong she has most defiantly made a name for herself.

Dickinson was sent to Paris in the very beginning of her modeling career, unknowing what to expect Janice stuck gold when she met the art Director of Vogue, Peter Knapp. Within four months Janice was on the face of many European covers, she travelled to China, Japan and Thailand; she returned to New York with a portfolio full with superb photos and tear sheets, referred to as a new import Janice was in demand by those who first ridiculed her.

Janice soon became a household name appearing on covers such as Playboy, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue walking catwalks in Valentino, Versace and Armani. She was living her dream, a young supermodel with life experiences hitting harder than lightening; however, sadly she slowly pulled herself away from the intense lifestyle after a loss of her fellow model and friend Gia Carangi.

Dickinson had already achieved supermodel status and after partying with Princes, the sudden appeal to capture the culture of the industry helped her to progress into fashion photography. She had already had enough experience behind her and used it to help and educate aspiring models.

Janice then progressed and worked on TV, Tyra Banks hired her to work on America’s Next Top Model; offering the girls advice on what to expect from the industry: a harsh reality.

Janice Dickinson has brought a realistic approach to the industry, being refused herself and still continuing, Janice has shown her dedication towards the industry. Putting an end to the Blonde-hair and Blue eyes reign, her amazing pout has stunned hundreds.

Heidi Klum, a German model, with a passion for business, fashion design and art.

 She began her career when she was persuaded by a friend to enter a modeling contest; ‘Model92’ she competed against 25,000 others and won. She was offered a contract with Metropolitan Models New York.

Klum appeared on the popular German talk show, Gottschalk Late Night Show. This was viewed by thousands across the country and was her big break. Heidi later featured on many covers including high street favourites, Vogue and Elle.

Heidi became established after being a cover girl for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue; and then worked with Victoria’s Secret as an angel. Shortly following she was a spokesmodel for H&M, McDonalds and Volkswagen.

Klum has also participated in American Sitcoms such as How I Met Your Mother and the prominent Sex & The City; Heidi has also acted in many films, Perfect Stranger, The Devil Wears Prada and Ella Enchanted.

Heidi became executive producer, judge and host to the US reality show, Project Runway; the show was recognised by the Emmy awards and received a nomination. She has also host, judged and is the co-producer with Tyra Banks of Germany’s Next Top Model, in which the successful potential model would win a contract with IMG models, whom Heidi is also signed with.

She has also designed clothing lines, working with Victoria’s Secret for their Lingerie Collection, ‘The Body’. She has also worked on fragrances, make – up and jewellery.

With Campaigns such as Victoria’s Secret, Otto, Nike, Givenchy and Caress under her belt, she is the perfect lady to support aspirers on her reality TV shows. She has modelled, sang, dance and acted her way up the industry’s ladder and is an icon to many.

Lisa Overton

Standing at 175cm, the British model has triumphed internationally gracing the world with her impeccable traits and astonishing figure. Appearing in Bob Marley’s – Is This Love? music video at just 7, it is easy to say; Campbell was set for big things.

Whilst shopping at Covent Garden, London; Naomi was spotted by Beth Boldt a prior Ford model. At just fifteen, Naomi appeared on the cover Elle, two years later she was the first black model to be a cover girl for Vogue Paris.

Becoming a supermodel in the 1990’s amongst the likes of Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss, Naomi become a phenomenon and starred in many music videos for artists such as, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Usher, Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G.

Signed to the likes of Storm Model Management: London, IMG Models: New York, Marilyn Agency: Paris and D’ Management Group: Milan; Campbell has been featured on hundreds of magazine covers and has appeared in campaigns for Versace, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Dolce and Gabbana.

Campbell has produced her own range, under the label of the design house of Naomi Campbell, with fragrances such as Naomagic and Cat Deluxe; and also merchandising her book, Swan.

Naomi has also done her fair share of work for charity, working with Nelson Mandela, participating in work for Live Earth, Hurricane Katrina and Fashion Relief. Campbell has based her charity work in Africa helping those who mostly need it.

Being ranked number 4 in Channel 5’s ‘World’s greatest Supermodel’s and People magazine chose her as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People In The World; Campbell has strived to achieve accomplishment  throughout her career. Naomi will never be forgotten as a stunning icon of the 1990s.

Lisa Overton

As the first winner of “Americas Next Top Model (2003)”, Adrianne Curry’s life changed. Growing up in Joliet, Illinois a working class suburb of Chicago, childhood dreams became true when Adrianne was signed to New York’s Wilhelmina Models.  

Since her success on the reality show, Adrianne has walked runways wearing brands of: Von Dutch, Ed Harvey, Christopher Deane, Jamie Priestly, Anne Bowen and a line by Pamela Anderson.  

Adrianne has ranked in Playboys top 25 sexiest women 2008 and Maxims Hot 100. She has modelled for magazines such as OK!, Star, People, Maxim and US Weekly.

Her career has also extended to Television and film, as she has appeared in Half and Half, Dirt and The Surreal Life, in which she started dating husband Christopher Knight.

Since their relationship, Adrianne and Christopher have worked together in, My Fair Brady, Celebrity Family Feud and Just The Girl music video for rock band The Click Five.

The Led Zeppelin lover, has volunteered to help sick animals and clean up the streets whilst maintaining her celebrity status. Adrianne has achieved greatness and has upheld her down to earth manner, fighting for causes that meant as much before her success as they do now. Adrianne, is sure to be staring in more films and covers of our favourite magazines for years to come.

Written by Lisa Overton, Institute of Modeling © 2009

Tyra Banks is a name that just simply rolls of the tongue, beginning as a hopeful model Banks is now an international celebrity who has graced our televisions and magazines not only as a model, but as  an actress, business woman and an overall inspiration.

Banks started modelling at sixteen, later she went to Paris to walk runways; she was booked for 25 catwalk shows within her first week of being there: a record for a newcomer. With Fashion advertising for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Bill Blass, Yves Saint Laurent and Anna Sui.

Tyra was the first African American model to appear on the covers of GQ, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and Victoria’s Secret Catalogue. Other covers include Elle, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar.

Banks later progressed into television and film, appearing in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Nick Cannon’s Wild and Out, Coyote Ugly, and Halloween: Resurrection.  She later hosted the reality TV show, Americas Next Top Model and her own chat show, The Tyra Banks show.

Tyra has used her education and experiences within the industry and within life itself to help aspirers and those who are going through difficult situations; throughout her years within the industry she has accomplished a fantastic career and developed an excellent relationship with the public.

She has encouraged many hopefuls to continue their battle in completing their dreams and offered the public expert advice from her own understanding of the modelling trade and the lifestyle it offers. Tyra has been known to be extremely controversial and is it will be exciting to watch the next circles she associates in.

Edward Turner a British model and actor, struck gold being discovered by London’s Oxygen model agency. His success boomed as he became the face of Toni and Guy; for the Anthony Edge campaign in 2007.

He has also worked with Natural Roots and Desmond Ray. Having walked runways worldwide, Edd ventured to Los Angeles. Being the face of Z Hovak’s urban and unique global campaign was yet another triumph.

Edd has walked catwalks at London fashion week, modelled for Yooghoo Kwak a Korean designer; all before his twenty first birthday. He has performed in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘As you like it’ and ‘The merry wives of Windsor’, training with ‘OFTEM productions’ and ‘The Royal Shakespeare Company’ acting also seems to be another natural talent.

Turner is continuously travelling back and fourth across the pond, as it seems he has fallen in love with the states. Edd has incorporated outrageous design into his everyday lifestyle and is defiantly a face to watch in the up and coming future. Edd Turner is a name to look out for in the coming years, as we predict this star will keep rising.

Written by Lisa Overton, Institute of Modeling © 2009

Milica Nataša Jovović born December 17, 1975 born Kiev, Ukraine. Daughter of Bogdan Bogdanovich Jovović, a Serbian pediatrician, and Galina Loginova, a Soviet stage actress of ethnic Russian descent

Mila began modeling at eleven, when Richard Avedon featured her in Revlon's "Most Unforgettable Women in the World" advertisements, and she continued her career with other notable campaigns for L'Oréal cosmetics, Banana Republic, Christian Dior, Donna Karan, and Versace.

Later Jovovich made it to the cover of The Face, which led to new contracts and covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Since then, she has graced over one hundred magazine covers, including Seventeen, Mademoiselle, Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, and InStyle. Her modeling career has included various campaigns for Banana Republic, Christian Dior, Damiani, Donna Karan, Gap, Versace, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Coach, Giorgio Armani, H&M, and Revlon. Since 1998, Jovovich has been an "international spokesmodel" for L'Oréal cosmetics. She also had a minor cameo in Bret Easton Ellis' novel Glamorama, a satire of society's obsession with celebrities and beauty.

In an article published in 2002, she was said to be Miuccia Prada's muse and in an article published in 2003, Harpers & Queen magazine claimed Jovovich was Gianni Versace's "favourite supermodel". In 2004, Jovovich topped Forbes magazine's "Richest Supermodels of the World" list, earning a reported $10.5 million. In 2006, Jovovich was picked up by Spanish clothing line Mango as their new spokesmodel and is currently featured in their ad campaigns; she can also be seen in ads for Etro. She has noted that "Modeling was never a priority" and it instead enables her "to be selective about the creative decisions she makes".

Following Mila’s massive successes as a Model, Actress, Singer, Mila and fellow supermodel Carmen Hawk launched a line of clothing called Jovovich-Hawk in 2003. The pair opened a showroom in New York City's Greenwich Village on September 13, 2005, and the line lasted for four years. Many of the dresses for the Jovovich-Hawk line were designed by the head designer Gerardo Reyes for the duo for their third collection, the most critically acclaimed. The atelier is based in Los Angeles, but pieces could be found at Fred Segal in Los Angeles, Harvey Nichols, and over 50 stores around the world. Vogue has praised the line for its "girl-about-town cult status most designers spend years trying to achieve."

In November 2006, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and US Vogue nominated Jovovich-Hawk for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Jovovich-Hawk was nominated as a finalist, although Doo-Ri Chung took the top prize.

In late 2008, Jovovich and Hawk mutually agreed to end the business due to increased demands on their time. Jovovich explained, "I'm an artist. I'm not someone who can deal with shipping rates and taxes."

With a string of up and coming films and the possibility of an autobiography at some point in the near future, I am sure we will all be hearing much more from Mila.

Crystal Renn, known now for her curvaceous figure, was first discovered by a model scout in her small home town in Mississippi in 2000.  The then fourteen year-old Crystal, was told she would have to lose some 30% of her body weight to be suitable. The fourteen year-old made the necessary dietary and exercise changes, she managed to lose the weight required only to eventually hit a serious health crisis.  

After some time rehabilitating and gaining some 70lbs, Crystal Renn re-emerged in 2004 with a new sexier, fuller size (U.K. Dress size 16).  As the leading plus size model in the world, Crystal has enjoyed massive successes in various areas previous only reserved for the elite of modeling.

Crystal is the only plus-size model to have ever appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar and has enjoyed the success of appearing in international Vogue editions and has many lucrative deals with plus size designers/manufacturers.

Crystal took the time to pen her biography and explain in more detail the exploitation and pain modeling sometimes entails. The book, titled Hungry was released in the beginning of September 2009 to critical acclaim.  

With high demand from her agency and the public empathy, we predict that Crystal will become a household name that will help to promote healthy body image.

Buy hungry today on Amazon, from £13.75
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hungry-Appetite-Ambition-Ultimate-Embrace/dp/143910123X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254344708&sr=8-1

Kate Moss is an established English supermodel; renowned for her massive success and party lifestyle. Appearing in over 300 magazine covers the London Born pin-up was discovered in 1988 as a fourteen year old school girl. Kate was a severe contrast from the likes of Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford the curvaceous supermodels of the era.

Kate’s short height and petite figure are exceptionally uncommon for a catwalk model, and with 21 years of modeling behind her, reaching second on Forbes richest Supermodels list; Moss hasn’t done to badly for a young lady leaving school with only one C at GCSE level in Science.

Kate has worked amongst the elite, with brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and Dior and has been referred to as an international fashion icon. Aside from modelling, Kate has featured in music videos such as Elton John’s “Something about the way you look tonight” and “I just don’t know what to do with myself” by the white stripes.

In addition Kate has created her own fashion collection exclusive to Topshop, bringing us beautiful chiffon dresses, skinny jeans and statement blouses; reinstating the edgy chic of 80’s style. The assortment of trend setting clothes has been thriving since the spring of 2007.

Kate has also launched another fragrance, after the achievement of her previous scents "Kate" and "Velvet Hour".  “Vintage” is predicted to be yet another accomplishment for Kate. It has also been reported that Kate is working on song lyrics with boyfriend, Jamie Hince, after being involved with artists such as Primal Scream and Babyshambles.

The supermodel has additionally supported many different charities including, War Child, Cancer Research, Homes of Hope, Lucy Blackman Trust, Make Poverty History and the unforgettable appearance in the comedy sketch show Little Britain for Comic Relief as Vicky Pollards sister.

Kate has been rated in the top ten of sexiest woman several times and is estimated to be worth £40 million. Appearing in hundreds of magazines, launching perfumes, modeling her own compilation of unique fashion and extensive charity work; we wish the compelling allure of the international celebrity Kate Moss the same luck for her future.

Article written by Lisa Overton (c)  2009

Marcus Schenkenberg: a model, actor and writer has a citizenship for both Sweden and the Netherlands: as he was born in Sweden to Dutch parents.  Due to his astounding performance as a model, Schenkenberg currently resides in NYC.

Marcus is established as the highest paid male model in the world and was the first male Super Model. He has amazed the world with his muscular body and his ‘washboard’ abdominal muscles.

He was discovered by photographer, Barry King. Marcus was roller-skating in Venice; he went on to have a leading campaign with Calvin Klein. Other designers such as, Valentino, Giorgio Armani and Joop: all loved his look and used him to sport their creations.

His has signed to some of the most prestigious agencies in the world including, Storm Model Management London, Ford Models New York and D’ Management Group in Italy.

Marcus later turned his attention to acting, appearing in Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Hostage. He shown an array of talent by writing a book: Marcus Schenkenberg, New Rules; which was about his modelling career.

It is reported that Marcus is now working on perfumes and workout videos to be realised in the near future.

The American model born in 1954, Christine Brinkley mostly known as Christie was well established after having appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition three times during the late 70’s and early and 80’s.

Christie was founded in a post office in Paris in 1973; she has moved to Paris to complete an art course, photographer Errol Sawyer was amazed by her relaxed look and was the first to take her modelling pictures.

She was signed to Elite Model Management and introduced to some of the most significant people within the industry such as Eileen Ford, John Casablancas and Patrick Demarchelier. By the end of an important Lunch meeting she had been booked for three national campaigns.

Brinkley has released two of her own calendars and was featured exclusively in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Calendar; this was all result of a triumphant beginning as she appeared on the cover for the Swimsuit Edition magazine three times in a row.

Christine signed a twenty year contract with Covergirl; she has appeared on over five hundred magazine covers including; Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Rolling Stone.

Christie has also held major contracts with labels which will remain infamous for years to come such as: Black Velvet, Revlon, Nissan, Chanel and Maxfactor. Other accomplishments include her book which topped New York Times best Seller list and one of the 100 sexiest women of the 21st century according to playboy.

Once given a Mother of the Year Award; Christie has lasted successfully over thirty years and has not succumbed to the tempting allure of the high – flying lifestyle.

Instantly made famous from birth; Pamela Anderson was thought to be the first baby born on Canada’s Centennial Day her parents received money and prizes from their Centennial Baby; Pamela claims “That's where it all started”, although it was later found out another child had been born two hours before.

Her modeling career then began when she was just an infant; sat in a library listening to a story about other children; a photographer snapped an image, it was instantly copyrighted and hung in libraries all over British Columbia.

Years later in 1989, persuaded by friends Anderson went along to a football game; spotted wearing a Labatt’s beer brewery T-shirt; the cameraman found her immediately  the stadium was going crazy for the beautiful blonde and she was made Labatt’s ‘Blue Girl’.

Later a photographer persuaded Pam to send in her photos to Playboy; she was the October 1989 cover, this lead her to her most famous role Baywatch. Anderson was now an international sex symbol.  

In 2004 Pamela did her first nude pose, appearing naked on the cover of Playboy; the trend continued as she later did the same for Stuff and GQ.

Pamela provided stunning looks and was a dream for many people; she was the reason that Borat went to America and Red Swimsuits were such an icon. As the years pass, she still remains stunningly flawless and an idol to many young girls.

Naomi Sims, a symbol of change in the late 1960’s and the early 70’s; standing at 5”10 at a mere age of 13; it was clear to see that Naomi was going to stun the world as she emerged in to the modeling industry.

Naomi was born in Oxford, Mississippi and was the youngest of three; moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to improve her education Sims studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City; result of winning a scholarship.

Whilst studying, Naomi tried to break in to modeling but experienced a wide variety of racial prejudice as some agencies claimed that her skin was too dark.   Not taking no for an answer, Sims ignored the agencies that had refused her and met straight with Gosta Peterson a fashion photographer for the New York Times.

In 1967 she was on the cover for the New York Times by 1968, she was working with Wilhelmina Cooper; earning $1000 a week, wearing designs by Bill Blass and participating in interviews by Ladies Home Journal.

The New York Times reported about Naomi, "appearance as the first black model on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal in November 1968 was a consummate moment of the Black is Beautiful movement". She was one of the first most successful black models of the ‘60’s; she gained world recognition and supermodel status.

She continued to appear on many popular magazine covers, creating an empire of beauty products and books specifically designed for women with African assets; she became the voice for black women and was an inspiration to many.

Sadly on August the 1st 2009 she passed away due to breast cancer, but the name Naomi Sims will roll of tongues for many years to come. She proved to African people that they can achieve, she helped to break down the racism within the modeling industry and will remain an incredible encouragement to many aspirers.

Claudia Schiffer, a German actress and Supermodel; she took over 1990’s era with her grace and magnificent appearance.

Beginning in small-town Rheinburg, Claudia originally wanted to be a lawyer like her father, however she was spotted in a nightclub and signed up to Metropolitan Model Agency.

Schiffer quickly gained Supermodel status and has appeared on thousands of magazine covers globally, these include: Vogue, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Elle, Chanel and Guess.
Karl Lagerfield selected Claudia to become the new face of Chanel, as well as Mango and Accessorize in which she especially had her ear pierced for.

Claudia was the first to appear on the cover of the New York Times, People, Vanity Fair and Rolling stone and is instantly recognised because of it. People Magazine recognised her as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in The World.

The beautiful blue –eyed blonde stood at 5”11, and was an icon in the 90’s era amongst the likes of Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson whom she owns a chain of fashion café restaurants with.

Schiffer has graced our televisions, appearing in Love Actually, Zoolander, The Black out and Friends and Lovers and now according to Forbes in worth £55 million.

Claudia Schiffer will always remain an iconic symbol of the glamorous celebrity lifestyle in the 1990’s and wish her the best of luck with her future as her career strives forward.

Lisa Overton

Gia Carangi was an American model; she was the first to gain Supermodel status and had other models such as Cindy Crawford whom was referred to as ‘Baby Gia’, follow in her footsteps.

Carangi was always one to seek attention, even from when she was a child. She became an obsessive David Bowie fan enticed by the glamorous lifestyle; with a stunning appearance Gia floated into the industry without a struggle.

Carangi started from being featured in newspaper ads in Philadelphia; shortly moving to New York City, she quickly rose to stardom. Gia had a selection of photographers crawling at her feet; a few that adored her were Chris Von Wangenheim, Arthur Elgort, Richard Avedon and Francesso Scavullo.

By the time Gia was 18, she had become an extremely well established model. “I started working with well-known people in the industry, very quickly. I didn't build into a model. I just sort of became one.” Carangi said at a 20/20 interview.

Gia has supported campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani; she had appeared on covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan and was the ‘It Girl’ of the late 70s and early 80s.

Sadly in 1986 Carangi passed away through AID’s related complications, similar to many other models Gia had formed not only an addiction to the fast paced, hard hitting lifestyle but also to cocaine and heroine. After tragic deaths of close friends to her, Gia started abusing drugs on a regular basis.

Stephen Fried wrote a biography about Carangi called Thing of Beauty and a biographical film called Gia was produced; Angelina Jolie played the leading role of Carangi.

Gia Carangi will always be remembered amongst the industry, I hope that the loss of this amazing supermodel is enough to educate hopefuls of the danger of the high-flying lifestyle.

The Australia Model was discovered in Colorado and instantaneously signed to Click Model Management; she quickly became the face of Elle magazine and campaigned for them for over six years.

She featured on many covers such as; Time Magazine, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, later she gained fantastic exposure after posing for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and gained Supermodel prominence.

This encouraged her to produce exercise videos to help promote a healthy lifestyle; as an icon of the 1980’s it proceeded in helping women stay fit and motivating them to keep healthy.

She later featured in films such as Sirens, The Edge and The Mirror has two faces; she moved on to American sitcoms as she played Joey’s girlfriend in Friends.

Elle then began her own lingerie line, for Elle MacPherson Intimates and proceeded to work with fellow models, Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer in developing a fashion café.

MacPherson, has walked catwalks globally and campaigned for some of the world’s most infamous companies, she will remain a supermodel that aspirers idolise.

Lisa Overton

Karen Elson notorious for her red hair, pale skin and tall slender frame; she is a British model and singer from Oldham, Manchester. Elson has walked runways for the likes of Versace, Chanel and Marc Jacobs; which she did whilst pregnant clearly showing her dedication to the industry.

Karen began her career as just a teenager, amazing Europe and Japan with her different appearance, she moved to New York City at just 18. Appearing on the cover of Vogue and being nicknamed ‘Le Freak’; Elson showed she was hear to stay when she modelled for Victoria’s Secret and Louis Vuitton.

She has worked with the exclusive fashion photographer, Steven Meisel whom is an American photographer and he has worked for the likes of Vogue and W. A good step for a young model to be photographed by the man who captured Madonna, Mariah Carey and Naomi Campbell. Karen was once persuaded by Meisel to shave her eyebrows off; this made her image even more unique and daring.

Internationally campaigning for Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Burberry, Karen won the Model of The Year at VH1 fashion awards; this was the year after Kate Moss. She was then chosen over Lily Donaldson and Danny Beauchamp for British Fashion Awards Best Model.

With Covers such Elle, Marie Claire, Dazed and Confused and W under her belt; it is needless to say that Elson had made a lasting impact as she drove her career in to the motion picture business.

Karen progressed into fashion films such as Craig Mcdean’s 48 girls and Cyril Guyot’s Tom Ford is Missing. She also appeared in The White Stripes music video for Blue Orchid, where she met her current husband Jack White: the pair has two children, daughter Scarlett and son Henry. Together they were ranked ahead of Orlando Bloom and Kate Winslet in a list of entertainers under age 30 who were born or live in the United Kingdom.

Karen has recently progressed more into the music industry rather than continuing her modelling career, but her beautiful shots and glorious red hair will remain an inspiration for potential ‘Le Freak’ to come.

The beautiful lingerie model has certainly had the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows as she quickly gained it-girl status, the model has most defiantly had more than a full experience in the high class lifestyle of modelling.

Entering the industry at a mere age of sixteen, the model quickly strove to fame and fortune at a naïve and vulnerable age of eighteen. Earning £30,000 a week, the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll quickly took control of her life. With a cocaine addiction and hard partying lifestyle, she quickly spun off the rails.

In 1996, the model landed her biggest campaign; Gossards ‘Girl in the Grass’ a national advertising campaign with the slogan, “Who said a woman couldn't get pleasure from something soft?”. The campaign itself received over three hundred complaints, but gave Sophie the limelight.

At just nineteen years old, Anderton began a relationship with Robert Hanson. 17 years her senior, the millionaire and Sophie’s relationship only lasted four years; it is believed that Hanson was the one to introduce her into the world of glamour and cocaine, eventually leading to her addiction.

With drugs and sex leading her life, Sophie’s world quickly came tumbling down. Her addiction managed to lose her work and money, the model was in debt with drug dealers and being declared bankrupt. The likes of Mark Bosnich, Simon Jordan and Mark Alexiou; all prestigious men in her life, causing yet more publicity which didn’t do her any favors.
“In 2004, I was on about 5gm a day, which cost about £250…. I was very promiscuous and I did sleep with a lot of guys and not remember their names the next day…That's what drugs do to you. I really don't remember much about that time.”
Soon, Anderton turned to prostitution to fund her habit and pay off her debts: “It was all over in two minutes. I lay there thinking, "Is that it? For £15k, is that it?” The model was at rock bottom, excepting money for sex she became a victim of a reporter’s stunt for fame.

“I’m not alone in going down this path. There is a dark side to the modelling world. At least two supermodels are on the game.”

In an attempt to get her life back on track, Sophie appeared on a celebrity edition of Jeremy Kyle last year. The model believes her model played a significant part in trying to turn her life around; “My mother said, ‘I'm not going to allow you to die before I do.’ That shook me up.”

Sophie is still taking it day by day; as she attempts to conqueror her addiction and improve her lifestyle. Although many people in the industry have boycotted the model for her behaviour and issues; it is important that Sophie has realised her mistakes and is working on moving forward. The lifestyle of those in the high flying industry is, highly seductive and luring.  This is one model we want to see back in the industry; more level and with undoubtedly one of the naughtiest attitudes!

Robert Mapplethorpe was born in 1946 in Floral Park, Queens. Of his childhood he said, "I come from suburban America. It was a very safe environment and it was a good place to come from in that it was a good place to leave."

In 1963, Mapplethorpe enrolled at Pratt Institute in nearby Brooklyn, where he studied drawing, painting, and sculpture. Influenced by artists such as Joseph Cornell and Marcel Duchamp, he also experimented with various materials in mixed-media collages, including images cut from books and magazines. He acquired a Polaroid camera in 1970 and began producing his own photographs to incorporate into the collages, saying he felt "it was more honest." That same year he and Patti Smith, whom he had met three years earlier, moved into the Chelsea Hotel.

Mapplethorpe quickly found satisfaction taking Polaroid photographs in their own right and indeed few Polaroids actually appear in his mixed-media works. In 1973, the Light Gallery in New York City mounted his first solo gallery exhibition, "Polaroids." Two years later he acquired a Hasselblad medium-format camera and began shooting his circle of friends and acquaintances—artists, musicians, socialites, pornographic film stars, and members of the S & M underground. He also worked on commercial projects, creating album cover art for Patti Smith and Television and a series of portraits and party pictures for Interview Magazine.

In the late 70s, Mapplethorpe grew increasingly interested in documenting the New York S & M scene. The resulting photographs are shocking for their content and remarkable for their technical and formal mastery. Mapplethorpe told ARTnews in late 1988, "I don't like that particular word 'shocking.' I'm looking for the unexpected. I'm looking for things I've never seen before … I was in a position to take those pictures. I felt an obligation to do them." Meanwhile his career continued to flourish. In 1977, he participated in Documenta 6 in Kassel, West Germany and in 1978, the Robert Miller Gallery in New York City became his exclusive dealer.

Mapplethorpe met Lisa Lyon, the first World Women's Bodybuilding Champion, in 1980. Over the next several years they collaborated on a series of portraits and figure studies, a film, and the book, Lady, Lisa Lyon. Throughout the 80s, Mapplethorpe produced a bevy of images that simultaneously challenge and adhere to classical aesthetic standards: stylized compositions of male and female nudes, delicate flower still lifes, and studio portraits of artists and celebrities, to name a few of his preferred genres. He introduced and refined different techniques and formats, including color 20" x 24" Polaroids, photogravures, platinum prints on paper and linen, Cibachome and dye transfer color prints. In 1986, he designed sets for Lucinda Childs' dance performance, Portraits in Reflection, created a photogravure series for Arthur Rimbaud's A Season in Hell, and was commissioned by curator Richard Marshall to take portraits of New York artists for the series and book, 50 New York Artists.

That same year, in 1986, he was diagnosed with AIDS. Despite his illness, he accelerated his creative efforts, broadened the scope of his photographic inquiry, and accepted increasingly challenging commissions. The Whitney Museum of American Art mounted his first major American museum retrospective in 1988, one year before his death in 1989.

His vast, provocative, and powerful body of work has established him as one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. Today Mapplethorpe is represented by galleries in North and South America and Europe and his work can be found in the collections of major museums around the world. Beyond the art historical and social significance of his work, his legacy lives on through the work of the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. He established the Foundation in 1988 to promote photography, support museums that exhibit photographic art, and to fund medical research in the fight against AIDS and HIV-related infection.

Katie Ford the CEO of Ford models, the daughter of Eileen Ford and Jerry Ford whom founded the Ford Models Agency in 1946.

Joining the company in 1980, Katie has since set up ten other offices in places like Cleveland, Paris, Brazil and Argentina making the company international. Ford models have over 2,500 models in which they represent including, Karen Elson, Maggie Rizer, Erin O’Conner and Adrinna Lima a few of the more established models.

Katie expanded Ford models into divisions that incorporate financial management, Licensing, Sports management and celebrity. Ford has competed with the likes of IMG and DNA, but has still maintained a magnificent reputation as an agency.

“Ford is known for building the stars,” says Katie; “it's recruitment and then development. We develop them in terms of testing, teaching them what it means to be a model and they develop into stars.”

Katie now beginning a fight against human trafficking, has achieved immensely for Ford Models; establishing them as a reliable and successful agency globally.

Lisa Overton

Hero of the Year 2006; Clive Hurst is a well known protector of the Performing and Modeling industry. Having originally completed a two year course in acting, voice, and mime and movement, Hurst has a vast experience of the industry, beginning as a young hopeful himself.

Standing at 5’6”, Clive helped advertise for ‘Trebor Extra Strong Mints’, as character bobby mallet, he appeared throughout the UK and starred in TV and Radio commercials.

Hurst has applied his knowledge of the industry and used it to help others, educating them in how many con artists, search for those longing to perform or model and take advantage of there dreams. Many scam agencies have been set up and Clive has been one to start the naming and shaming.

Clive is a senior campaigner within Equity, a trade union representing professional performers formed in 1930. Attempting to make the industry safer and to prevent exploitation of aspirers; Clive has achieved so much by making the tricksters known.

However, this job is far from finished. The performing and modeling industry is too easily manipulated and acts as a haven for crime. With regulations still not being put in to place, Clive still has an extremely hard fight on his hands.

We applaud Clive's hard work and determination, in this battle to make the industry safer, so that people can achieve their dreams without mistreatment and exploitation. Clive will remain an idol to aspiring talent within the industry, as more scam artists fail to achieve their cons.  

Please visit his website, http://www.anactor.net/. The website provides a vast amount of information about the scams and fake agencies.

Written by Lisa Overton, Institute of Modeling © 2009

Educated at the Parsons school of design, Zang Toi immigrated to the states to live the American dream. He trained under Ronaldus Shamask and Mary Jane Marcasiano. Having created a few lines, Zang Toi and the House of Toi, the young Malaysian designer brought an explosion of colour onto the runway.

Zang has achieved knighthood by the Sultan of Malaysia, won the mouton-cadet young designers award and a beneficiary of the international centre in New York’s award of excellence.

Vivid sarongs, majestic dresses and strapping suits seem to impress the likes of Fergie (Black eyed Peas), Jennifer Tilly, Meg Ryan and Sharon Stone all styled by Toi.

Zang’s collection seduces women with a love of fashion; the sensual style of his designs has put him amongst the elite.

Toi’s unique style has made him a name to remember. Growing up in Asia has taught him to combine tropical colours which are never usually put together creating beautiful, vivid designs Zang is a designer amongst the stars. He has won the spirits of many customers and reviewers.

This amazing creative designer, has pushed the current boundaries of fashion; taking it to the next level. His collection is clearly pure style to transfer into your own wardrobe. Zang Toi, still has much more to come and we look forward to seeing more of his designs on the runway.

Sarah Doukas the creator of Storm model agency: the founder of supermodels such as Kate Moss, and looking after other models such as Cindy Crawford and Trent Ford. It all began in her bedroom in July 1987. With roughly twenty six years of experience in the industry, it is no surprise that Sarah has a keen eye for untouched talent.

As a child growing up in New Forest with her grandmother, Sarah’s greatest ambition was to be a success and it is clear to see, she has achieved this. Running Storm model agency with her brother Simon, the pair have spotted some of the most successful models in the industry.

Sophie Dahl was discovered by Sarah despite not being the conformist model of the time. Liberty Ross was also found by Sarah shopping in Oxford Street, London. Over the years, it has been said that Doukas has a special talent for spotting future idols.

Despite always being in the spotlight, as such a prestige model agent, it has been believed that Sarah would much prefer a day with her husband and daughters riding horses through New Forest. However, with a leading model agency to run; a pleasant ride on her horse April may not happen as often as she’d wish.

As such a legendary agent, Sarah is defiantly one to continue watching, able to see the green roots of supermodels, we are sure Doukas will introduce to the world many more exceptional models.

Yves Saint Laurent (01/08/1936 – 01/06/2008), reigned over the fashion industry for forty years. The first designer to use black models on the catwalk. His brand is still one of the most talked about and worn. Saint Laurent changed the image of the industry and remains an influential design.

Yves love for fashion began in the theatre; he used to read the French magazine Vogue for the theatre reviews. His love for fashion grew from the descriptions of costumes, soon after he was submitting sketches for contests. 3rd place gained him a trip to Paris, where he met the editor in chief for Vogue:  Michel De Brunhoff.

This connection led him to working for Dior. At just 21 years of age, Saint Laurent found himself the head designer of the house of Dior; after the sad passing of Christian. However, this only lasted a number of years, duty called and Yves was to serve for the Algerian War of independence.

In the 1960’s Yves began his own fashion house with partner Pierre Bergé, introducing the first ladies tuxedo, Le smoking suit. Saint Laurent has brought us thigh high boots, jewelled casual jackets, make –up and beautiful fragrances. The couture house was closed in 2002.

In 1999 the brand YSL was brought by Gucci and this has ensured it survival. But let us not forget Yves created glamour for woman using the male wardrobe years before many other designers.

Sadly in 2008, Saint Laurent passed away. Yves has left his mark in the fashion industry, an idol for many aspiring designers. Honoured by the metropolitan museum of art, YSL will be a name rolling of the tongue for many years to come.