Fashion Editors-Turned-Models

As of late, it's been noted that fashion editors — such as style icons Kate Lanphear, Taylor Tomasi-Hill, Joanna Hillman, and Anna Dello Russo — have fully transitioned into the world of modeling. After being followed by street style photographers for years, behind-the-scenes people are now known as the fashion industry's most talked-about and sought-after faces and personalities.

The advertising perspective considers this transformation to be a rather brilliant one. Highlighting the editors in the market where they have surpassed expertise comes with a value of trust, honor, and respect. Who better to represent pieces, clothing, and styles than the ones who create it?

The developing transition is expected to expand from this point. We believe it holds a substantial amount of inspiration, value, and following not only for magazines and their editors, but also for fashion in general — as well as those who follow it. For that reason, we applaud editors-turned-models, so long as they remain editors, too. What do you think of this evolution?

Text Brittney Schering
Image courtesy of Stylehive

The Dark Side of the Modeling Industry

It was one of those afternoons when there was nothing else to do but desperately scour Netflix for a streaming movie that wasn’t made in 1993 or released straight to DVD. It was then that I stumbled upon Picture Me, a documentary about model Sara Ziff living in “the glamour and the darker side of the high fashion industry,” or so the description said. A movie about the “darker side” of a successful and beautiful model’s life? I swear I heard my brain scoff a little bit. Sure, models suffer from getting their hair pulled by stylists or having to eat a salad instead of a burrito, but could it be that bad? I love fashion. I love models (despite my obvious envy of them). I can only watch so much old Dexter episodes and I refuse to watch Anaconda 2; so I watched it.

The documentary, directed by her then-boyfriend Ole Schell, spans five years of Ziff’s career. About five minutes in, she excitingly opens a check for $80,000 from one of her modeling jobs, at 19 years-old. Walking the streets of Manhattan, Ziff sees herself on a giant billboard next to, wait for it, an even bigger billboard with herself in it. I was about to turn the TV off when the movie took a turn. One after another issues come up from various interviews of people in the industry: sexual harassment at 15, debilitating exhaustion, drugs, and being deemed “too old” at 25. This isn’t a documentary about a model whining, it’s a movie about serious issues that real people (most of whom underage when they start and who just happen to be good-looking) have to face. With cameos of Karl Lagerfeld and Natalia Vodianova, this movie is a must-see for anyone whoever thought that modeling was just about putting one foot in front of the other.

Text Kristina Bravo

Model Watch Monday: The Girl with The Blonde Eyebrows

Meet Alyona Subbotina, the intriguingly awkward beauty that is captivating the industry with her intense eyes and je ne sais quoi attributes. Currently she has been based in Singapore (but originally comes from Kazahkstan) where she was working on building her book. How lucky are the photographers who get to test with her?

It might be hard to believe that she hasn't worked in any major markets, I am quite sure that her looks will make that happen in the near futures as she has now found herself in Paris. Her book has already gathered quite the key images any model needs to "make it" in the industry. Becoming the Muse of two top stylists in Singapore, Johnny Khoo and Jeremy Tan definitely was a plus. 

I have high hopes for this one as she looks completely different in every photo. The key in my mind to a top model is the ability to be a chameleon and Alyona's got it. Can't wait to see what will be in store with the rise of this newbie. 

xx-R

Check out more images of Alyona behind the jump. 

Model Watch Monday: New Zealands Mary Smith

Check out this blue eyed beaut hailing from New Zealand, the city of Dunedin to be more specific. Dunedin, not exactly the most thrilling city in New Zealand but they definitely have produced quite a diamond in the rough. Mary is signed with Ali McD after her first visit there, not really much of a surprise. And good picking they did because Mary has already been swooped up my Trump Models in NYC, along with Trump several international agencies has shown interest in Mary. Who wouldn't see a bright future with this one, piercing blue eyes, cute freckles, she definitely leaves a mark.

image via Ali McD- thanks!

Model Watch Monday: From Ukraine with Love

This intriguing face, Julia Museychuk, comes to us from Kiev, Ukraine. Julia has already made her way to Paris to work with her agency there, City Models. She has a eerie look, intriguing is definitely the correct word to use in describing this new face. I would say that she has a bit of a similar look to Gemma Ward [who we haven't seen for quite some time] with the eyes.  If anyone was starting to miss the likes of Miss Ward, they can definitely take a liking to Julia. Her wide eyes and angelic look, almost doe like gives her an intensely captivating aura. Standing 5'10.5 and only 17 years of age, we're sure to see her walking down the runways of future fashion weeks to come.

Model Monday: Adel Captivates

One look and you can't help but stare. Adel, born in Dubai has edge that is noticeable straight away. Adel's light brown hair, stunning green eyes, standing 6'0 and 22 years old, he's ready to take on the fashion industry. Already living in Paris, he's good to go! Now don't take this one for a "dummy" he is currently studying Bio Engineering in Paris. Who said models were all looks and no brains? Adel has the beauty and the brains, now who wouldn't want to snatch that up? He does seem to be quite the globe trotter seeing is he was discovered in [none other than our own backyard] NYC at "The Box" and was instantly signed by Premier Model Management. That just goes to show you, you never know who is watching. That creep in the corner staring, could actually be your big break!

Male Model Ambrose Olson: Devastating news as we hear of his passing

Heart breaking news of 24 year old male model Ambrose Olson's passing earlier this week has cast a dark cloud over the fashion and modeling industry this morning.

Ambrose was an American model born in 1985, in Homer, Alaska. Recognize for his great skin and full lips, standing 5'10 he managed to score numerous huge campaings in his quick rise to stardom. Working for names such as Hugo Boss, Burberry, YSL, D&G, Dior Homme, Nautica, Armani, Louis Vuitton among others. His muscular build and strong boyish features gave him amazing runway appeal placing him along all stars of the male modeling world.

Never planning on being a model, modeling found Ambrose and blessed him with a great career. Mostly doing print ad's for previously mentioned designers, he also appeared in several runway shows as well as videos.

From all of us here at CHAOS Magazine our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We truly hope that Ambrose has found the peace he was searching for, RIP.

Please stop emailing us asking how Ambrose died, try and respect that it's a private matter.

- Reese Herrick

Model Watch: Mandy van den Barselaar

Put on your wooden shoes and braid your hair because it's all about what's going on in the Netherlands right now! And one big little thing happening is  Mandy van den Barselaar. This 13 year old (wow) lolita is making her splash thanks to Micha Models. At 5'8" her pouts and subtle inner angst (you can tell by the way she twists her hair frustratingly) are sure to thrill the likes of Calvin Klein soon enough. I can totally see her walking through a black and white pasture holding hands in nothing but jeans and a fitted tank top. Say it with me: *obsession*. I do wonder when she'll find time to squeeze in her Algebra homework amidst running Europe's fashion scene. Oh well. Chaos Mag gives this pre-pubescent pretty girl a thumbs up for fresh faced pouts and a promising career. Thumbs down for skipping class.