Jonesin’ for Joan.

Puerto Rican beauty & instagirl Joan Smalls is one of the biggest supermodels in the world right now. She’s the face of Estée Lauder, Givenchy’s main muse, a VS Angel, kicks it with Beyonce, starred n VOGUE’s coveted September issue (alongside Karlie Kloss & Cara Delevingne) and is runway royalty. As LUCKY Magazine puts it she’s ‘a force to be reckoned with’.

Smalls is the mags latest cover star and talks all things modeling – we love her candidness, and homegirl truly WORKED to get where she is now. From starting off at modeling contests in malls to getting her degree & coming to NYC, she’s got some seriously good advice & experience for aspiring models.

Creative director of Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci, really put Joan on the fashion map by featuring her in a spring haute couture show, she says, “I had been shooting a lot of catalogs up until then. Riccardo bleached my eyebrows and I suddenly became this androgynous, versatile model. It kick-started my career for sure.”

Supermodel, dancer & now designer (since her collaboration with True Religion), LUCKY asked her ‘what she thinks of her emerging status as a powerhouse hyphenate,’ she says, “I feel like a good amount of women have used modeling as a platform. People like Gisele and Cindy. And I think that’s really cool, not only for models but for women. It shows that you can have a voice and a say. You can have a brand and be your own boss. It’s empowering.”

The 26 year old also credits E! True Hollywood Story, which showcased catwalk queens from Naomi Campbell, to Kate Moss and Christie Brinkley. “I’d just watch the show and be glued to the screen,. I couldn’t even imagine—these were women who got to travel the world. It just seemed so alluring.” Adding, “I was so awkward-looking—tall, super skinny, gangly. The boys at school made fun of me,” she says. “But I’d see those girls on TV and I’d think, Oh, they have my same body type.”

At 13 years old Joan knew she wanted to model, so Smalls began signing up for modeling competitions at shopping malls, which involved A LOT of traveling, fortunately she was able to make it a family affair,  “I lost every single time. We had a gray minivan, and one time it broke down during a long drive home, and I remember thinking, Is this even worth it? But I loved it. And I had my family’s blessing, which was cool. My parents were into it. They were like, ‘Why not? It’s a fun extracurricular activity, and she has good grades.’ Their support was crucial, because I didn’t have a license to get myself places.”

On NYC, the fashion / modeling capital of the world:  “New York was quite a shock, but I was so eager and hungry. I’d take the bus to get on the subway to make it to castings.”

On rejections: “You’re competing with 40, 100, 200 other girls. You go to a call, see the casting list and you’re number 202. And you know there are just a couple of open spots.”

Some days she’d attend as many as 15 calls. “I would say to myself, I just want to get to a place in my career where I don’t have to do castings, because it was grueling. There are so many places to be at once, you’re always running late and then having to wait your turn. Now I’ll sometimes see models rushing around the city, and I totally feel what they’re going through.”

We’ve always loved following Joan Smalls’ modeling journey & can’t wait to continue watching her reign over the industry.

*Interview & Photos Courtesy of LUCKY. 

Model of the Moment: KENDALL JENNER.

Kendall Jenner: Reality star & social supermodel. Kendall is one of the top instagirls next to Gigi, Cara, & Joans. She may be on Keeping Up with Kardashians, but most of the time Kendall’s rocking the runway, kickin’ it with Karl [Lagerfeld], & appearing in every magazine from VOGUE to Harper’s. WIth over 23million followers on instagram, this millennial model is just starting her reign over the fashion/modeling world.

Kendall covers the latest issue of high fashion mag, Harper’s Bazaar, wearing ‘couture on couture’ from Maison Margiela, Dior, Atelier Versace, Givenchy, style by Amanda Harlech. The face of Estee Lauder talks modeling, Kim Kardashian, Gigi, and more.

On Karl Lagerfeld calling her the “girl of the moment”: “I started this hoping that it would have longevity. I didn’t come into this thinking it’s going to be a fun thing that I’m going to do on the side. It’s something I want to do my whole life. It’s a career, so I needed to be really gentle with it. We had to pick and choose things very specifically.”

Now she’s basically BFFs with Karl (who also shot the cover & editorial of Harper’s): “I’m really shy when I first meet someone—and to meet him was even worse. He would say something to me and I would just nod. It was like meeting a crush or something—I was mute. He probably thought I was the biggest weirdo. And then every time we’d see each other, it would just get better and better. Now we’re totally BFFs.”

On being model besties with Cara Delevingne, Joan Smalls, & Gigi Hadid: “Just through work. I think it’s super important. You have to be around these girls for work, for parties, for events, for shows, especially. It’s good to have a set of girlfriends that you can stand being around. You have to be around these people all the time!”

And, what’s ‘craycray Cara’ really like? “Amazingly crazy. We balance each other out. I chill her out and she makes me fun.”

The KUWTK star talks sister Kim’s style:  “I really admire Kim’s style. It’s insane. She really knows how to work her style with her body. I think she could be a major fashion icon. It’s so fun to be in Paris with her, but I’ll walk out and be like, ‘Oh, my God, I love my outfit,’ and then I’ll see Kim and I’ll be like, ‘My outfit sucks compared to yours!’”

On her dream date: “I don’t know, a nice dinner. I love, like, being outside at night. I know that sounds really random, but I love being on the beach or anywhere.”

“Killin’ Me Smalls!” Or rather, Smalls is killin’ it. #SupermodelSmalls.

“Jonesin’ for Joans”. That’s basically what the entire modeling/fashion world is saying. Joan Smalls is reigning over the industry – she kickstarted her career by walking exclusively for Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy S/S10 show. Now, she tops the Forbes “World’s Highest-Paid Models” list.

Whole look by Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent.

Beyond starring in campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Chanel, Gucci & more, walking for Prada, Lanvin, Dior, featured in the Pirelli calendar (twice), VS Fashion Show, covered VOGUE, ELLE, Bazaar, W … Joan also broke the barriers and became the 1st Latina face of Estée Lauder. This Puerto Rican dream has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

Body suit by Givenchy.

Smalls graces Net-a-Porter’s online mag The EDIT & talks slaying her career. She looks stunning & chic as always | Photographed by Santiago Mauricio | Styled by Tracy Taylor.

A Versace top paired with Charlotte Olympia platform heels.

The Balmain beauty has major discipline & work ethic – no wonder why she’s incredibly successful – part of her routine? No caffeine. Alcohol once a month. Exercise every day. Bed by 10.30pm. Day in the life of a model anyone?

She says, “[That attitude] comes from being in touch with your womanhood and not being afraid of embracing it. Being Latina and growing up in Puerto Rico, it’s just part of our culture. Dancing at a young age, learning how to move your hips, being comfortable with your body, going to the beach in skimpy clothes… It was innate.”

Jacket by McQ Alexander McQueen | Top: T by Alexander Wang | Bodysuit: L’Agent by Agent Provocateur.

On the ‘Supermodel icons’: “I admire and respect what [the Supermodels] do. When I was growing up, there was Linda, Naomi, Tyra, Heidi. And they worked hard for it. Nowadays, a girl gets two covers and [the industry is] like, ‘Oh, supermodel’. They throw it around too loosely to mean anything. Supermodels are not my role models, because I’m not modeling myself after them. There is no competition. I just want to be the best Joan Smalls.”

Dolce & Gabbana striped top with Haider Ackermann pants.

Top | Skirt | Hat – All Saint Laurent.

On hard work & success: “[My career] was never given to me. What is [down to] luck is genetics – I was born like this, my parents gave me these genes. But I worked my ass off and pushed myself and, even in the darkest moments, when I thought it wasn’t going to happen, I had to remain positive. People only see the glitz and glamor, but behind it comes a lot of sacrifice. So many tears, so much frustration.”

Joans Smalls, Cara Delevingne & Karlie Kloss cover VOGUE’s ’14 September issue | by Mario Testino.

The 26 year old also talks be dubbed an Instagirl on the coveted VOGUE September ’14 issue: “We’re in a different time, where things have evolved. I don’t think it’s about things being instant; something instant just goes fast. I guess it comes from the word Instagram and social media – but it’s a double-edged sword… [Social media] is good for expressing yourself. You get to dispel stereotypes and assumptions; you can allow people into your world. But too much importance is placed on that – there’s more to life than having a lot of likes. It’s not validation of who you are; having more followers doesn’t make you a better model. But that doesn’t always register to the industry. Does [a big following] mean that you’re good to do what’s required?”

Bodysuit & shorts from Givenchy.

Next up on her list? Becoming an actress: “Acting has been one of my biggest dreams since I was really young. I lose myself in films; when actors are able to make you feel that, it’s real talent, and I want to be a part of that. I want to experience it.”Oh and she confirmed she’s already started auditioning!

Smalls is inspiring in the fashion world – we love it. Want to reach this level of supermodel status? Join us at our Professional Model Bootcamp in NYC! The countdown has started and space is filling up FAST so reserve a spot | Catch our digits directly on site HERE. 

*Photos & interview courtesy of Net-A-Porter’s The EDIT.

Julia Roberts & Givenchy.

Julia Roberts is the newest face of fashion powerhouse: Givenchy. And while the decision may come as a surprise, after Riccardo Tisci let’s us in on his interesting choice, we couldn’t picture a better style icon to showcase the latest collection.

Creative director of Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci says of his decision, “Julia was my first choice for a few reasons; I think that she represents such a mature woman. With each campaign for Givenchy, I’m always trying to make a difference. A lot of people see Givenchy as only “haute couture,” or only “street and urban.” For me, Julia is many things. She has this strength as an actress, but she’s also this beautiful American woman.  She’s a big star, but she’s not a paparazzi or a blog monster. It’s going to be my tenth year at Givenchy in March, so I wanted to represent the woman who is more mature, beautiful, talented, but also unpretentious.

For the new campaign Roberts wears ‘classic Givenchy’ —the ones that [Tisci is] famous for.” He elaborates, “Julia is wearing a tuxedo, which is basically my iconic piece; this is what women know and buy Givenchy for. She also wears this black and white chemise dress, which is another iconic look.”

Tisci told WWD about the runway show & choosing the ‘Pretty Woman’ star, “The mood of the show was about this very powerful woman, and Julia represents this very much. She represents the couture part. It’s important to show your iconic work. I want to build what is the real classic wardrobe.”

Adding, “I decided to make her more intellectual, more serious, more pure,” he said. “It’s a different, fresh, new way to see Julia — really cool and urban, I think.”

Julia is beyond an accomplished actress, model (she’s the face of Lancôme La Vie Est Belle as well), & more – interestingly enough, she’s maintained quite a low profile in the social media world – unlike Givenchy’s other huge advocates (ahem Kim Kardashian, Kanye West & Kendall Jenner).

“She’s not really out there: red carpet, parties, Facebook and Instagram,” Tisci said, “she really represents my woman. She’s got a really strong sense of fun and is very open.”

Julia chatted with Yahoo & the thought of being chosen to represent the iconic brand.

She says of the shots,  “Well, it’s impossible for me to be totally objective and not make four or seven jokes right now. I wish I looked like that! If you could see me right now, you’d be laughing so hard. I think they’re very cool images and I think all the clothes would have been things I would have chosen for myself.”

Roberts also adds that she was a bit surprised, “My sister and I were actually just on the phone, and we were laughing so hard. She goes, “How are you suddenly turned into a supermodel? You’re almost 50.” It’s funny.”

Riccardo Tisci & Julia Roberts have mutual adoration for one another, she says, “he’s so sweet. He’s in an industry that I find very intimidating and elusive—just like the good-looking girl in high school. The whole fashion industry is that to me. And then you meet these people who are so kind, love what they do, and are very interested in the personal aspects of it. You know, the way you look, it’s so personal. Riccardo put me very much at ease. And Mert and Marcus are just the most fun people to spend a day with.”

And of her, Tisci said, “She’s incredible as a woman,” he said. “I love her so much: She’s funny, ironic, intelligent, cultured — everything.”

Well, from one icon to another, right?

*Photographed by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott // Interview courtesy of Yahoo.

Carolyn Murphy Poses in the streets of Detroit.

Carolyn Murphy gets fierce for ELLE ‘s September issue – hot in the streets of Detroit photographed by Max Vadukul – Murchy flaunts her killer cheek bones & big brows.

Carolyn was newly appointed the women’s design director at Shinola, a Detroit-based, American-made watch and goods company which aims to put the people of the city back to work after the Great Recession hit. (Fashion Gone Rogue).

Murphy rocks pieces by top designers from Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, & Versace. Her beauty tip is definitely a must read; “My beauty secret is drinking a lot of water. I drink a lot of water and then I moisturize. Otherwise, I wish I did more fitness. I’m not a fanatic. I don’t think it’s very becoming for a woman to have a body like a man’s, which is super cut. I prefer to be a little more on the softer side, so I just keep it light with a lot of walking, yoga, and an occasional jog. But even that’s a lot of work!”