Supermodels & Stunt Doubles.

Even supermodels need body doubles!

Sultry supermodels Adriana Lima, Natasha Poly, Joan Smalls & Doutzen Kroes all star in H&M’s summer 2015 campaign. In the official campaign film the models are (as Huffington Post points out), ‘certified Bond Girls’, although in reality there really is only ONE Bond Girl in the campaign. Bad-a** babe, Anyelika Perez, was the body behind the swimming, scootering, sky diving, and speed boat driving – all in all a kick-a** stunt/body double.

The Charlie’s Angels themed commercial was shot on the stunning island of Antigua, accompanied by this summers hit song, “sun is shining” by house duo Axwell^Ingrosso.

Anyelika Pérez was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She’s a model, actress, fitness aficionado, & much more. Anyelika currently resides in Miami. Catch her killer curves in H&M’s new ad — btw we’re all about those beach babe cover ups & bikinis!

Oh, and wondering what Joan Smalls’s secret weapon to flawless skin is? “Every once in a while I’ll dab honey all over my face. Leave it for a couple of minutes and rinse off.”

The collection is available in stores & online now – catch it here –> http://www.hm.com/us/summer-starts-now

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.”

Social Supermodels.

It’s no surprise the newest generation of supermodels have taken the social stratosphere to the next level  – from Kendall Jenner (who’s probably the most followed model in existence), to Cara Delevingne & of course, Gigi Hadid. Even VOGUE jumped on board calling them the Instagirls on their coveted September issue which featured Joan Smalls, Karlie Kloss, Cara, Arizona Muse, Edie Campbell, Imaan Hammam, Fei Fei Sun, Vanessa Axente, & Andreea Diaconu.

AdWeek has dubbed them the ‘Millennial Models’. But, that’s no news to us at Z Management– we’ve seen this push for promotion via social media platforms for a while, especially in the fashion industry. Which is why we launched our APP M3Beauty for professional & aspiring models, giving girls around the globe the tool to create their comp card in seconds. Whether it’s snaping a selfie or selecting a pic, you can promote yourself & share your card on instagram, twitter, tumblr, facebook, & more. That’s some next level promo right there babeZ. Download M3 Beauty in the iTunes / Google Play store.

Before Gigi landed her major modeling contracts with Tom Ford, Victoria’s Secret, Maybelline & more, she took to Instagram to tell her followers of her 1st contract – when she was signed with IMG Models, since then it’s been all ‘OMG Gigi!’. She’s reigned the runway at fashion week & covered top mags — now she’s getting futuristic for AdWeek’s latest issue | Photographed by Alexei Hay.

AdWeek points out, “the millennial models have achieved success both in the realm of high fashion and the commercial world—a rarity since the supermodel era of the ’90s.”

Gigi recently covered Teen Vogue alongside top model, Binx Walton, their editor in chief Amy Astley says, “There are tons of examples of successful working models who don’t have a big Instagram following and aren’t interested in social media but it’s becoming something more and more that the ad clients are looking for—and all the girls know it. The game is definitely changing.”

Harper’s Bazaar executive editor Laura Brown says of British beauty Delevingne, “Cara’s a gorgeous girl, but her personality and her social media, that’s what made her, whereas I think Karlie’s just the sort of emblem of good health and girlfriendship. They have their own little currencies on social media, and I think that they’ve become, at least to us, the sort of archetype.” She also talks about SM, “If a model happens to come with a few thousand or a few million followers, that’s amazing for brands. Especially if you’re a brand that wants to target a new, younger demographic, you’d have to consider [hiring] those girls in a second.”

Hadid also stuns for VOGUE Spain’s latest issue (catch it on our Tumblr Blog HERE), but she talks about ‘life after modeling’, she says, “What people want to know is, OK, what’s after modeling? And that’s forcing us to think about those things [even earlier]. It’s not just OK anymore to model until you’re 25 and then stop and be a housewife.”

So, what does she have planned? “I’m an entertainer, and I think that I’ll always be in that business,” she adds, “Who knows? I could always be a fact checker on CSI.” (Hadid currently took a leave of absence from The New School in NYC to focus full time on modeling – but she has plans on returning & getting her degree).

Well, her fellow supermodel BFFs are already proving their careers are not only expanding from modeling but their not ending anytime soon.

Kloss (the latest face of L’Oreal Paris) has “her own line of cookies with New York bakery Momofuku Milk Bar, taken classes at Harvard Business School, learned how to code & participated in a panel on social media at SXSW. Earlier this year, she announced she was ending her run as a Victoria’s Secret Angel so she could attend New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study.” Ummm talk about GiRLBOSS.. or ModelBOSS in this case.

Cara, who’s Chanel’s main homegirl, has started dipping into acting, she’s set to star in multiple films, including the much anticipated ‘Paper Towns’.

*Interview & photos courtesy of ADWEEK.

“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.

Leader of Balmain’s Army: Olivier Rousteing (and Rihanna).

 

Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West, Kendall Jenner, Cara Delevingne Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kloss, Nicki Minaj, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Miley Cyrus, Gisele Bundchen, Chanel Iman, Selena Gomez, Kanye West,…. the list goes ON & ON … BALMAIN’s Army is taking over the fashion world one catwalk & selfie at a time, courtesy of, Olivier Rousteing. The 28 year old creative director has turned the Paris Fashion house into a POWER house.

Rousteing’s unconventional ways are reigning the industry, especially due to the impact of celebs/supermodels/musicians. “When you look at the fashion brands, how many followers do they have? Balmain has 1.1 million. It’s like 10 per cent of what those girls have. It shows you the power of the personality more than the power of the entire brand.”

The Bourdeaux-born babe (for real those cheek bones…) talks to Telegraph.co.uk about design, his muses & more, he says, “Celebrity is more important today than it used to be. It gives access to so many different people. For me it’s the new high-street window. You can actually be part of the dream. It’s not only available to 10 people on the front row – it’s a way of communication that’s inclusive, and there’s something generous about that.”

On his main muse BadGalRiRi: “There’s no doubt about it. She has this aura, this charisma. It’s not only sexual. It’s something else. She is like a new Grace Kelly, or a Madonna… This woman of the world who represents a new world.” Adding,”No, if you mean, ‘Do I have someone in my life?’ No, I don’t. Just work and Rihanna.But that’s enough. That’s a lot!”

On women & fashion: “Fashion had started to forget women in a way, and concentrate too much on the clothes. For me it made no sense. In fashion the biggest moment was when the models were celebrities – we all remember Naomi, Claudia, Carla, Linda. The woman had to come back; the curved woman, and different kinds of body shapes. I don’t like skinny girls. I want to represent a real woman, not just a shadow or a ghost.”

On diversity on the runway: “The mixety [sic] of my castings is one of the most important things about the show,” Rousteing says. “Sometimes I feel like some designers just focus on the clothes. Obviously it’s a business, but when you do a show you want to be modern – it’s not only about trying to find the fabric that no one else uses. Being modern means having a view or a vision of what the world is today. I want to show a vision of my world, what I see and what I want to see in the future.”

On the founder of the French fashion house, Pierre Balmain: “I keep Pierre Balmain in my mind because he loved strong women, women who have something to say. All the French designers – Balmain, Poiret, Dior, Balenciaga – they believed in strong women. Their mothers were really important. In France fashion has always been connected to the role of the woman. I keep in my mind the rules of French fashion.”

We have to say – we’re inlove with Balmain & Olivier’s vision. Thoughts?

Kendall & Cara: To Walk Chanel or Victoria’s Secret?

Well, well, well …  we totally thought new runway royalty Kendall [Jenner] would be putting on some angel wings (I mean we had a serious poll going on here at the Z Management studios), and we’ve been wondering why we didn’t see Cara Delevingne’s name on the VS Fashion Show 2014 lineup … Turns out there was some MAJOR conflicts in the fashion/modeling world. Both supermodels were rumored to be planning to walk the catwalk that night …but not the one we thought!

The annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2014 will take place on December 2 in London, coincidentally the same day as Chanel’s Metiers D’Art show in Austria.

According to the New York Post, Kendall & Cara opted for ‘CHANEL‘s pre-Fall-extravaganza’ that will be taking place in the stunning & regal, Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. As The CUT put it – these mega models chose “the double C’s over angel wings.” Looks like Kendall is following her supermodel besties’ foot steps. The 2 have become BFF’s as of late, from dressing up as Mario and Luigi (Super Mario Bros game) for Halloween, to Cara joining the Kardashian Klan for Jenner’s birthday bash.

We do love catching the VS Fashion Show, especially since the OG Angels: Alessandra Ambrosio & Adriana Lima will be rocking TWO fantasy bras! And, have you checked out the roster of babes getting ready to strut the runway in some kick-a** lingerie/wings??

The Angels: Behati Prinsloo, Candice Swanepoel, Douzten Kroes, Karlie Kloss, Lily Aldridge, Lindsay Ellingson. Other models include; Joan Smalls,Barbara Fialho, Sara Sampaio, Grace Mahary, Josephine Skriver, Jasmine Tookes, Jourdan Dunn, Bregje Heinen, Elsa Hosk, Barbara Fialho, Izabel Goulart, Isabeli Fontana, Lily Donaldson, Constance Jablonski, Kasia Struss, and MORE.

Then again, we always love us some Karl Lagerfeld. Well – what would YOU choose: Chanel or Victoria’s Secret??

*Luckily the VS Fashion Show doesn’t air until December 9th – so WE can catch both! Regardless, the 2 runway shows are incredible fashion/modeling jobs and it must’ve been a tough decision. Xx

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Beauty Pageant.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s pageant themed runway show during Paris Fashion Week is everything. from the vibrant colors to the dramatic finale – JPG definitely knows how kill it on the catwalk.

Gaultier told WWD,  “For some time, I have found true fulfillment in working on the haute couture and it allows me to express my creativity and my taste for research and experimentation. At the same time, the world of ready-to-wear has evolved considerably. Commercial constraints, as well as the frenetic pace of collections, don’t leave any freedom or the necessary time to find fresh ideas and to innovate.”

The outrageously chic ‘Miss Jean Paul Gaultier’ beauty contest featured sashes with the French Flag, models walking down a large staircase, Miss Hommage a Madame de Palmay, Miss Tour de France, Miss Meteo, Miss Smoking, Miss Soleil, snapping selfies on the catwalk & more.

For the finale of the ‘pageant’ it came down 2 finalist supermodels: Coco Rocha & Anna Cleveland – both wearing fitted, apricot/nude bustier dresses, Rocha then fooled everyone by ‘fainting with excitement’ when she won the crown.

Funkadelic designer Jeremy Scott said, “Jean Paul was one of the people that made me want to be a fashion designer and I want to give back a little bit of that love. I wanted to be here for this because it was such a momentous occasion and I wanted just to show that I still love him, even if I’m not 14 years old anymore.” Scott also had a pretty fab runway show themed as ‘Barbie’s World’.

Alber Elbaz, designer of Lanvin, said “It’s maybe sad for fashion, but maybe it’s happy for him. So if it’s happy for him, we go for it!”

Catwalk queens Alessandra Ambrosio, Gigi Hadid, Karlie KLoss, Joan Smalls, Liu Wen, & more looked absolutely fab rockin’ the runway!

 

Jourdan Dunn is a ModelBOSS.

Jourdan Dunn is not only one of the highest paid models in the World but she has become the 1st black British model to ever enter Forbes High-Earning Models list – the 24 year old ranks alongside Gisele Bündchen, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, her BFF Cara Delevingne  – talk about #MODELBOSS.

The Guardian points out, “Contracts with Maybelline and Burberry helped Dunn earn $4m in the period between June 2013-14, making her one of only three British women, alongside Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss, to appear on the list.”

Dunn was discovered at 15 by Storm Models followed by walking in 75 London Fashion Week shows during 2007 – Jourdan said, “London’s not a white city, so why should our catwalks be so white?”

Jourdan also appeared in Beyonce’s music video YONCÉ alongside top models Chanel Iman & Joan Smalls (who’s covering VOGUE US September issue with Cara Delevingne & Karlie Kloss).

Natalie Robehmed of Forbes says why the list is so notable, it “exposes the myth that models need to be very young, because half of the world’s highest earners are 30 or over.” Adding, “At an age when models traditionally would lose their earning power, these women are superstars.”

Of course models Jourdan Dunn & Cara Delevingne have tons of followers especially on Instagram (#InstaGirls) – being active & having followers on social media is def a huge plus for ANY models out there, Robehmed says,  “You now have bookers asking ‘how many followers does she have on Instagram?’ Because they know that these younger models are experts in getting a brand’s message out to a younger audience in a way that is seen as organic.”

“It’s impossible to emphasise how much of a brand name these women are,” says Robehmed “Designers are willing to pay dime for someone who everyone recognizes, and who will likely tweet a picture of herself backstage shooting a campaign.”

#InstaGirls cover Vogue’s September Issue.

Mario Testino shot the September issue of Vogue US featuring the top models in the fashion game – the cover stars InstaGirls Joan Smalls, Cara Delevingne & Karlie Kloss.

The mag folds out to feature more model muses: Arizona Muse, Edie Campbell, Imaan Hammam, Fei Fei Sun, Vanessa Axente and Andreea Diaconu.

#Instagirls: Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Joan Smalls, & More Talk Supermodels and Instagram The September issue celebrates a new breed of rising supermodel stars.

Vogue says of the exclusive editorial: “Joan Smalls, Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss, Arizona Muse, Edie Campbell, Imaan Hammam, Fei Fei Sun, Vanessa Axente, and Andreea Diaconu have officially been dubbed “The Instagirls.” All savvy on social media, they’re building their own brands and single-handedly catapulting themselves to this generation’s version of supermodel status. Shot by Mario Testino for the September issue of Vogue, they’re the models of the moment wearing the clothes of the season.”