By Tim Mitchell
Everyone knows that the first and final looks are the most important in a designer’s collection, but we at Modelinia know that choosing the right girls is equally as crucial. From runway regulars to catwalk newcomers, here are the models that made the biggest first—and last—impressions.
Alexander Wang
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The young designer usually casts runway regulars to open his shows, but this season he chose newbie Mirte Maas to lead his squad of feminine footballers down the catwalk. And Alexander Wang wasn’t the only designer to take a chance on Mirte—she also opened for Donna Karan and closed for Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.
This Fashion Week designers and casting directors just couldn’t get enough of this Polish powerhouse. Jac closed for Alexander Wang, opened for Calvin Klein and Derek Lam, and was seen on the runways of designers like Rodarte, Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs, and Proenza Schouler. |
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BCBG Max Azria
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In a show that boasted more newcomers than perhaps any other during New York Fashion Week, Dutch beauty Patricia van der Vliet—a former Holland’s Next Top Model contestant—stole the coveted opening spot.
Maybe it was a prerequisite to have been on a modeling TV show to walk for BCBG Max Azria this season because former Germany’s Next Top Model contestant Vanessa Hegelmaier closed! |
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Ports 1961
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Japan’s hottest model export, Tao Okamoto made a splash on New York runways for Spring 2010, opening for Ports 1961 and closing for Marc by Marc Jacobs. Phillip Lim had to have her in his show yet again, and Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, and Zac Posen obviously felt the same way.
Bruna Tenorio made a stunning close for Ports 1961. This perennial favorite hit up an enviable list of major runways, including Thakoon, Costello Tagliapietra, Yigal Azrouël, and Jason Wu to name a few. |
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Rodarte
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Russian Anastasia Kuznetsova took the lead spot in Rodarte, one of New York Fashion Week’s most anticipated shows. She also opened for 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Max Azria must be seriously crushing on Anastasia since she closed not only his signature line, but also Hervé Léger by Max Azria.
New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 marked another stellar season for catwalk pro Iris Strubegger, who consistently walks for the biggest names in fashion. Aside from closing Rodarte, she also closed for Isaac Mizrahi, and landed the opening spot for Marc Jacobs as well as Oscar de la Renta. |
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Diane von Furstenberg
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Heralded as “the next Cindy Crawford,” Kendra Spears looked every bit the supermodel opening at Diane von Furstenberg, and further proved her force by also opening Badgely Mischka.
Arlenis Sosa was one of a few big name girls who shined throughout the week. Not only did she close DVF, but she also closed for Oscar de la Renta, which comes as no surprise since she’s been a favorite of the designer since arriving on the scene in 2008. |
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Erin Fetherston
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Since Alisa Matviychuk made her runway debut in Nina Ricci’s Fall 2009 show, the hype surrounding this Ukrainian doll face has grown tremendously. Opening for New York shows like Erin Fetherston, Vera Wang, and Dennis Basso this season, we’re confident that this girl is here to stay.
Ethereal redhead Alice Gibb only made a few Fashion Week appearances in New York, but when you’re taking the last turn for shows like Erin Fetherston, it’s all about quality, not quantity. |
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Ralph Lauren
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Aussie model Christina Carey didn’t book many shows this Fashion Week, but she did manage to snag the opening spot at Ralph Lauren, and modeled not one but three looks for Ralph.
Many recognizable faces were featured on Ralph Lauren’s runway this season, but it was Russian beauty Yana Karpova who got to close the 50-look show. |
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Carolina Herrera
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Natasha Poly is one of the busiest models working today, and with her impeccable walk it’s easy to see why designers like Carolina Herrera turn to Natasha’s perfect strut to get the show started. Need more proof? Not only did she also open for Anna Sui and Altuzarra, but she closed both shows, too!
Magdalena Frackowiak is a designer’s go-to girl with an impeccable track record. She closed for Carolina Herrera and was also seen walking for Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Michael Kors, and Preen. |
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Proenza Schouler
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The Proenza boys trusted catwalk queen Elsa Sylvan to jumpstart their much-lauded Spring 2010 collection.
One of the most visible rising stars of the season, Karmen Pedaru conquered nearly every major runway in New York. She closed for Proenza, and also opened and closed for Narciso Rodriguez! |
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Jason Wu
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We called it last season, and sure enough Ymre Stiekema is proving to be a runway force not to be reckoned with. She opened the much-anticipated Jason Wu collection.
Maintaining her position as one of fashion’s most popular runway darlings, Karlie Kloss capped off the Jason Wu show with her signature sashay. |
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