At the end of each year there are always a handful of models whose careers have skyrocketed to supermodel status. Karlie Kloss is a perfect example for 2011 as within just a few months she became one of the most well-known, coveted supermodels in the world, booking back-to-back campaigns and editorials, and walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
With the start of a new year, we can’t help but begin to speculate who will make it to the top of the model industry by December (or sooner!). After much debate we’ve pulled a list of 10 up and coming models that are sure to make it big in 2012.
1. Barbara Palvin - This Hungarian model’s remarkable features are practically a one-way ticket to international stardom, and her resume of desirable campaigns doesn’t hurt either. We predict we’ll not only be seeing a lot more of Barbara Palvin in the next few months but perhaps on the Victoria’s Secret runway as well.
2. Jasmine Tookes - Along with making it as a finalist in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search, this American beauty walked a total of 36 fashion shows last season. With dreams of becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel and a body to back it up, we have a feeling this could be the year her dream comes true.
3. Kate King - Kate King dominated the runways last season, walking a whopping 71 shows including Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, and Prada. She’s now been featured in practically every pre-fall look book and landed Chloé’s Spring 2012 campaign as well. A successful high-fashion future is definitely in the works for this Canadian beauty.
4. Elsa Hosk - In the past year, Elsa Hosk has become a Victoria’s Secret favorite; appearing in numerous catalogs and walking the glittery runway as well. Our fingers our crossed that Elsa gets a contract and/or wings this year.
5. Xiao Wen Ju - Xiao was pretty much an unknown model up until this month when she booked the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2012 campaign and appeared in an editorial for Vogue US. If a seal of approval from Marc Jacobs and Anna Wintour isn’t a sign of supermodel status, then we don’t know what is.
6. Saskia de Brauw - Saskia’s been on everyone’s radar for awhile now, but her recent accomplishments make her stand out even more. Along with appearing in this year’s Pirelli calendar, Saskia landed three spring campaigns including the highly coveted Chanel alongside Joan Smalls. Karl Lagerfeld has a way of turning his muses into international superstars and we couldn’t be more thrilled knowing we’ll be seeing a lot more of Saskia.
7. Karmen Pedaru - The Estonian model walked 44 shows last year, including the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and has currently taken the lead as the most booked model of the spring 2012 campaigns. Her exotic, Gisele-esque looks are not only bound to make her one of fashion’s most sought-after models but a celebrity as well.
8. Joan Smalls - Joan’s career has been moving upward for a few years now, but after booking the Pirelli calendar, walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and landing GQ’s “lust-list” it’s clear that Joan is about to become one of the world’s biggest supermodels.
9. Alice Dellal - Up until recently, Alice earned her name for being a London socialite and notorious party girl. This year however, the it-girl has three campaigns under her belt including Marc by Marc Jacobs and Chanel. Though it’s too soon to tell, we’re hoping this can only mean that the Brazilian beauty will begin to make more and more modeling appearances.
10. Daphne Groeneveld - We’ve had our eye on Daphne ever since she became the face of Miu Miu back in 2010, and it seems we weren’t alone. In the last few years Daphne has walked an impressive amount of fashion shows (she walked 42 last season), become a muse to Donatella Versace, and has landed a number of campaigns including Calvin Klein, Jill Stuart, and Roberto Cavalli. Though young when she got her start, Daphne is finally 18 which can only mean bigger and better opportunities in the very near future.
