Coco Rocha caught the eye of a model scout while performing in an Irish dance competition. Although passionate about her dancing, it took some time for the Canadian to transition to the fashion world—but when she did, she became a sensation practically overnight.

Photographer Steven Meisel took a shine to the pouty brunette and signed her to an exclusive contract. Coco's face graced the cover of Vogue Italia in March and April of 2006. She then landed campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Balenciaga, and became an instant icon in her oversize platform wedges and bowler hat. Her success continued when she wowed fashionistas by performing her Irish dance at the opening and closing of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fall 2007 show. Coco’s walk is also a runway favorite, which helped her land opening and closing spots for Balenciaga and Vera Wang. Recently, she rightly joined the company of her friends Hilary Rhoda and Jessica Stam among Vogue's Next Top Supermodels of the World.

While many 18-year-olds might let fast fame go to their heads, Coco remains self-possessed and keeps things in perspective—and still gets a thrill when she sees herself in a magazine. Coco also stands her ground on less-than-popular issues. While she describes herself as having a dancer's body, she has shared her personal struggles with body image and speaks out against the dangers of eating disorders and the fashion industry’s pressure to be thin.

The 2008 face of Chanel loves spending her free time with family and working with charities such as the Children's Aid Society, where she teaches Irish dance—something she promises never to give up. We hope the same can be said of her modeling career.