My Top 5 'Up-and-Coming' Models!

If Naomi ever gets off the freakin' runway, have you ever wondered who would take her place? And now that Tyra has returned her Victoria's Secret angel wings, who will rule the commercial-print market? Well here are some of my favorite models, all of which are capable of becoming household names... Some are more famous than others, but one thing they have in common is their beauty and they all have recognized potential within the fashion world. Enjoy!

5. Denise Vasi

If you've heard of the name Denise Vasi, then i'm sure the name Russell Simmons wasn't too far behind! Although she's been rumored to be behind the breakdown of Kimora and Russell's marraige, I still think she's a great model! The 23 year old, New York native is currently signed to ID models where she's picked up campaigns for both Aka Demiks, the jeans company and shoe manufactorers Dollhouse. At only 5'7", Denise has managed to break into the commercial end of the industry and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon. Denise currently resides in New York city, but is of Dominican and Greek heritage... it's unclear whether or not she's still dating Mr. R Simmons ;)

4. Ana Bela

Ana Bela (of Marilyn modeling agency) was discovered after
looking through a teen magazine and seeing a Model Guide with the names and addresses of modeling agencies in her hometown. She recogized the prestigious name Marilyn and just walked on into the agency and got signed immediately! Orignally from Sao Paolo, the 20 year old Brazilian stands tall at a striking 5'11"! Ana Bela, whom Dan Forbes had photographed for the U.S. version of Harper's Bazaar and Pamela Hanson for Vogue Teen, seems to have created some impression in New York City. She currently resides in Sao Paolo where she continues to model full time.

3. Gerren Taylor

Gerren started modelling at the tender age of 12! She is the youngest person ever to be represented by the runway division of L.A. Models (a modelling agency based in California). This Los Angeles native decided that she wanted to stay at home while pursuing her dream, rather than pack up and move to New York like so many other new models. However this hasn't hindered her career, as she still manages to book the biggest fashion shows and photo shoots. She landed her first runway gig modelling for an Alexander McQueen's fashion show in Las Vegas in October of 2003! In the industry she's know as "Baby Naomi" because of her striking resemblance to supermodel Naomi Campbell, though it's quite possible that Gerren will make a name for herself in the modelling world, incomparable to anyone else.

2. Jaunel McKenzie

In June of 2003, Jaunel McKenzie (of Women Model Management) became the first Caribbean model, after Lois Samuels, to be selected for the Couture collections in Paris.
The 20 year old, who is originally from Jamiaca, has shot no less than seven issues of American Vogue as well as French and Italian editions with the industry's top photographers.
She has also been featured in many magazine editorials, such as her 25-page editorial for an issue of W magazine. Jaunel was raised in Nannyville Gardens, Kingston where after leaving high school, she was discovered by accident. With two months to spare and no solid plans, Jaunel decided to enter the Pulse Model Search; a search she initially thought had more to do with model training. She was unaware of the fact that she had signed up for one of the biggest competitions Jamaica sees annually - It was here that she was first noticed by the industry. Januel now resides in New York where she continues to model, she aims to eventually own her own accounting firm and clothing line. [Source]

1. Liya Kebede

Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Liya was scouted at an early age by a French film director who introduced her to her first modelling agency. As soon as Liya graduated from high school, she moved to France to begin her career. Liya inevitably relocated to the fashion capital of New York City, where fate would find her through Gucci designer, Tom Ford. He hired the then unknown model for his runway show and the rest is histroy! In 2003, Liya Kebede (IMG Models) was the first black woman to land the coveted cosmetics contract with Estée Lauder (the first in the company's 59-year history!) She has also graced the covers of Italian, Japanese and Spanish Vogue, V, French, Flair, i-D and Time's Style & Design. In 2005, she was appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and she also founded a foundation to support the cause. She currently lives in New York City with her husband Kassy Kebede, son Suhul and daughter Raee. To learn more about her foundation visit, www.liyakebede.com.

Most Stylish Celebrity Couple, 2006

The results are in! Thank you to everyone who voted, I received over 100 votes which is pretty good considering the site has only been up a month and a half! If anyone has any other celebrity couples whose style they admrie, let me know so that I can include them in the voting for next year.

Thanks again,
Angel
xx

Click on their names to see pics of your favorite couples:

10. Mary J. Blige & Kendu Isaacs
9. Diddy & Kim Porter
8. Alicia Keys & Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers
7. Nelly & Ashanti
6. Alonzo & Tracy Mourning
5. Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari-Parker
4. Gabrielle Union & Darren Sharper
3. Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith
2. Nas & Kelis
1. Beyonce & Jay-Z

10. Mary J. Blige & Kendu Isaacs

Poor things didn’t even get one vote, but it’s O.K guys – I still love you! Mary has definitely embraced high fashion more as the years have gone on and this picture, with her husband Kendu, epitomizes the growth of her style. Remember when Mary first came out in the 90s? I doubt you would have been able to get her to wear a dress like this, but a happy marriage and 16 years in the business later, have all helped evolve her style! The couple will have been married for three years on December 7th of this year.

9. Diddy & Kim Porter

I really don’t know what we’re calling him these days, but ‘Diddy’ is the king of “so fresh ‘n’ so clean!,” so it wouldn’t be long before Kim would have to step-up and follow suit. So impressed by Kim’s style is Diddy, he has decided to feature her in the latest campaign for the new Sean John fragrance. The couple have one child together (Christian Casey), but they also look after eachother's children from previous relationships. Did you know that Kim's oldest son, Quincy, is fathered by R'n'B singer Al B. Sure?! Me neither! Well everyone knows that Diddy's first baby mama is Misa Hylton, who is the mother to his oldest son Justin. This brings the child head count to three! Confused yet? Well don't worry Diddy and Kim are rumored to be engaged, that should slow down the baby mama's for a minute!

8. Alicia Keys & Kerry ‘Krucial’ Brothers

I love how this couple are so low key! For them it’s not about being in the spotlight at all and that is reflected in their sense of style; they don’t dress for the paparazzi as comfort is key. Alicia looks great dressed up or dressed down and ‘Krucial’ is no different, making them a perfect match! Here they are at Kanye West, John Legend and Common’s 2006 Grammy after-party having fun and dare I say looking a little drunk! And did you know that Kanye, John and Common have started their own record label called G.O.O.D. Music?!... They’re not the only ones, Alicia and ‘Krucial’ also have their own company called Krucial Keys @ www.krucialkeys.com.

7. Nelly & Ashanti

I have to admit it, I added this couple to the list begrudgingly… They basically made it because I honestly couldn’t think of a tenth couple! But since the voting began, I’ve seen some really cute pics of them together looking ultra stylish! It seems like this relationship is for real, and although I wouldn’t trust a rapper or an athlete as far as I could throw him, many of the couples on the list seem to be making it work... I ain’t mad at that!

6. Alonzo & Tracy Mourning

I first noticed this couple when I saw this photo of them together at the 2006 ESPY Awards and thought ‘how cute are they?!’ For those who don’t know Alonzo is a basketball player who currently plays for the infamous team, Miami Heat. Tracy has her own fashion line called ‘Honey Child’ visit www.honeychild.net. Both know how to raise the style stakes, I just wish I could find more photos of them on the internet… :( The couple have two children named Trey and Myka.

4. Gabrielle Union & Darren Sharper

Though they haven’t been together long, both Gabrielle and Darren have amazing style individually, so only good things can come from them being an item! No one’s really sure how or when the couple met, but it seems Darren is certainly helping Ms. Union ‘heal’ after her separation from football star-turned-businessman Chris Howard. You know what they say… the best way to get over someone is to get under someone! Hmmm, anyway for those who’ve never heard of Mr. Sharper he’s an NFL player who currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings. And congratulations to Gabby who’s just landed the lead in Tyler Perry’s new movie, ‘Daddy’s Little Girl,’ co-stars include Idris Elba and Tracie Ellis Ross. Can’t wait to see it!

5. Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari-Parker

Such a beautiful couple and equally stylish, although I've seen Nicole make some, shall we say, ‘unfortunate’ fashion choices and I didn’t think much of the velvet suit Boris wore to the premiere of ‘Madea’s Family Reunion.’ However, overall they manage to pull it together! Boris apparently has a new show coming out in the Fall, so we can rejoice in the knowledge that our favorite 'eye candy' is set to return to the small screen. The couple are expecting their second child due on October, 31st 2006… I'm wishing them all the best and don’t let the new baby stop your style flow.

3. Will Smith & Jada Pinkett-Smith

Crazy kids, Will and Jada Smith had to make the list, I mean just look at this photo of the two of them! Even with three children, they still manage to keep it ‘grown and sexy’ and whether dressed formally or casually, they make dressing good look easy! Now lest us not forget Jada’s recent punk rock escapades... I’m not too sure about her music, but at least she’s not afraid to explore a new style! I wonder what the pair will get up to next?!

2. Nas & Kelis

This couple are too cool for school! I actually think since hooking up with Kelis, Nas has stepped his style game a notch or two, you can’t be married to such a style fanatic and stay in baggy pants and oversized T-shirts! After a two year engagement, the couple got hitched on January the 18th, 2005, making them a married couple for just over a year and a half... I wonder when they’ll bring another little style icon into the world?!

1. Beyonce & Jay-Z

The undisputed winners are Jayonce (or Bigga if you prefer!) - They had the overwhelming majority of votes! Now while they may not be the most fashion forward couple, neither are they risk takers, one thing I can say about them is that they never fail to look good together or apart. Here they are leaving the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2005 - this is one of those rare pictures where they actually look like a couple! Does anyone else have the sneaking suspicion that Mama Knowles is no longer styling Beyonce?... Let’s all take a minute to thank the Lord for that!