NEW FACE ALERT!

A little story time before I introduce this next new face... A long time ago (2007) in a land far far away (West Coast=Best Coast), a couple of my friends in high school were scouted by the local branch (may it R.I.P) of Mode Models and naturally I was curious to see what exactly it was that they were doing. I really had no prior interest in fashion at all but after following the agency blog for a couple months, I was hooked. I admit, I love the "local boy/girl makes it big" kind of story and after seeing the success of locals like Darla Baker and Terron Wood (they were the originals!), I got sucked into following the industry as a whole. And while I will now follow just about any model that I think has it (that wonderful uniqueness no one can really describe), I've still got a soft spot for Mode, and it's been fun watching all-stars like Simon Nessman and Taylor Fuchs go from first polaroids to a grocery list of runways and campaigns.

As most of my readers have gathered, this blog tends to feature the XY. We're talking chromosomes here, people! Yes, this is on purpose. I first started blogging after joining a number of fashion communities and later noticing the lack of appreciation for the average male model. Thanks to Zoolander, the male model stereotype is mostly negative, and that corner- yes, corner- of the industry is just not appreciated the way it should be. Let's face it- there are tons of blogs and discussion threads devoted to salivating over naked male models, but there really aren't that many around that focus on the fashion, their roles in the industry, and what they are supposed to do: model clothes. I am all about bringing you the blue steel, but if you're looking for a monthly subscription to washboard abs, Men's Fitness has already got that covered. This blog is dedicated to the few, the proud, the model hommes (pardon my French) that make my Vogue ad experience so much more enjoyable.

So while the testosterone levels of this blog are pretty apparent, I am still a strong believer in affirmative action when it's deserved, and for this post at least, I've decided not to discriminate against the double X. My next new face is actually pretty well known to myself and the TFS community, and has been for the past few years. Another Mode discovery, she started out in her early teens as a flaming redhead, only recently morphing into the ice queen that she is now. And while we miss the ginge a lot, we cannot deny what her new look has done with her career. Newly signed with Trump (NY), Marilyn (Paris), and DCM (Korea), this Canadian is back from her first Tour de France and fresh off her debut runways in NYC and Paris. Luckily for us, strutting her stuff isn't the only thing that this girl can do. Based on her recent print work, she is definitely the one to watch. Excuse the yearbook nature of this post but you just have to see the transformation of this Madam-oisell-e Butterfly for yourself! Drumroll, please!

SAMANTHA YPMA

(image sources: Mode Models blog and TFS, courtesy of acester, xxfashion, papa_levante)

Still not convinced? You better get your eyes checked.

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

Modern Day Rip Van Winkle

Back from the dead! Did you miss me? It's been what- almost 2 and 1/2 years since I last posted? That's like 1923847 years when it comes to blogging... don't want to think about how many lifetimes that is in the fashion industry. Is it bad that I had to google my blog to find it? Apparently, 20 other blogs and Myspaces are now called Model Mentality, so I just hope that my readers haven't gotten lost in the meantime! For the record, I was the first!

How crazy is it that since I started this blog in 2008, "new faces" have become industry vets? Vladimir Ivanov- remember him? You can now see him steaming up all the hottest runways and flashing you his pearly whites in the Sisley S/S 2011 campaign with Ahmad "AJ" Abualrub and one of my female faves/fellow Oregonian, Darla Baker! Whattup, Ptown?

(image source: TFS, IAmLordZen)

Four years is a long time, and while I love to see all the fresh new faces, it's sad to see some of my favorites go. Let's just say that I have a lot of catching up to do, but don't worry- my eyes are still in working order. Just because I've been MIA doesn't mean that I haven't been looking! So coming soon to a computer or smartphone near you (this summer to be a little more precise): more new faces and more updates on the classics. Excited? You should be!

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

WHO AM I?

We've all been thinking it. Who is that gorgeous man in the D&G FW08 ads? If only the D&G Time commercial gave us a peek at our mystery man's passport! Do you know who he is? Let me know! 

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

ENRICO PETZOLD

(image source: Bananas Models)

You might have seen him on the runways this past season, walking for the likes of Prada, Dior, and Hugo among others. While some models never see these coveted runways, this newbie landed them on his first shot. Signed with EQ, FM, and Bananas, make sure you jump on the bandwagon early, because there might not be room for you later!

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

MICHAEL WINTHER
(image source: screencapped by me from Scoop Models)
For all you pre-teens and cradle-snatchers out there... Scoop's latest find is only FIFTEEN but you can already see just how much potential he has. Which is a lot. Already a MOTW, he's another great Dane in the making! Bearing resemblance to feline firecracker Taylor Fuchs, we can only hope that his career rockets just as quickly to the top.

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

CHRIS BREW

(image source: Kevin Thomas)

San Francisco saw the success of the hommes from fellow west coast city, Portland (aka my town), and is issuing a challenge in response! City Models SF's discovery joins the ranks of the Ivanov brothers and has made quite a splash! The phenomenal response to this young newcomer's blue steel in the Kevin Thomas editorial "In Times of War" (posted earlier) is enough to get anyone excited. But the fashion industry isn't the only one interested in him (think college basketball), so when he isn't staring down the camera lens we can look to ESPN next year and root for him on the courts. But for now let's hope basketball is willing to share. 

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

VICTOR NORLANDER

(image source: MH, lizzylily)

There must be some mutant gene with the phenotype "stunningly handsome" running rampant in Swedish males because they are popping up everywhere on the industry radar. This latest discovery by Stockholmsgruppen Models could double for Mathias Lauridsen, minus the scar. With his stunning profile, he's already hot property, snapped up by Sisley for its SS09 campaign. Having seen how photogenic he is, I cannot wait to add his campaign shots to those that wallpaper my dorm. 

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

OLLE L.

(image source: www.kidoftomorrow.com)

They've done it again! Another fabulous face at Success! Discovered by Kid of Tomorrow Agency in Stockholm, he's Swedish to boot! With his clean and fresh look, he does blonde hair blue-eyed like none other. Expect great things!

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

LEANIMAL STRIKES!

Props to Korto Momulo for putting on a fabulous show- I would wear anything in her collection. But it wasn't Korto who was King (excuse me, Queen) of the Jungle...  How much do I love Leanne Marshall from Project Runway?! Besides the fact that she's my homegirl (Ptown represent!),  she was the most fashion forward of the finalists this season. Her collection was gorgeous and her use of sustainable fabrics and materials scored some definite brownie points. I have to say, that summer article in the Oregonian had me worried that she wouldn't make it. Every elimination I held my breath thinking that this was the week Leanne would be cut. After all, "She filmed five or six weeks," doesn't seem like all that much to those of us who think on a weekly elimination basis. And while Nina Garcia and the others worry about her being able to break out of her petal phase, the preview for her fall collection should put their worries to rest. So far everything looks so good! Think structure, sophistication, and elegance. It's Leanimal, and it's FIERCE.

(image source: www.leanimal.com)

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal 

Back in Black?

Well it's been a long time and I owe every(one) who actually reads this blog an apology. I know you're here for the models, but to give you a little explanation why I've been so MIA, I've just finished my first month of college/university and am still trying to keep my head above the water. At this point I'm very afraid of drowning. So while I'm hoping for a comeback, posts will be a little irregular for this term. In the meantime, please enjoy this wonderful editorial by Kevin Thomas starring one of my favorites, Vladimir Ivanov (Wilhelmina), and his brother Andrey (Ford Paris). Could we be seeing another fabulous brother pairing in the industry?

In Times of War

Photographer: Kevin Thomas

Models: Vladimir Ivanov, Andrey Ivanov, Chris Brew

(image source: www.kevinthomasphotography.com)

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

SS09 is just around the corner, and that means agencies are showing off their models for us all to see. It also means lots of new faces on the runway! Here are a few (first of many more to come) of my favorite new kids on the block!

From Success:

Jeremie Laheurte truly has the fine features which will take him to the top. With his boyish good looks, there is nothing stopping him. Not much in his book yet, but hopefully SS09 will be his breakout moment! (image source: models.com)

From Ford:

Matthew Hetherington first appeared in the spotlight courtesy of MDC's Model of the Week. And with his classic good looks, it is easy to see why. He'll be making his runway debut this season, and with the exposure sure to follow, it'd be best to keep an eye on this one! (imagesource: MH, Asia)

Kristian Akergren is another recent recipient of Model of the Week. Hailing from Sweden, he joins the membership of elite Scandinavian models in the industry. Bearing resemblance to Blaine Cook, he is exceptional in front of the camera, this runway season can only do wonders for his career! (image source: MH, Hav)

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

Model Update: Taylor Fuchs

It's always exciting to hear when a guy snags a campaign. Unlike with the girls, not many designers tout which male models they will be using. So it's exciting when you hear that a guy has snagged a HUGE campaign and ESPECIALLY exciting to know that it is one of your favorite guys that got the job. So just in, ladies and gentleman, Taylor Fuchs is set to star in the Valentino FW08 campaign. Get excited people!
(image: Valentino FW08, saka @ MH)


You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

And the winner is...

Nobody I liked. The VMAN/Ford Model Search Finalists were announced, and I have to say that I am disappointed. There were so many other guys that had much more potential. As for the finalists themselves? I scrolled through every single page on entrants and did not see them once. And if I did? They didn't stand out, because obviously I don't remember them. This is not to say that AJ, Petey, and Adam are completely devoid of any model characteristics. They can be models, but I doubt their potential to be blue chip.

But what a letdown! I don't see the point of V Magazine encouraging the participation of voters if the vote count obviously plays no role in the ultimate decision. It's not like the agency conducting the search is going to let the general public tell them who to sign. They'll sign who they want. The voting just gets the participants hopes up, which only leads to them crashing and burning in the end.

VMagazine/Supreme's model search is just beginning, hopefully the results will turn out more favorable. It should be interesting- Anya Kop (excuse me, Anya Rozova)- has entered the contest and sits comfortably in the #1 position of voting glory. Do you think she has what it takes to be the latest Supreme wondergirl?

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

Update: Anya is no longer entered in the competition. She has either withdrawn or has been removed. It is also possible that her entry was fake.

On Hiatus

If you'd been living in my house for the past couple weeks, you'd know my computer is about to croak. It's old, my dad built it, and all my Gossip Girl Episodes are causing it to freeze. It's a PC! It shouldn't be doing this! The sudden death of my photo uploader is the first symptom of what I predict will be one big long downward spiral, and without any photos, how is anyone supposed to enjoy the lovely new faces that keep popping up all over the place?

So I'm taking a bit of a forced leave until a) my dad fixes the problem OR b) graduation (when I get my promised laptop).

But don't worry! I'm not going to leave y'all in the dark. As you may have heard, VMAN and Ford are having a model search. It's open casting, meaning just about anyone can join.

Screw rankings. Here are the guys who I think have a shot.

Renan Bonin
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=4424
Barrett Pall
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=4890
Alex Corses
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=4364
Gabriel Scalco
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=4520
Facundo Renzone
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=4578
Tyler Oyer
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_viewprofile.php?model=3875
Jhaysonn Pathak
http://www.vmagazine.com/vmanmodel_v...php?model=4085

Eat your heart out!

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

Model Update: Jesper Lund

The FW08 Campaigns are being assigned and I am especially looking forward to the D&G campaign! After a chaotic and sloppy SS08 campaign, D&G is picking up the slack and featuring Jesper Lund in their upcoming campaign! With a face like Jesper's, we can all expect nothing but class. I guess everybody learns from sloppy firsts, and it looks like D&G is no exception.
(image: Dolce & Gabbana FW08, lizzylily @ MH)

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

LASSE H(image source: Unique Model Management)

Discovered by Unique, this newbie from Denmark has a face that is sure to carry on his country's blue-chip trend. Who said blonde hair and blue eyes had to be stereotypical? With such fine features, he is sure to make his own mark in the industry.

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

STUART GLASPEY

(image source: MH, Jimmy)

Mode is on a roll! While browsing the New Faces of Why Not, I ran across this familiar face. Discovered by Mode's base in Ptown, I've been waiting to see which agencies would snap him up. So far, Why Not and Public Image Worldwide have taken the bait, and according to Mode, a Paris agency as well. There are many fish in the sea, but only one Stuart Glaspey. Hopefully this catch will find himself landed on the runways next season!

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

Model Update: Garrett Neff

Garrett's got all the girls (and some boys) swooning over his latest editorial, aptly titled "The Cinderella Man". Photographed by Vicky Trombetta and styled by Shun Watanabe, this is a can't miss. Expect all copies of Commons & Sense to be sold out at Japanese bookstores near you. And if you get your hands on the booty be sure to send a copy to me. I want these in print! Garrett can be my Prince Charming anyday!

(image source: MH, Giovanni/Indicatoto101)

You know you love me!
xoxo ptowngal

NEW FACE ALERT!

VLADIMIR IVANOV(image source: MH, Jimmy)

I happened on this American version of Marcus Hedbrandh by chance and am praying that the fashion gods smile down on him. Hailing from San Francisco's JE Model Management, this new face has got it all: boyish charm, amazing facial structure, and a smile that'll melt you like water melted the Wicked Witch of the West. Trust me when I say you don't want to miss out on this one!

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal

Model Update: Heather Marks

(Image: Duras Ambient SS08, courtesy of Mode Models blog)

How amazing is Heather? I have finally seen the Duras Ambient SS08 Campaign and it is FIERCE. One of the best of the season in my opinion. Major props to all the people behind the ad! I'd say more, but I'm too speechless for words.

You know you love me!

xoxo ptowngal