Ah, spring. With its inherent themes of renewal and beauty, there is no better time for new models. And true to form, Spring 2016’s runways were filled with fresh talent from around the world—and the models who emerged this season were on a mission to prove themselves. Whether they were making their runway debuts for the biggest designers or simply racking up an impressive array of clients, these girls meant business. Still, it isn’t just a numbers game, and many of the most interesting faces this season appeared only briefly, leaving onlookers—including the industry’s powerful stylists, photographers, and casting directors—wanting more. Take a look at the 12 beauties who made an impression this fashion month, blessed with the right combination of personality and presence with the killer show lists to boot.
Ruth Bell
Where you’ve seen her: Gucci, Versace, Kenzo, Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent
Instagram: @ruthnotmay
A platinum buzz cut will get you noticed, but amid a sea of newly shorn beauties, Ruth Bell managed to distinguish herself. Bell’s combination of punk and pretty made for an appealing proposition, one that European designers responded to with enthusiasm. On Versace’s catwalk, Bell held her own alongside supermodels like Raquel Zimmermann, while at Gucci she took an androgynous turn for Alessandro Michele. Announced as the newest Saint Laurent campaign star two weeks before walking the show, Bell joined the ranks of the Slimane set, yet still made time to vamp it up for Isabel Marant. With high-profile fans like David Sims and Joe McKenna already in her corner, prepare to see a lot of Bell in the coming months.
Alice Metza
Where you’ve seen her: Alexander Wang, Miu Miu, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, Prada
Instagram: @6bubbles6erotica6
As the owner of what may be modeling’s most amusing Instagram account, Alice Metza has plenty of personality in addition to her striking good looks. Having made her debut in during the Fall 2015 season at Proenza Schouler and an appearance at Prada, Metza was already one step ahead of the competition. Spring freed her up to do a bevy of shows and connect with new clients like Jacquemus and Loewe, but for the photogenic star, the runway is just the beginning—Metza has already been garnering work with key image-makers like Steven Meisel.
Karly Loyce
Where you’ve seen her: Chanel, Céline, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein Collection
Instagram: @karlyloyce
For Fall 2015, biology student Karly Loyce made her way onto the Céline runway, snagging an exclusive with the brand and a memorable spot in the campaign. This season Loyce returned to the runway and brought Parisian charm and her trademark ’fro to the runway for everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to Marc Jacobs. As a model, Loyce projects a modern sophistication that is already catching the attention of photographers like Juergen Teller and Alasdair McLellan.
Vera Van Erp
Where you’ve seen her: Narciso Rodriguez, Fendi, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton
Instagram: @veravanerp
Nicolas Ghesquière gave Vera Van Erp her first turn on the runway at Louis Vuitton in Fall 2015 when she snagged one of the brand’s coveted exclusives. This season, Van Erp worked with multiple designers, becoming one of fashion month’s It girls in the process. After making her way down the catwalk for Victoria Beckham, Versus Versace, Fendi, and Céline, Van Erp took things full circle with a reappearance at Vuitton.
Olivia Jansing
Where you’ve seen her: Alexander Wang, Versace, Marni, Balenciaga, Chloé
Instagram: @oliviajansing
With her sculptural, stoic features, Olivia Jansing calls to mind a young Guinevere van Seenus, and like that superstar she’s been embraced by an impressive lineup of designers. Making an appearance at Alexander Wang, Jansing went on to walk for Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, and more.
Hyun Ji Shin
Where you’ve seen her: Rodarte, Public School, Prada, Isabel Marant, Miu Miu
Instagram: @iamhyunjishin
As winner of Korea’s Next Top Model, Hyun Ji Shin got a crash course in social media and reality docudrama. Her first full season as a model was every bit as eventful as the cameras had promised, with a series of high-profile appearances that were as exciting as any seen on TV: From sporting gold lips at Prada to taking a futuristic turn at Iris van Herpen, Shin was everywhere.
Romy Schonberger
Where you’ve seen her: Chanel, Céline, Valentino, Burberry Prorsum, Jason Wu
Instagram: @romyschonberger
Though she’s been modeling on and off since late 2011, Romy Schonberger’s breakthrough this season proves that classic beauty never goes out of style. Showing up at nearly every big show in all four cities, Schonberger proved herself an essential addition to any runway. Walking everything from Jason Wu and Altuzarra to Chanel, Céline, and Valentino, Schonberger provided the season with a welcome touch of the very pretty.
Peyton Knight
Where you’ve seen her: Alexander Wang, Balenciaga
Instagram: @peyton.knight
Never underestimate the power of a great haircut! Peyton Knight was already on casting directors’ radar before chopping her light brown locks into a bowl cut, but the change made her unmistakable on the catwalk. At Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, and Prada, Knight’s delicate beauty made her a standout.
Wangy
Where you’ve seen her: Calvin Klein Collection, Burberry Prorsum, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Dior
Instagram: @xinyuwangofficial
Bright and bubbly, Wangy had momentum this season that just kept on building. Her presence at the big three of Calvin, Burberry Prorsum, and Dior made her a girl to watch, and her elegant look kept all eyes on her no matter which runway she was on.
Irina Djuranovic
Where you’ve seen her: Céline, Valentino, Chanel, Miu Miu, Dior, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci
Instagram: @irinadjuranovic
Elite Model Look alum Irina Djuranovic appeared right in the middle of Fall 2015, walking the likes of Prada and Louis Vuitton. Her lineup for Spring was even more impressive, and by the time fashion month ended she was among the week’s top walkers, outpacing the industry’s more established stars.
Nirvana Naves
Where you’ve seen her: J.W.Anderson, Balenciaga, Prada, Céline, Valentino
Instagram: @nirvananaves
Named after the Buddhist ideal (rather than the Seattle grunge band), Nirvana Naves brought a Zen-like serenity to the catwalk for the coolest designers in the business. Alexander Wang, Jonathan Anderson, and Miuccia Prada all counted on the elegant newcomer to add something special, and even though the Dutch-Guyanese beauty is still balancing runway work with school, she was among the most requested models of the entire season.
Frederikke Sofie
Where you’ve seen her: Stella McCartney, Narciso Rodriguez, Jason Wu
Instagram: @frederikkesofie
It’s hard to believe that Frederikke Sofie once had a pixie cut: The model’s halo of golden curls, more befitting of a Vermeer canvas than a runway, has become her trademark. Designers have noticed her unique beauty, too, with Phoebe Philo tapping her for an exclusive for Céline in Fall 2015 and the rest of the fashion set playing catch-up this season.
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