Dream Girls

the models who made it big this season

"Diversity" was the buzzword for Spring, and we're happy to report that our top ten list is a multiculti mix—with just two new faces hailing from modeling's most prolific breeding ground, Russia. The girls who caught our attention come from Senegal, China, India, and West Philly. As they say in Paris, vive la difference!

1. 1. Aminata Niaria (IMG)

   Who doesn't dream of stopping Alber Elbaz dead in his tracks? This Senegal-born, Paris-raised stunner did just that in 2006 when the designer spotted her on the street. In addition to Lanvin, Aminata walked at Ralph Lauren and Dries Van Noten this season.
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2. 2. Anya Kazakova (Marilyn)

   This Russian newcomer took first-exit honors at Calvin Klein—a privilege once held by no less a beauty than Natalia Vodianova. Anya squeezed in English lessons between turns at Prada, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton.
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3. 3. Katrin Thormann (Women)

   Preseason buzz—in the form of a Dazed & Confused cover—helped this German up-and-comer and Kirsten Owen look-alike score coveted gigs at Proenza Schouler and Marni.
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4. 4. Lakshmi Menon (Ford)

   A seasoned vet in her native India, Bangalore-based Lakshmi Menon capitalized on her current Givenchy campaign to win some old-guard castings at Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang.
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5. 5. Liu Wen (Marilyn)

   A veritable supermodel in China, Liu's strong New York debut (Narciso Rodriguez, Preen) led to a jam-packed season.
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6. 6. Myf Shepherd (Next)

   Myf (real name: Myfanwy) has inherited the "Wonder from Down Under" label from her best bud Abbey Lee. Her quirky-cute look was a hit in London, and she made an impression in Paris at Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, and Chanel.
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7. 7. Sara Blomqvist (DNA)

   This Swede's steely gaze won over Prada casting director—and star maker—Russell Marsh last year, paving the way for a superb debut season that included appearances at Christopher Kane, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton.
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8. 8. Sessilee Lopez (Major)

   After burning up the catwalk at Marc Jacobs and Fendi, this Philly-born beauty has Vogue Italia and W spreads in the pipeline, as well as campaigns for Gap and Calvin Klein. Word is, it's just the beginning.
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9. 9. Sigrid Agren (New York)

   Hailing from the Caribbean—Martinique, to be exact—Sigrid made a splash on the international scene. After opening and/or closing four of the biggest European shows, this classic beauty is weighing some big-ticket campaign options.
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10. 10. Yulia Kharlapanova (Women)

    With a poise usually only found in veterans, this leggy Russian (and international law student) cropped up in all the right places from day one. The closing spot at Miu Miu, her 19th birthday present, was the icing on the cake.
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