Fashion's Obsessed With These 4 Models Right Now

When it comes to fashion shows, editors are not just looking at the clothes and the bags. They’re also looking at which models are walking in which shows,and more importantly, who opened and closed a show. Here is our breakdown of the girls to watch in Milan so far. Heads up for the next Kate, Gisele and Karlie.

1. Lia Pavlova

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Imaxtree, Tann Model Management

It was Gucci designer Alessandro Michele’s first show, after a dramatic employee shuffle at the storied Italian brand, so his first model had to be perfect. He chose Russian model Lia Pavlova. Pavlova’s quirky looks embodied the slightly offbeat and romantic collection, and her big eyes and narrow face suggest a touch of androgyny. She can look like the eccentric new Gucci girl, or a beautiful looking boy—your choice. Either way, expect to see a lot more of her.

2. Marlund Backus

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Imaxtree, FM London, NYModels

Marland Backus, a 22 year-old Brooklyn native, was discovered in London when a few of her male model friends dragged her into their agency. Backus had an exclusive at Gucci, which means she did not walk in any other shows in Milan, and she’s already posed for magazines like iD and Numero. Backus’s androgynous look will serve her well; it’s what the industry is into these days, and she can easily move from a sophisticated ladylike look to a skater tomboy style.

3. Willow 

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Imaxtree, The Lions NY

Opening the Prada show is akin to being anointed. The lucky lady is immediately deemed fashion’s next it-girl, and this season the honor went to 16-year-old Willow Hand. She told Style.com, “My agent scouted me when I was 12 and I’ve just been sitting around waiting to turn 16.”

The Florida native looks like a baby Gemma Ward, a cult favorite in the industry who quit a few years ago to focus her family and acting (though she’s made a comeback recently—via the Prada campaign). Since Ward’s sudden departure, model agencies and casting directors have been in search of the ‘new’ Gemma, and they might have found her in Hand. Those big eyes and full lips make her look almost manga-ish, which appeals to the ever growing Asian fashion market. And with Prada growing their business aggressively in the East, picking Hand was probably a savvy move.

4. Ala Sekula

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Imaxtree, Gaga Models

Polish stunner Ala Sekula, who made her fashion show debut at Prada, is as fresh faced as they come. Sekula has that blank canvas look that photographers, stylists, and hair and makeup artists love because they can transform the girls into whatever own fantastical creations they want. More established models have their own look, like Cara Delevingne’s quirky manners, Liu Wen’s tomboy style, or Gigi Hadid’s sexy American look, but Sekula will be whoever you want her to be. For any creative team, that’s pure gold!

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