Pics ; Hottest new models of 2015

Queens of Style: The four hottest international models in 2015

Here are the hottest new faces to hit the international scene at the Milan Fashion Week that you've probably never heard of.

 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. 

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Opening the Prada show is akin to being anointed. The lucky lady is immediately deemed fashion’s next it-girl, and this season the honour 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 favourite 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. 

 

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! 

 

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.