We’re used to seeing Daria Strokous looking beyond elegant in ads for Jil Sander and Dior, but it is always interesting to see a photographer take the refined beauty in another direction. Hugh Lippe uncovers the edge beneath Ms. Strokous’ refined exterior in a new story for FAT Magazine that showcases another side of the Russian beauty. Focusing on a look that is raw and edgy with a hint of danger, Lippe along with stylist Joanne Blades create a compelling alternative to the typical fashion edit – check out the story, exclusive outtakes and the accompanying fashion film below.

HAIR Leonardo Manetti | MAKEUP Karan Franjola | MANICURE Tracylee

FUELED UP – Daria Strokous by Hugh Lippe for FAT Magazine from models.com on Vimeo.

OUTTAKES

Man of the Moment Alexander Wang backstage with Julia Nobis, Agyness Deyn and Aline Weber
Photographed by Betty Sze for Models.com

Alexander Wang taking the reigns at Balenciaga is a story that will likely dominate the fashion headlines for the next few months. Whether you’re still in mourning after Nicolas Ghesquiere‘ departure, or simply charting the seemingly endless designer shuffle that seems to sum up the current state of flux that permeates the entire industry, this is arguably the most exciting fashion news in a long time. Ever since Cathy Horyn revealed the scoop in her NY Times column the subject has been hotly debated. The one thing everyone can agree on though, is that this begins a new chapter for Balenciaga, one that will determine the brand’s future. We will be waiting with baited breath to see what Wang comes up with for his first Balenciaga collection.

Another exciting new appointment, The Last Magazine‘s Magnus Berger has been named the new creative director of Wall Street Journal’s WSJ magazine. Considering the uniqueness and beauty to be found in every single issue of The Last, we’re expecting big things from WSJ in the coming months.

Karl Lagerfeld never stops, so it is no surprise to find that he’s part of another exciting collaboration. Lagerfeld and Brazilian line Melissa shoes have teamed up for a new global partnership, one where Lagerfeld will design 4 special footwear capsule collections, the first of which will be unveiled in March 2013.

Pre-fall collections are starting to trickle in, with new looks from Belstaff, Helmut Lang and Reed Krakoff.

The line between art and commerce blurs even further with Net-A-Porter set to launch a print magazine, which will surely be as elegant as their online editorials.

To end our news brief on a high and start the week out with some beauty, take a look at Elie Saab‘s latest fashion film, a delightful tour around Paris featuring the brand’s decadent resort collection.

Croisière à Paris 1 from models.com on Vimeo.

Sean O’Pry
Garrett Neff
Rob Evans

The sexy stars of DSECTION Magazine‘s first-anniversary issue shine in some of winter’s boldest pieces by Givenchy, Galliano and Dolce & Gabbana. Arnaldo Anaya Lucca’s richly colored images perfectly showcase Sean O’Pry and new face Estee Rammant. With the holidays coming up, it’s a festive way to ring in the new year.

Sean and Estee Rammant by Arnaldo Anaya Lucca (De Facto), styling by Joseph Episcopo

Rob Evans by Jack Waterlot, styling by Fleur Huynh

Luis Borges and Kim Kraglund by Frederico Martins, styling by Fernando Bastos Pereira

Garrett Neff by Renie Saliba, styling by Joseph Episcopo

There is a special surprise inside the newest Made in Brazil Magazine and yes it involved shirtless, hunky, Brazilian male models with tanned bodies and inviting smiles. One thing is slightly different though, amidst the stunning boys and their chiseled pectorals you’ll find the familiar (and gorgeous) face of Brazilian superstar Alessandra Ambrosio. Ale is the first girl to be featured in Made in Brazil and her images by Stewart Shining are nothing short of stunning – don’t take our word for it though, check out this preview teaser and wait for the rest, coming on Monday exclusively on Models.com!

Made In Brazil Magazine #6 Teaser from Made In Brazil on Vimeo.

Naomi Campbell.
Kate Moss.
Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.
Patti Wilson.
Interview Russia.

Our favorite dynamic duo reunites for an elegant black and white set by Mert & Marcus. Every time Naomi and Kate pair up the end result is an instantly iconic shot and this is no exception. Are you feeling the controversial covers?

Photos Courtesy of Interview Russia

If there is one designer who knows how to get women (and men) excited it is Phoebe Philo and her continued success at Celine is a testament to her ability to tap into the pulse of what women want. For F/W Philo went in a graphic direction, with primary shades, bold color blocking and a mixes of texture, from matte leather to plush fur. One of the most editorially beloved pieces from the Celine collection was the Geometric Intarsia Sweater, a playful clash of mink and leather that succinctly merged the essence of the entire collection into a single item. If another designer were to throw together that many things on one top it might seem overwrought, or ridiculous but Phoebe Philo keeps the look minimal.

Most stylists didn’t stray too far from that ideal, pairing the sweaters with either the runway approved striped trousers, or an equally understated crisp white skirt. Most of the time what stands out are the accessories and add ons, be they gleaming silver cuffs, avant garde headgear or the label’s coveted Trapeze Bag. Take a look at the way in which several different teams interpreted the Celine look and subsequently the sleek mood of the season.

On the Runway – LOOK 10  | Image Courtesy of Celine

The Editorial Interpretation :

Kasia Struss by Steven Pan (Paris: Management + Artists, New York: Management + Artists) for Vogue Japan, stylist Vanessa Traina (Paris: Management + Artists, New York: Management + Artists)

Kasia Struss by Knoepfel & Indlekofer for WSJ, styled by David Vandewal

Kati Nescher by Josh Olins for Vogue China, styling Nicoletta Santoro

Karlie Kloss by Raymond Meier for American Vogue, styled by Elissa Santisi

Zuzanna Bijoch and Stella Tennant by Paolo Roversi for W Magazine, styled by Giovanna Battaglia

Olga Sherer by Marcin Tyszka for Elle France

Milagros Schmoll by Alexander Neumann for Harper’s Bazaar Turkey, styled by Sara Francia

Jenna Earle by Takahiro Ogawa in Amica, styled by Claudia Cerruti

Mina Cvetkovic by Henrique Gendre for Grazia, styled by Marine Chaumien

Diana by Anton Jhonsen for Clara Magazine, styled by Lilian Ng

Kirsi Pyrhonen by Mel Bles for Twin Magazine, styled by Celestine Cooney

It is always nice to see Joan Smalls‘ smiling face on a magazine covers, so the newest issue of Vogue Turkey is an automatic delight. Shot by Cuneyt Akeroglu and featuring a smiling, dancing Joan doing what she does best – adding a touch of vibrancy to each image with her trademark poise. Akeroglu’s gorgeous black and white shots put Joan’s grace to good use, making her looking as elegant as is humanly possible. All in all the issue provides a fitting showcase for the world’s number one model – call us biased, but we’re especially partial to the Models.com shoutout in the interview!

Joan Smalls by Cuneyt Akeroglu for Vogue Turkey | Images courtesy of Cuneyt Akeroglu

Boys by Girls Magazine‘s latest issue gets personal with an intimate look at some of the rising young male stars of today from their perspective. Capturing them at home or in a favorite place, the female photographers are “dedicated to capturing the young male beautifully, delicately and with a natural element“. Though some fashion is mixed in with the portraiture, the interviews with and artwork by some of the models, make this magazine more like a peek into their own private journals. Available on newsstands for the first time and for online, order here.

Jake Cooper by Cecilie Harris

Artwork by Jake Cooper

Bo Develius by Cecilie Harris

Duncan Pyke by Georgie Wileman

Artwork by Duncan Pyke

Timothy Kelleher by Cecilie Harris