The American wave has begun! Modeling is an international business – a great girl is just as likely to be from Sao Paulo as she is from St. Petersburg and scouts have always searched far and wide for the next major face. Sometimes though, the best girls are quite literally the ones next door. The American model is experiencing a very timely resurgence and many of this season’s top catwalkers hail from exotic locales like New Jersey, California and Texas.

Given the variety of cultural backgrounds in the states American models represent an especially diverse range of beauty but all are blessed with the same down to earth charm that makes them favorites. Take a look back at some of modeling’s most memorable pitchwomen – Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks, Carolyn Murphy, Bridget Hall, Hilary Rhoda – the list goes on and on, there is just something unique about the way the right American beauty can connect with an audience. Here are a few of this seasons much buzzed about newcomers whose personality and appeal make them the standouts of the new American wave.

Hannah Holman

With her platinum tresses and icy blue eyes Hannah is the definition of a classic All American beauty (were seeing shades of Kate Bosworth) and fresh off the heels of her Miu Miu campaign she blazed through a selective season – only the best would do. Though she made appearances at nearly every European show worth talking about we couldn’t help but notice her turns at Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel – it seems a certain austere German fashion legend has taken note of Hannah’s considerable charms.

Taylor Kraemer

With her winsome look and impressive nearly 6ft height Taylor Kraemer is hard to miss. Blessed with warm brown eyes and beachy blonde hair she made a splash at Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs. The Cincinnati native has the personality and it factor to make a impact – don’t be surprised if you see her lovely face in a major campaign.

Jacquelyn Jablonski

So many shows, so little time – Top 10 Newcomer Jacquelyn was easily one of the most in demand girls walking this season. With a staggering 58 shows under her belt there was simply no stopping her. Something about Jacquelyn’s languid look resonated with casting directors and designers alike and she is quickly becoming a fan favorite too. The Jersey born beauty is sure to keep the momentum going with appearances in the most significant magazines and campaigns.

R’el Dade

As easily one of the most elegant faces to emerge this season R’el was poised for greatness. Her flawless proportions could be found on the runway of any designer looking for an added touch of class – note her refined presence at Dior and Giorgio Armani as well as a confident stroll down the catwalk for Hermes. The sophisticated Texan teen is also making her mark editorially with stories in Numero and an upcoming slate of work with a few choice photographers.

Lindsey Wixson

What more can be said about the 100% original California girl who snagged the opening slot at Prada and the closing spot at Miu Miu? The lovely Top 10 Newcomer is poised to have a bright future and with such a stellar season Lindsey, will be one of the most watched faces when it comes to campaigns.

Lyndsey Scott

Ever since she was discovered on Models.com and whisked away to a Calvin exclusive Lyndsey hasn’t missed a beat. Coming back stronger than ever this season with impressive showings at Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, her one of a kind look coupled with that ferocious walk have pushed her to the top of the list when it comes to fresh talent.

Keke Lindgard

This Hawaiian beauty’s impeccable season included Lanvin, Celine, Prada and Dolce – first rate bookings any girl but especially for someone so new. With a face that calls to mind the glowing beauty of Angela Lindvall and Bridget Hall Keke’s appeal is evident and sure to crossover into major editorial success.

Jacques, Vincent, Conrad and Boyd by Thomas Lohr for Contributing Editor.

Take a look at 5 of the top male models, Boyd Holbrook, Conrad Matschke, Jacques Naude, Jamie Strachan and Vincent LaCrocq hanging out at their Brooklyn apartment looking damn cool and gorgeous. Oh to be a fly on THAT wall.

The Women/Supreme girls are gorgeous for the V Covers by Paul Rowland but are they influenced by one of the scariest trends to come out of Norway?

Anna Wintour charms David Letterman. Click here to watch pretty much the whole thing, with Frockwriter putting in the bits that are missing. (Oh this is a funny post about Anna Wintour on Letterman about her so-called “body language” on the show.)

How cute is Cintia Dicker as a baby?

One supermodel shoots another. Helena Christensen photographs Larry Scott for Faconnable.

Why is Sienna Miller, Kate Bosworth, etc always on Vogue’s best dressed list? Hadley Freeman has a hilarious answer…

See some of Kate Moss‘ pieces for Topshop.

Raquel Zimmermann talks and we can listen for hours..

We are having a Carine Roitfeld moment in fashion.

Is former Calvin Klein model Joel West back? Find out what he’s been up to.

Doutzen Kroes and Hilary Rhodaget Brazilianized for the new C&A campaign.

There are two sides to Hilary Rhoda. One is the pristine, apple cheeked all-American face of luxurious brands like Estee Lauder and Balenciaga. This Hilary can be found between the pages of Vogue or Bazaar looking elegant and aspirational while channeling the ghost of late 70s Brooke Shields. Then there is the 2.0 version – the Hilary who looks right at home in Sports Illustrated and is currently leaving little to the imagination in the latest i-D courtesy of Todd Cole. This souped up, sexed up (watch your back Lara Stone) uninhibited Rhoda is making more and more appearances of late and as the budding supermodel diversifies her brand things get steamier and steamier…

Could an SI cover slot be the next item on the agenda?

Hilary Rhoda for i-D June/July 09 by Todd Cole| Scan by Northern Star at tFS

Cintia Dicker, Emily Fox with Supreme Management and Nataliya Piro with Women Model Management are the bathing beauties, the handsome lifeguard is Frederick Valentin at Front Management Miami. Pics courtesy of Greg Lotus. Casting by Julia Samersova.

On this balmy, beautiful day in New York, we give you some summery shots from the May Vogue Italia beauty supplement by Greg Lotus.

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If you still haven’t seen the CBS special on Anna, Grazia has video. And if you don’t have time to see it, read the best bits here on the Cut.

Nicola Formichetti posts the Uniqlo commercial for which he styled Agyness Deyn and Gabriel Aubry.

Calvin from Elite speaks to Jennifer Venditti about her new project with Coco Rocha.

MDC favorite Lakshmi Menon speaks about the lack of Asian, South Asian models (the Independent via the Cut).

JD Ferguson gets interviewed himself! Did you know he used to be an honest to god cowboy?

Michelle Alves blogs about her Met Ball experience. Her life is just a TEENSY bit more fabulous than ours.

Fashionologie has models at the Lifeball news. Amber, Anja, Kinga, Sessilee, Iris, Eliza and more all showed up.

If you missed our special interview with Rie Rasmussen whose film is at Cannes right now, click here to get a taste of this unique and talented beauty.

Jezebel has pics of the American Ballet Theater Gala. Check out Iman, Coco Rocha, Sessilee Lopez, Hilary Rhoda and of course Anna Wintour.

Hilary Rhoda is in rare form as she strikes a powerful pose for the cover of Muse. The fall/winter edition of the fashion glossy features an especially edgy Rhoda shot by David Vasiljevic in the seasons best. Further proof that Estee Lauder’s freshest face still has that coveted chameleon quality.

Hilary Rhoda by David Vasiljevic

IMG supermodels Carolyn Murphy and Hilary Rhoda in the new Sensuous fragrance campaign alongside Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow. Go to the website to hear Carolyn and Hilary talk about “what sensuous is”. http://www.sensuousis.com/

Carolyn for Estee Lauder

Hilary for Estee Lauder

Womenswear Designer of the Year
Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Collection

Menswear Designer of the Year
Tom Ford

Accessory Designer of the Year
Tory Burch

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Womenswear
Kate & Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Menswear
Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders

Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent Accessory Design
Phillip Crangi

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
Carolina Herrera

International Award
Dries Van Noten

Eugenia Sheppard Award for Fashion Journalism
Candy Pratts Price

Board of Directors Special Tribute
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

Full coverage and all pics on style.com, photos here from style.com

Wrap up on The Cut: