Givenchy has become the Paris show to watch when it comes to eclectic casting. With its mix of re-discovered favorites, fresh faces and house staples there was truly something for everyone. Whether you’re a 90s model fan enjoying the welcome shock of seeing both Michele Hicks and Kirsty Hume on the runway again or new faces watcher charting the course of fast rising star Antonella Graef there was excitement to be found. Riccardo Tisci’s graphic black and white collection shone on each and every model selected but there were a few girls in particular that grabbed our attention.

Antonella opens Givenchy

While Antonella Graef (Top S/S 10 Newcomer) snagged the bulk of our attention with her second time opening Givenchy (she opened couture too) there were almost too many cool girls to count. Mirte MaasAlla Kostromichova and Jacquelyn Jablonski continue to book only the best shows and top 10 newcomer Frida Gustavsson‘s winning streak extended into Paris. Exclusives like the Elena Ivanova (WM Paris) and Nastya Karzan provided welcome surprises and Tisci favorites like Lily Donaldson, Iselin Steiro, Lakshmi Menon and Meghan Collison all made appearances – important to note given just how many established girls spent their S/S seasons away from the catwalk.

Gwen Loos (Marilyn). Emily DiDonato. Jacquelyn Jablonski.

One of the most continuously interesting things about Givenchy’s casting is that each season it manages to change our view of certain girls. Take Maybelline face Emily DiDonato for example. Pre-Givenchy and she’s the the definition of wholesome, All-American sexiness (witness OTM’s video interview with her)-  a little eyebrow bleach and matte lipstick later and she’s one of Tisci androgynously beautiful heroines. Same goes for Italian bombshell Bianca Balti and the sultry Elena Melnik. The way every girl transforms once they enter into Tisci’s world is really what makes this show as powerful as it is season after season.

Nothing beats a great sale for a great cause. This May 1st, Refinery 29 joins forces with the Fashion Center BID and the Times Square Alliance to bring a unique pop up shopping experience. 30 days of clothes from Acne, Preen, Rogan and numerous other talents working within the world of New York fashion. Each week, clothes from 10 new designers will be up for sale at Blank SL8, in the Port Authority prices right for every budget. To publicize this landmark sale photographer Chadwick Tyler shot beauties Lisa Cant, Elena Melnik, Sofi Berelidze and Tine Furre in a series of pure black and whites that capture the energetic and intrepid spirit of fashion in the Big Apple. For more on the event (and to plan your shopping trip) visit Save Fashion.com

Siri Tollerod and Elena Melnik hit the road in the new Vogue Italia. The stunning pair star as femme fatales in Greg Lotus‘ Suggestions editorial. The overall feel is very Hitchcockian. Hints of Alfred’s icy muses Tippi Hedren and Kim Novak run through the entire story. Make no mistake though, Siri and Elena are not damsels in distress – in the stylized shoot the elegantly coiffed duo seem ready to make their own mischief.

Ph: Greg Lotus for Vogue Italia

Trump Management‘s new editorial queen, Elena Melnik, is joined by the beautiful Atong in new editorials.

Photo: Elena by Marcus Mam for Commons & Sense

Photo: Elena by Greg Kadel for Numero Tokyo

Photo: Atong by Marc Pillai for Russian Vogue

Photo: Atong by Marc Pillai for Russian Vogue

Elena Melnik/Trump Management for French magazine by Thierry LeGoues.
10 pages, only girl inside with Taka Mayumi.

Also in December French Vogue beauty with Mark Segal