Hercules‘ newest issue centers around the idea of realness and the allure of the individual, who better to embody the concept than the always captivating Mariacarla Boscono and ballet sensation Roberto Bolle. The duo sizzles on their cover shot by Paola Kudacki and the exciting image makes us eager to see just what is inside this special edition.

Former MOTW Aline Weber (top). Alessandra Ambrosio (bottom).

Just in time as the sizzling spring/summer season arrives in NY is Hercules’ spread of 8 fabulous Brazilian beauties wearing well, not much of anything. Shot by Paola Kudacki and cast by Natalie Joos, see the sneak peek  here.

Elsa Sylvan by Ellen von Unwerth for Target/Zac Posen.
It’s a Zac Posen moment with not only the launch of his Target collaboration, but his first venture into real estate.
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Model News:

Some might have called the 00′s the decade of the Brazilian model invasion but the non Brazilians seem to be popular right now for their campaigns.

We agree with Fashionista about setting some rules in New York (like Paris has) for models under the age of 18.

MDC’s top 10 newcomer Carla Gebhart gets her Ponyryder interview.

For anyone born before 1980, Niki Taylor will always be one of the original supermodels. Here, Production shows she is just as beautiful as ever.

We know male models are always keeping themselves busy since it’s just not as hectic for them as it is for the girls. Here’s 4 that are not only super successful (Vincent LaCrocq, Boyd Holbrook, Jacques Naude and Jamie Strachan), they are creating their own little artists community/gallery called BAG.

We adore this story in the NY Times about Karen Elson and her new album.

TFS does it again, picking out fascinating faces amongst all the thousands of new ones. We love Dan Kling who has an elfin yet ethereal face perfect for Jil Sander, Raf Simons and Prada.

Miscellaneous:

Long before the Sartorialist, there was Bill Cunningham. I remember seeing him first in the early 90′s outside at shows and thinking who IS this guy? At 81 years old, Bill’s the ORIGINAL street style photographer and is still working his NY Times beat to this day. There’s a documentary recently out on him (where they spent 8 years chasing him to get his cooperation… “Why me? There’s no subject here”). Some of these recent street style photographers could take some lessons in humbleness and hard work from this true old school gentlemen. (Check out his video work where his enthusiasm is so infectious).

Prada takes over the world! Well at least our alphabet. Here’s the Pradalphabet created by M&M.

One of our favorite designers, Rad Hourani, writes a NY Times piece on black, his favorite color.

If you haven’t read Cathy Horyn‘s detailed story on Alexander McQueen‘s final hours, read it here now.

One of our favorite agents with a oh so wicked sense of English humor (and amazing stories to go with it), Richard Habberley gets his moment in the spotlight with an interview by Love magazine.

Mariacarla Boscono does double duty in the latest issue of i-D, with two editorials that show off her incredible versatility. First, Willy Vanderperre casts Mariacarla as a sensual Snow White in his moody, atmospheric images, then Paola Kudacki takes her tribal with an energetic editorial. No matter the scenario, Mariacarla manages to shine – the way she transforms in these stories is exceptional. Credit of course has to be given to the stylists – the fit for a fairytale florals chosen by Olivier Rizzo and the out of this world pieces selected by Havana Laffitte, make these stories pop.

Mariacarla by Willy Vanderperre, styled by Olivier Rizzo

Mariacarla by Paola Kudacki, styled by Havana Laffitte

Many models have attempted to imitate the allure of Grace Jones, but few have succeeded in capturing the icon’s appeal. In the latest Vogue Paris, Rose Cordero transforms into a young Grace and displays the elegance and intensity that made Ms. Jones legendary. Paola Kudacki‘s vivid photographs and Melanie Huynh‘s retro styling, help to make this the perfect tribute to all things Grace.

Iris Strubegger has the kind of androgynous chic look that would make Annie Lennox green with envy – put Iris in a three piece suit with her hair slicked back and the result is magic, put her in a femme fatale designer gear and you get beauty with an edge. For Hercules, Paola Kudacki and stylist Francesco Sourigues, let Iris play both masculine and feminine roles in an editorial that sizzles. Take note of entrancing newcomer Gerard Alondo as well, with his chiseled body and refined features he provides the perfect compliment to Iris’ unorthodox look.

Iris Strubegger for Hercules F/W 09, ph by Paola Kudacki. From Hercules Facebook via mcqueezy/tfs.

Blue eyed beauties Iris Strubegger and Sean O’Pry, gather 2 more covers under their belts with Iris fronting the new Hercules and Sean on the cover of 2 Magazine. Who says blondes have more fun?

Sean O’Pry for 2 magazine, Sept 09. Ph: Mitchell McCormack.
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Don’t hate her because because 1-she’s gorgeous 2-she’s rich 3-someone who cares about the world too… Gisele Bundchen sets a mighty fine example if we must say on what to do with your fame and fortune.

Curious about the Journal magazine? Style.com talks to Michael Nevin from the ultra cool photo and cultural bible.

Only more reasons to love Grace Coddington, her favorite fashion week moments, including a part where she’s almost blinded by Lady Gaga.

One photographer’s take on art and creativity, read the inspiring passage.

Style.com interviews Juergen Teller.

If you haven’t seen it yet, photographer Tommy Ton of Jak&Jil is the new street style blogger for Style.com. We love his work: carefully curated, never static, always refreshing, always unexpected and of course the shoe porn-iest street shots ever!

The Cut crushes even more on Daul Kim via her answers to new editorial site TEST MAG.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the Burberry show, which was broadcast live over the ‘net.

Stephen Novak with Request Men is the new face in the multi page Bondage Warriors story, garnering quite a number of pages for the unknown Texan. Endorsed by Steven Klein and Nicola Formichetti, Stephen is definitely most wanted for fall. (Photo by Samuel Zakuto)

Myf Shepherd by Imogen Morris-Clarke. We love Imogen’s dreamy beautiful pics of all her model friends. Who has more access to models than the models themselves?

Baptiste Giabiconi and Freja Beha Erichsen in the 30th anniversary of German Vogue by Karl Lagerfeld. A collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld,Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber (whose parents came from Germany in the early 20th century), this looks to be wunderbar!

More Baptiste Giabiconi by Karl Lagerfeld.. Get October Wallpaper Magazine and you can get Baptiste nude.

Rosie in September Esquire UK. Ph courtesy of Alisa Connan. Speaking of video, here’s one of former Burberry face and current actress in training, Rosie Huntington Whiteley alive and so beautifully in your face. The future indeed.

The Cut has Fashion Week’s top parties in one place. Check it out.

New designer Jakob Polanka? Think black and statement making.

Cupcakes and Coco? We are so there to catch Miss Coco Rocha dance!!

Diane Pernet of A Shaded View on Fashion has the right idea. Moving pictures is the vision of the future.

Everyone has said it, The September Issue is all about Grace Coddington but we can’t say it any better than this.

Check out the Vogue Italia animation for the “Performance” shoot.Anna Jagodzinska smokes a pipe and Will Lewis gets “broomed”.

Everybody’s favorite “Body”, model Chad White, hosts Video Fashion during Fashion Week. Joining such industry names as Elle’s creative director Joe Zee and designer John Bartlett, Chad is a supermodel who has a riveting magnetism. We know, we’ve interviewed him.

The Italian designer, Francesco Scognamiglio, showcases his new video with the incredible Hannelore Knuts and some beautiful unclothed men. Shot by Giampaolo Sgura and styled by Paola Turina, it’s a wonderful way to see his glamourous line for Fall. Go to Francesco’s site to see backstage with models Kim Noorda, Kendra Spears andIris Strubegger and lots of luxurious items for fall.

The Gap’s Patrick Robinson and Oprah Winfrey to co-chair the next Met Ball Gala. Anna Wintour, Patrick and Oprah is all sorts of power in one room!

If you’re missing MDC’s exclusive previews of Natasha Poly, you must go here now! Check out especially our animation for the amazing S�lve Sundsb� pics.

And for all you female models out there, the Modellounge is offering vehicles next week (14th thru 17th) to the castings and the shows. For all the hungry ones, mac and cheese will also be available everyday for models (14th thru 17th) courtesy of the new restaurant macbar. Check out their blog for all updates or even better, stop by at their Soho location.

You saw that infamous video of Paola Kudacki‘s beauty story for Purple #12. Now here is a suite of the actual images of the shoot, straight from De Facto‘s, Paola’s rep. We love that it is as much a jewelry extravaganza as it is a beauty moment.

Hanne Gaby Odiele and Suvi Koponen by Paola Kudacki for Purple F/W 09. Casting by Natalie Joos.