In Bloom (Finally!): Arielle Pytka

Where have I been? Well, not to be cliche but I really suppose that's the 'one secret I'll never tell.' Then again, I'm not doling out secrets or insider gossip here, save to say I've moved on up in the world which explains for the lengthy delay between posts. Oh, and it also explains why my first post back is a going to be so half-assed.

Remember Arielle Ptyka? Ford Models in Europe highlighted her on the MDC Feed almost a year ago, with a set of stunning digitals that showcased this girl's incredible appeal and aspirational sense of personal style. I would be lying if I said I didn't instantly start tying things to my wrists after I saw her shots in June of last year.



(images courtesy of Ford Models)

With that incredibly squared face, and her beautifully downtrodden eyes, it was literally love at first site where Arielle is concerned. After months of waiting for something to happen, and blindly speculating two seasons in a row that she was being held for a Calvin Klein exclusive (and it would have made sense, no?), Arielle has finally made her runway debut. It may have only been a resort show, but it was still for Dior and our little (actually she's about 6'0" tall) Arielle nearly closed the show.


(image courtesy of Coutorture)

With her recent runway debut, and an alarmingly beautiful nude jewelery spread in the latest Muse Magazine, this California surfer girl (by way of Poland mind you) is finally starting to generate the buzz that she so rightly deserves. More over, self-proclaimed 'head modelizer' herself Romney Leader was nice enough to also profile Arielle on the Style File blog. They may steal all of our model IDs for their slideshows, but publicity is publicity and Arielle certainly deserves it.

In Bloom: Holynde

It's certainly been awhile since I updated my little dog and pony show that I call a blog. Miss me? Well I was busy jetting back and forth between home and New York for a hugely important interview, for a position that I would lucky to land. I won't say much more because this never was intended to be about me, but I'm quite excited.

However, in the world of new faces it is certainly an exciting time. Agencies are starting to rearrange their boards after last season's shows and campaign bookings, and new faces are being signed and prepped for their runway debuts in September. One of my favorite new signings as of late is certainly Holynde from Richard's Models in Vancouver, who was recently placed with Ford in New York. Holynde is strong and angular with those very poignant Amanda Laine-esque eyebrows, and has a body that just does not seem to quit (read: check out her abs!).



(all images courtesy of Richard's Models)

Oh man, there is just such an incredible and yet quite intensity in Holynde's face that I find really resonates with me. This contrast between natural charm and stoic features should certainly serve Holynde well, especially since Ford seems to be on the rise again. I have no idea how she'll do come September, but at 5'11" and with 32-25-34.5 measurements, I would certainly book her for quite a few directional shows if I was in the position. And considering that she's Canadian, I'm sure Holynde would look right at home on a Rad Hourani runway in the future.

Anyhow, I'm glad to be back and once again fixating on my favorite hobbie (besides chain-smoking).

An Aesthetic Shift For Elite

Sure, this blog is primarily focused on showcasing new and developing faces in the modeling industry, but to ignore individual agencies and not showcase interesting developments on that front would be irresponsible. So I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a shift that I'm beginning to notice over at Elite Models Paris, particularly in their development board.

It should come as no surprise that the new partnership between Ford Models in New York and Elite Models in Paris has been producing some strong talented on both fronts. I've been quite enamored with the selection of faces on the Elite's development board for awhile now, and it seems they are starting to really come into their own as far as aesthetics go. Take a look at these recent polaroids for Natasha Belebrovik, Loris Kraemerh, Jennifer Messelier, and Louise Houdart:



(all images courtesy of Elite Models Paris)

Do you see what I see? There is a very vintage, but decidedly youthful and spontaneous quality to this styling that is beginning to clearly define these girls. Look, it goes without saying that Paul Rowland's polaroids for Supreme revolutionized the impact of one of the most basic elements of marketing a new face. Copy cats of the Supreme method have usually paled in comparison, at least until this shift at Elite Paris. The styling is avant-garde without being pretentious, and that achievement should not be overlooked. My favorite choice thus far has to be Jennifer Messelier's bow above, but I am also quite fond of this bee piece used again for Messelier and Hana Jirickova:



I love that retro feel in terms of color and quality, juxtaposed with the playful and fresh styling. As seemingly minute decisions such as these become more repetitive, I cannot help but wonder if Elite Paris is starting to carve out its own branded image (or better yet, when this method will be implemented on Adama Diallo)? Anyhow, in an industry that revolves around selling image, and making it a tangible, lucrative commodity, a strong marketing strategy goes a long way.