Model of the Week

Sports Illustrated model Jarah Mariano is the epitome of exotic; she's a gorgeous blend of Hawaiian, Korean, and Chinese. You may recognize her face from Victoria's Secret, Armani Exchange, Roxy, Abercrombie & Fitch, and H&M ads; it's a face you don't forget. But then again, her body is pretty unforgettable, too. It took the spotlight in both the latest SI swimsuit issue, as well as the 2008 edition. I recently chatted with the model — who at the age of 15 was discovered in Santa Monica — about bikinis, traveling, and fashion.

Three words that describe your personal style?

Bohemian, vintage, and natural.

What is the best and worst thing about modeling?

Living in a fantasy land.

What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport?

Halong Bay in Vietnam looks intriguing.

To read more and to see more steamy photos, read more

When I spy a tall, thin, blonde slowly gliding down the runway, head slightly tilted down, eyes focused, staring, I know exactly who it is: American model Karlie Kloss. The 16-year-old, who has recently taken up blogging on Modelfeed, has an unparalleled presence; she's cute-as-a-button approachable and intensely mysterious at the same time. I chatted with the modeling sensation about how she was discovered, her model posse, and what she's wearing these days.

How were you discovered?

Doing a charity fashion show in a mall in St. Louis for a friend who was battling cancer.

Has your ballet dance experience helped you on the catwalk or with your stamina?

Ballet has helped me express myself on photo shoots, and on the catwalk gives me the confidence to move with the fabrics.

Do you ever get embarrassed or uncomfortable with the nudity that modeling demands?

I am still 16 so my agency won't allow me to do nudity of any sort.

To hear more from Karlie and to see more photos, read more

Hilary Rhoda has been a longtime favorite around here. Much like Christy Turlington, her classic American good looks make her one of the most approachable models out there. But, in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, Hilary proves that she can be just as sexy as she can be sweet. I recently spoke with the 22-year-old about her favorite designers, experience on the SI set, and traveling.

Who are your favorite designers?

I am a huge fan of Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, and Zac Posen, but there are so many other new and established designers that it’s hard to commit to only three.

What are three words that describe your personal style?
I think classic, confident, and comfortable.

What is the best and worst thing about modeling?

The best thing about modeling is the traveling and all the wonderful places you see while shooting. On the other hand, the worst part is the traveling and the schedule where you’re never in one city for very long and you miss your family and friends.

To hear more and to see more sexy photos, read more

The Model of the Week, Sports Illustrated edition continues with Israeli model Esti Ginzburg. The 19-year-old was born in Tel Aviv and started modeling at the age of 8. At 14, she signed a contract with Elite Models and here she is. Esti has done work for Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, and FCUK before, but it's her sexy spreads in SI's swimsuit issue that have everyone talking. Check her out, basking in the sun in her Missoni bikini in Naples, Italy. I recently got a chance to speak to the blond bombshell about bikinis, modeling, and her personal style.

What are three words that describe your personal style?

Casual, with a twist, unexpected.

What is the best and worst thing about modeling?

Best is traveling to amazing places. Worst is shooting in extreme conditions.

What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport?

Thailand.

To see and hear more of the gorgeous Esti, read more

Bar Refaeli got most of the praise for being the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl, but there were a handful of other women who equally burned up the pages. I got the chance to chat with them all, including Jessica Gomes, a part-Singaporean, part-Portuguese exotic model who was born in Australia. You may recognize the 24-year-old from DKNY, Urban Outfitters, Adidas, and Old Navy ads. She also made appearances on Project Runway and has her own Korean TV show titled My Name Is Jessica Gomes. Here's what she had to say about bikinis, her personal style, and the world of modeling.

What are three words that describe your personal style?

Chic, sexy, and comfortable.

What is your favorite bikini style and how many swimsuits do you own?

I can't count, I have a box-full at home. I love James Bond-inspired swimsuits that are fashionable and give a statement.

Who are your favorite designers?

YSL, Balmain, Goyard, Chanel, Zimmermann, Camilla, Anna & Boy, and Josh Goot from Australia.

To hear more from Jessica and to see stunning photos, read more

Not too long ago I told you about Ralph Lauren model Ubah Hassan, but how about some more? The 21-year-old was discovered in Canada at the age of 17 and shortly thereafter signed on with Click Model Management. Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani cast her in the magazine's first-ever black issue in 2008, then Mr. Lauren handpicked her to be his Spring '09 face. Lucky girl. I recently caught up with the Somalian beauty about her favorite designers, the modeling industry, and personal style.

Who is your favorite designer right now
Ralph Lauren.

What are three words that describe your personal style?
Daytime: comfortable and relaxed. Evening: elegant and sexy.

What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport?
Paris.

To hear more and see more Ubah, read more

You probably don't know the name Mia Aminata Niara — she goes by Aminata professionally — but that should soon change.

The 5'9" stunner was born in Senegal, now lives in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, and speaks three languages. She's, as they say, big in Europe: Aminata has walked the runways of Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lanvin and appeared in magazines such as Vogue Germany.

So why has it taken until this season to see her in New York fashion shows like Proenza Schouler, Erin Fetherston, and Ralph Lauren? For the answer, along with the unusual skin-care tip Aminata shared, read more

As the new face of Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Dare fragrance, Marisa Miller is on the road to being a one-namer (think Heidi, Cindy, Naomi). I caught up with her recently in New York and got her to spill some beauty secrets. Most surprising, however, was that the California native has eschewed suntanning over the last few years and believes it has saved her skin. "I was just talking to Linda Hay, the head makeup artist for Victoria's Secret, and she said my skin looks better now than when I started five years ago. It's because I‘ve stayed out of the sun the last two years."

To find out how she fakes it and get one of Hay's Australian beauty secrets, read more

I've likened model Coco Rocha to a turtle, watched her get illustrated, and listened when she spoke up at the CFDA model health discussion. It was only a matter of time until I got to chat with her about the ongoings of her busy career as one of today's It models.

For those who aren't familiar with Coco, she was born in Toronto, Canada on September 10, 1988. Not only is she a world-famous model, she's also a professional Canadian Irish dancer. She's even melded her two careers by dancing down Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall '07 runway. Apparently, Coco isn't her birth name, but rather taken from a French term of endearment, "mon petit coco," translated "my little sweetheart." Aw!

Be sure to hear what beauty advice Coco has to give, too.

We really admire you working towards the model health issue with the CFDA. What's your take on the progress of the issue?

It is on the right path. Since the speech I’ve heard nothing but good things on how people are looking for change.

To read the rest of our interview and to see a gallery of Coco, read more

Heidi Klum. Where to begin? From the beginning, I suppose. German born Klum is no longer just a model. She is a model, actress, TV presenter, fashion designer, television producer, singer, wife and mother. No wonder Klum continues to inspire so many. She started as a model and Victoria's Secret model — that body, that face — and worked her way into our hearts hosting Project Runway and embarked on fashion projects along the way, i.e., her jewelry line and collaborating with Jordache.

Now married to Seal and the mother of three, Heidi always has a smile on her face. That is what inspires me. She is hardworking, doesn't take things for granted and seems to be a very happy person. And so, we are so excited we got an exclusive interview with the multi-tasking model! Be sure to also read her beauty interview with Bella.

Can you describe your personal style and how it has evolved over the years?

I have always had a very unique sense of style. I love bright colors and bold prints that make a statement. When I was young I was all about be-dazzling! I would be-dazzle everything from jean jackets to bags. That love for glitz and glam has stayed with me over the years but has matured. In my everyday life comfort is very important. I love throwing on a classic pair of jeans with a cozy tank and flip flops, especially when running around with the kids.

To read the rest of our exclusive interview and to see some of my favorite Heidi moments, read more