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Model of the Week: Jarah Mariano

FabSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:50:22 PDT

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 Who are your favorite designers? I'm not much of a fashionista but I like Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. Stella is sleek and light, but prominent. McQueen is edgy, bright, and innovative. What was the coolest thing about being in Sports Illustrated? Being in it! What is your favorite bikini style and how many swimsuits do you own? I own way too many and the list grows. I just bought five more last night. I like colors and nothing too bulky, as I can tan quicker and won't have those major lines!

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Karlie Kloss Reveals Her Model BFFs, Spring Must Haves, and Nudity

FabSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:50:22 PDT

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. What's your most embarrassing modeling experience? Tripping on the runway after closing the Pucci show in Milan. How do you pass the time waiting around for the action to begin? I just talk to my girlfriends, and of course BlackBerry my agent Stephen, and eat cookies in the corner with the girls. Do you have model friends? If so, who? Yes, I have lots. Jourdan Dunn is a close friend. I love Karmen Pedaru, and Catherine McNeil is cool to bake stuff with; they both live in my building. Abbey Lee is always cool to hang out with. Favorite photo shoot destination? I always wanted to shoot in Disney World. Probably shooting British Vogue with Patrick Demarchelier in an island off Sweden. What are your Spring must haves? White t-shirts, jeans, and whatever trade the designers will be throwing my way. I can't live without my_____. Family, mom, dad, sisters, and puppy Joe.

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Model of the Week: Hilary Rhoda

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:50:11 PDT

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. What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport? Australia. What was the coolest thing about being in Sports Illustrated? Sports Illustrated has been the magazine credited by so many models for making their careers. I am honored to now be a part of that family of women who have made names for themselves and whom so many people respect. What is your favorite bikini style and how many swimsuits do you own? I like the typical triangle string bikini, it's the easiest for me to wear. I have never counted how many swimsuits I own, but it's way up there. I love buying bathing suits every Spring to get myself excited for the warm weather.

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Model of the Week: Esti Ginzburg

FabSugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:00:22 PDT

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. Who are your favorite designers? Mathew Williamson, D&G, Gucci, and Free People. What was the coolest thing about being in Sports Illustrated? Just the fact that I'm in Sports Illustrated! What is your favorite bikini style and how many swimsuits do you own? Just the usual bikini. Nothing too crazy. I have about 15 bikinis.

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Model of the Week: Jessica Gomes

FabSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:22 PDT

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. What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport? India What is the best and worst thing about modeling? Working with amazing talented and creative geniuses. The worst thing is having to travel long hours and jet lag. What was the coolest thing about being in Sports Illustrated? Being able to fly to the most amazing landscapes and working with such a fun and inspiring team. Also being the sexiest woman I can be, and making men dream about you and women want to be you.

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A Few Fab Words With Ralph Lauren Model Ubah Hassan

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:00:22 PDT

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. What is the best and worst thing about modeling? Best thing is meeting people from all over the world and learning their cultures. Worst thing is working after the redeye or shooting abroad with jet lag. What are some highlights of working on the Ralph Lauren campaign? Working with such an amazing team of such lovely and talented people; seeing all the beautiful images that are now appearing in the magazines; being recognized as the image for such an incredible American designer. Any upcoming projects? My lips are sealed.

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Photos courtesy of Ralph Lauren and Source

Model of the Week: Aminata

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:01:27 PDT

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.

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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. How long have you been modeling? Just two years for me. Before, I was just modeling in Paris. Every time I did a shoot or other [modeling] event, people would say to me, “Why don’t you go to New York? You have a beautiful face, you’d get work there!” I’d say that I was doing my schooling, that’s why. Now I say, “OK, I’m stopping school and moving.” This is my first time in New York, and I’m happy. It’s so exciting. How do you keep your skin healthy? I hope my skin is healthy! Every morning when I wake up, I put freezing water on my face. I like the feel of it, and I think it makes my skin stronger. That’s it. When do you feel the most beautiful? When I wake up. It’s natural - It’s much more "you." When you wake up, you see your face, and everything is fresh and clean because you’ve been sleeping for eight hours. That's when I feel best. Source and Source

Model of the Week: Marisa Miller

BellaSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:00:22 PDT

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. So how do you stay tan? Marisa Miller: It’s not hard to find good self tanner that’s not orange anymore. There are so many products in the Bare Bronze line - shimmer makes a big difference on the skin for hiding imperfections. It’s all about the way the light hits your skin. This sheen in the Shimmering Body Oil reflects the light differently. [All the Victoria's Secret Angels] were like "more, more, more!" When you’re on that runway it’s all you, there’s no retouching. It’s live. That was definitely the big secret of the [Victoria's Secret Fashion] show. That’s Victoria’s Secret! What are your other beauty secrets? Marisa Miller: Linda just used this product from Australia -she’s Australian- called Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. It has papaya extract, which is great for cracked skin and insect bites. She puts it on my lips or anywhere that’s dry, like under your eyes, or even to get a little sheen. It’s a Vaseline-type texture. How do you take care of yourself with all the traveling you do? Marisa Miller: I probably travel three weeks out of every month. You try to sleep whenever you can. When I first started it was hard to sleep on a plane, but now I can sleep anytime anywhere. Whenever I can, I’ll leave a little conditioner on my ends or just have a really good moisturizer and eye cream on the plane. Drink a lot of water. How do you keep your skin in shape? Marisa Miller: Good skin is really important, so I make sure I go to the dermatologist. My doctor, Dr. [Harold A.] Lancer, has some really great products in his line. I make sure he checks out my freckles, it’s important to be on top of that with my skin. Staying out of the sun has made a world of difference. Not that you have to hide from the sun by any means, but it’s important to use sunscreen and do it in moderation. I get facials in L.A. I’ve been going to Rita Csizmadia for probably ten years. Basically it’s maintenance, like clogged pores and things like that from all the makeup. I try to squeeze in my appointments every month. What are your makeup essentials? Marisa Miller: Curling your lashes instantly makes you look more awake, so if I only have a couple of minutes that's what I do, followed by mascara. Mascara and bronzer, that’s the biggest thing. My favorite bronzer is Victoria's Secret Mosaic Bronzer in Goddess. It’s easy because you can use it on all skin types. And I love High Definition Mascara, I have it on right now. It’s lengthening and not clumpy and you get good volume. I’m definitely a low-maintenance beauty person. Well, at least in your line of work you get people to do the maintaining for you! Marisa Miller: I know! That's the best part - you get a mini makeover every time you work! To read more Model of the Week posts, click here for the archive.

Model of the Week: Coco Rocha

FabSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:22 PDT

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 Congrats on landing Phi¹s first ad campaign! How did that come about and are there any interesting behind the scenes stories you can share? It was lots of fun, especially working for the first time with Karen Elson, a fellow pale model. We were comparing who was farer! If your house was burning down and you could only save one clothing item, what would it be and why? It wouldn’t be clothing but my new puppy, PeekABoo! What is one destination you still need a stamp for on your passport? The North Pole. Who are your favorite designers and why? Rag & Bone, [Jean Paul] Gaultier, YSL. What are three words that describe your personal style? Fun, feminine, diverse. What upcoming projects are you most excited about? I’m going home to Vancouver to relax and be with family and friends; it’s the best project ever!

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A Few Fab Words With Heidi Klum(!)

FabSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:57:41 PDT

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 Tell us about the creative process for creating your jewelry line. I don’t have a formal technique for designing jewelry, I just let myself become inspired by everything around me - vintage designs, trips, etc. The jewelry also reflects my personal style and the pieces I love to wear. You have a lot of fashion projects at the moment: jewelry, sunglasses, fragrance and Birkenstocks. Is there one that particularly satisfies you the most? If so, why? I have always been a very creative person and love having a channel to express my ideas whether it is designing products for a label or just painting with my children. I don’t have a favorite project but my jewelry line is definitely the most extensive. I have a very high end collection that I design with Mouawad, a silver collection for QVC, and a Top Model and Project Runway collection based on pieces I have worn in the shows. I also just started selling on Skymall (a guilty traveling pleasure of mine). Is there a Heidi Klum clothing line in the future? I just created a 15-piece capsule collection for Jordache. It was inspired by some of my favorite pieces from my closet. I wanted all the designs to be comfortable mixed with a bit of sexiness. What new and exciting things can we expect on the next season of Project Runway? Project Runway is always a surprise. You never know what is going to happen next and that is what keeps the show fresh and interesting. Last year was a great season so we are definitely continuing to push the envelope with design challenges. You’ll just have to wait and tune in!

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