Fashion has never been just about the clothes. As important as design is, the whole enterprise would be nothing without the hangers. Models are the new breed of celebrity, crossing the boundaries between socialite and icon, introducing music, attitude and youth culture to the stark core of the fashion industry. One of the largest modeling agencies, with a fair few of the current hottest models on their books, is Models 1.
Snapping up screen players to work the page every now and again, Models 1 has recently signed James Sutton of Hollyoaks, Kaya Scodelario of Skins and reality castaway, Tom Turner of Shipwrecked 2008. The agency also books for supermodels Agyness Deyn and Twiggy, instantly indicating how high in the ranks Model 1 play their game. As much fun as it is eyeing up beautiful people all day, finding models with the right 'look' is a hard task with so many to compare.
My ideal models have unique flair that sets them apart from the crowd, whether it be a particularly striking appearance, expression or ability to convey personality through the shots. I've pulled out my favourite models from the books of Models 1 to exemplify the agency's selection of tough, British icons.
#1 Agyness Deyn
Nowhere is a no-go. Charged with red hot Manchester spirit, Agyness looks and acts the part; a much bigger part than her peers previously played. Aggy has changed what it means to be a model. Since last year's take over, it's all about young British energy and this season there have been more unconventional models than ever. Musicians, actors and artists have all been signed up to an army of Agyness followers, posing to make page turning a force to be reckoned with.
#2 Ash Stymest
Fresh, so fresh I saw him for the first time today. He's got three full page shots in August 08 i-D and oh my, is Ash one to watch. For a start, he's gorgeous. That might sound obvious but there are loads of models who have great bone structure etc for hanging clothes on and no actual beauty. However, Ash has got load of it. He's got a great scowl, great eyebrows; innocent lips. Basically, the pictures say it all.
#3 Josh Beech
A specimen of the new breed of model, Josh Beech is tough. That doesn't stop him from modeling the latest high fashion in i-D, Dazed and Confused, Vogue Hommes and much, much more. The epitome of rough-around-the-edges masculinity, he's also vocalist for British rock band Snish. What more could you want? Josh in your bed, maybe.
#4 Jamie Burke
Long hair and a stagger gets you everywhere, especially when you are Jamie Burke. Reminiscent of the feeling Captain Jack Sparrow strikes into one's heart, this page turner is every bit rock and roll. Please, don't ever cut that luscious mop. A bit of a new boy, to the modeling industry at least, expect to see Jamie Burke here there and everywhere pretty sharpish. One thing is for sure; he stands out from the ever growing crowd.
#5 Sam Way
Sam reminds me of Barry. I like Barry, so I like Sam. Again, he's beefy, not really my thing. The personality side to his shots makes all the difference. Pulling faces, posing ironically (if that makes sense?) and giving off the cheeky chappy aura. Never a bad thing; he puts on a show of being a joker but scrubs up well too. Flexible.
#6 Lianna Fowler
Tank Girl might look something like this. Agyness Deyn with black hair and a bit more masculinity. Lianna can pull a pose or two, and although she's nowhere near as fierce off the page, she must have something special to have won Britain's Next Top Model. Bad luck for her she's not quite special enough to beat her blonde bombshell look-a-like.
#7 Joe Griffith
Not what you might expect from a selection by my hand. However, Joe Griffith is a cute as a button and therefore whether or not he is whatever, I like him. Cute, smiley, generally pleasant; I don't think he'll be getting any complaints. Unlike most actor/models, Joe seems likely to end up on the screen after the page, seeing as for now he's just on paper. Fingers crossed and eyes wide open for button Joe.
#8 Will Chalker
Maybe he screams something that shouldn't be so appealing. Maybe he's just a damn good model. If you haven't seen Will Chalker's face, or the rest of this delicious package, plastered across billboards, on the covers of glossy fashion monthlies or in numerous print adverts; where have you been? Versatility is everything in the world of modeling and Will Chalker is versatile. So much so that when he strikes the tough boy pose I, and so many others, just can't help but go weak at the knees.
#9 Kaya Scodelario
Otherwise known as Effy from E4's incredible Skins, Kaya Scodelario is a fresh face on the screen as well as on paper. Distinctive, organically beautiful and a mere 16 years old, Kaya already has a strong persona endorsed by her role in the teen TV series Skins. Seeing as she'll be the only member of the previous cast to be returning in Series 3, there's a good chance that this won't be the last we see of the striking model/actress.
#10 Chris Belcher
Chris Belcher looks as though he's just stepped out of a British indie rock band. Squint, and he could be a member of Razorlight any day. Baby-faced but consistent, he has proved himself worthy of the extensive portfolio of editorial modeling he's gained since joining the prestige ranks of British fashion. And he has a great haircut, which, of course, says everything that needs to be said.
To conclude,
The fashion industry's demand for British models is growing at a pleasing pace. These ten models are a prime example of just a small margin of the unique look and attitude that comes from England. For now it is up to international icons like Agyness Deyn to set a world standard on the runway and in editorial, changing perceptions of beauty and encouraging alternative appearances, body types and challenging dominant gender ideologies. When it comes down to being individual, the Brits have it sorted.
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