Karlina Caune Is The New Ford "Supermodel of the World"

Teenaged model Katrina Karlina Caune won the 2010 Ford Supermodel of the World contest.



The 16-year-old girl from Latvia emerged victorious among the 36 young aspirants who joined the final competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil where they spent five full days of photo tests, walking lessons, samba lessons, interviews, casting calls, modeling workshops and judging with Ford Model licensees.

With very pale skin, black hair and piercing blue eyes, Karlina's beauty vowed the scrutinizing audience which include Ford Director Caroline Poznanski, Ford icon Chanel Iman, V Magazine publisher Stephen Gan, philanthropist Katie Ford and Brazilian celebrity Marcelle Bittar.

But what made Karlina won the competition was her runway-perfect poise and smart attitude that have really stood out throughout the event. She walked away with a $250,000 contract with Ford Models.

Runner-ups Charlene Almarvez from the Philippines, Isabelle Storck from Sweden, Olivia Majour from the USA, Maryna Linchuck from Belarus, Grace Hurley from Australia and Bruna Tiedt from Brazil were also awarded with Ford modeling contracts.

Ford Models "Supermodel of the World" is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition established by Eileen Ford in 1980. The competition boasted more than 60,000 contestants from over 40 countries worldwide. Famous celebrities who made major jump-start in their career through the competition include Adriana Lima, Lindsay Lohan, Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Connelly and Chanel Iman.

Karlina Caune, alongside the six runner-ups, were expected to walk in haute couture fashion events including the upcoming Fashion Week's Fall collections this 2010.

Chanel Iman Offers Advice To The Next Ford Supermodel

The search for next Ford's "Supermodel of the World" is coming to New York and Los Angeles this Saturday and supermodel Chanel Iman has words to say!


As a former contestant who represented the United States at the 2006 Ford's "Supermodel of the World" finals, Chanel Iman's exclusive tips on how to prepare for the modeling contest will surely help:

1. Outfit:
"You should wear something simple, like jeans or a miniskirt and your favorite top. Skinny jeans and a tank is the best look - you can see your figure."

2. Makeup
"With makeup, it's better that you wear almost none. You can use a little bit of concealer and maybe some balm, but that's about it. Definitely clean skin with great moisturizer is ALWAYS best."

3. Hair
"I would pull my hair back, so they can see my face."

4. No-nos
"There are no real no-nos. Just be yourself, have fun and enjoy the experience."

Asked about the difference of Ford's "Supermodel of the World" competition from reality TV shows, Chanel Iman says:

"This is real fashion - it's not scripted for the cameras. And you don't need to be crazy to get noticed! My life changed immediately (after winning the competition)!!! I totally haven't stopped since entering with Ford. It's been amazing and I'm loving it."


This year, winner of the global modeling competition will take home a $250,000 modeling contract with Ford Models, not to mention joining the prestigious rank of the agency's supermodels like Chanel Iman, Adriana Lima, Gemma Ward, Elsa Benitez, and Alexina Graham.

Think you could be the next Supermodel? Check out the details of Ford's "Supermodel of the World" casting in NYC & LA, now!

Carmen Dell'Orefice: Timeless Runway Model

Carmen Dell'Orefice, 78, returns to the runway for designer Guo Pei during China Fashion Week.


Timeless and elegant, the aesthetic qualities of this American woman makes her an icon of Ford Models. She has been modeling with the agency since 1953.

Not much has been written about Carmen Dell'Orefice, except that she has lived a life of poverty in her youth, started modeling at the age of 13, married a string of men during her prime years, and has recently lost her life savings to Bernard Madoff, operator of a financial scheme dubbed as "the largest investment fraud in Wall Street history."

From the highly-publicized issue just last year, the old model has been quoted as saying, "For the second time in my life, I've lost all of my life savings."

Good thing Carmen Dell'Orefice remains attractive. She can still hit the catwalk for money, even in her old age.

7 Steps To Being A Model

Director of Scouting for Ford Models Aaron Newbill shares his tips for aspiring models in a recent Marie Claire article:


1. Do the research beforehand.
"One should check to see who is reputable first, length in the business, and who an agency represents."

A simple scanning through magazine spreads will help you look for agents and agencies that represent the models you like. If you're going to make a call or an email to a smaller agency, gather information about the company first by researching over the web. If you are convinced they are not a scam and they have good reputation in the industry, go ahead and make the contact!

2. Make important preparations.
"Classes can be helpful to individuals in terms of self confidence and comfort with aspects of the business."

Although modeling classes are not prerequisite to becoming a model, they are very helpful especially if you do not have enough knowledge of the modeling industry and you need a confidence boost. And just like any job interview, when you are presenting yourself to the modeling agency, get ready with the information you gathered about them (their company, the models they represent, etc.)

3. Make an impression with your portfolio.
"A great portfolio is a relative concept, after all, you can't please every client all the time, but make sure that your book has enough variation that an agency can see your potential. The basis of a good book should show a model who is comfortable in front of the camera, one who has a range of expression and movement. As to length, a few great pictures can look better than a long book of fluff. A flow to the book is important — after all you want to get and keep the client's attention."

So before scheduling interviews or going to auditions and open casting calls, make sure you present a portfolio that speaks about your personality and your modeling potential. If you want to make an impression that you are versatile in front of the camera, diversify with photos of yourself in portrait/headshots, casual/commercial poses, editorial photography, swimsuits and lingerie, sports and actions, etc. Most importantly, your photos should be clear.

4. Be natural.
"I always say 'come as you are.' If you have a quirky look or style naturally, work that! Don't be concerned about changing who you are to impress an agency. When meeting prospective models we prefer to see them as they are: no makeup, natural hair, and their personality. Body-conscious clothing like skinny jeans and a tank are good so we can see the body."

Because modeling has a very wide range, you don't have to emulate styles just to be considered. Be yourself and come to the presentation like you are the next standard of style and beauty.

5. Play with the camera.
"When we meet with prospective models we ask to see a couple of snapshots or polaroids. A simple headshot, bodyshot, profile, and a smile is good."

Whether you're doing it for the portfolio or for the test shoot, always remember to bring the fun. Make yourself shine even in amateur and casual shots by striking different poses and making varied facial expressions.

6. Stand-out and shine.
"An outgoing personality is always a standout, able to express themselves and not be nervous or shy. A feeling that modeling is something they want to do, rather then something they are being pushed into is key. The models that do well are confident, ambitious and have a certain humbleness about the fact that being genetically gifted is what got them in the business. In the end this is a business and respect and professionalism is really important."

With poise and confidence, give the impression that you know what you are doing and where you are heading. Aside from the stunning look and confident gait, an outstanding personality also means arriving to interviews or photo shoots early.

7. Read before signing the contract.
"Do not sign anything without reading first! Do your research, and just go with what your gut tells you."

If you successfully make the impression and are able to get the contract, stay calm and make sure you read and understand everything before signing. If you have any questions or clarifications, don't hesitate to ask. After that, you can dance and celebrate.


Want to know more how to become a model? Get your own Insider's Guide to Modeling now!