The 15 Most Buzzed About Models of 2010

I don't like to do a lot of end of year reflecting about anything, except maybe all the shoes I wish I had bought but didn't (a girl can dream, right?), but 2010 has seen some major model mayhem. 2010 saw more diversity in the typically cookie-cutter world of modeling. Was it perfect? Of course not, but the modeling industry may be taking much needed steps into the right direction. The top models of 2010 came in all body types, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations, proving that there's a lot more to being a successful model than a symmetrical face and a size zero frame. Click though to see our list of the models that made made it big in 2010.
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I don't like to do a lot of end of year reflecting about anything, except maybe all the shoes I wish I had bought but didn't (a girl can dream, right?), but 2010 has seen some major model mayhem.

2010 saw more diversity in the typically cookie-cutter world of modeling. Was it perfect? Of course not, but the modeling industry may be taking much needed steps into the right direction. The top models of 2010 came in all body types, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations, proving that there's a lot more to being a successful model than a symmetrical face and a size zero frame.

Click though to see our list of the models that made made it big in 2010.

Daphne Groeneveld Agency: Women Milan

At 15 years old and only in her first year of modeling, Daphne Groeneveld has racked up some of the most exclusive and sought after jobs in the modeling industry, and this is just the beginning - she’s already booked the Givenchy SS11 campaign.

Ads: Miu Miu AW10, Isola Marras AW10

Editorials: Vogue Paris (3), Interview, Grey Magazine

Covers: Vogue Paris

Notables: Shares Vogue Paris cover with Tom Ford, Calvin Klein SS11 exclusive, Givenchy Haute Couture model, Givenchy SS11 ads

Models.com Ranking: #30

Freja Beha Erichsen Agency: IMG

Freja Beha Erichsen is no newbie to modeling, but 2010 may have been her best year yet. With 13 total covers (that’s more than the number of months in a year) and even more editorials, Freja was ubiquitous in 2010, but we’re not complaining. It’s her effortless cool that keeps her on the top of everyone’s list.

Ads: AW10: Harry Winston, Chanel, MaxMara, Moncler, Balenciaga, Tom Ford Eyewear, Valentino, GAP Jeans SS10: Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel Eyewear, Chanel

Editorials: Vogue China, Vogue US, Jalouse, i-D, Numero Homme, Purple Fashion, Vogue Germany, W, Interview, British Vogue (3), Vogue Nippon (2), Vogue Korea, V, New York Magazine, Dossier, V Man, Vogue Italia (4), Vogue Paris (8)

Covers: Vogue Italia (2), Vogue Paris, Vogue Paris Collections, British Vogue, Dossier, i-D, The Last Magazine, Vogue Korea, Allure Korea, W Korea, Spur, Numero Homme

Notables: Muse to Karl Lagerfeld, Pirelli Calendar Girl in 2011, role in Remember Now, walked in Tom Ford SS11 presentation,

Models.com Ranking: #2

Karlie Kloss Agency: NEXT

Known for her all-American Charm, St. Louis native Karlie Kloss had major success in 2010. Scoring a fragrance contract with Marc Jacobs Lola, as well as appearing in 14 (yes, 14!) Vogue US editorials is just the tip of the iceberg of Karlie's success. Her versatility is what makes her outstanding--in 2010 she posed for both Teen Vogue and Numéro.

Ads: AW10: Dior, Donna Karan, Glada, YSL Beauty, Aquascutum, Oscar de la Renta, Uniqlo, GAP Jeans SS10: Uniqlo, Aquascutum, Dior, Lola Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel for H&M, Oscar de la Renta, Hermes

Editorials: British Vogue (3), W, Vogue US (14), Vogue China (3), Teen Vogue, Numero, 25 Magazine (2), NYT Style Magazine, Vogue Italia

Covers: Vogue China (3), Grey Magazine, Vogue Turkey, Teen Vogue, W Korea, Vogue Italia

Notables: Walked in Tom Ford's SS11 presentation, wore Oscar de la Renta to her high school homecoming

Models.com Ranking: #4

Lindsey Wixson Agency: Marilyn

In the past year, Lindsey Wixson has gone from gap-toothed teen to the model everyone knows. After opening Prada SS10, she went on to walk all the major runways during FW10 and SS11. Lindsey's unique look keeps her ahead: she's already booked Jill Stuart beauty SS11 and makes major appearances on Terry's Diary meaning there's probably a Vogue Paris editorial in her near future.

Ads: FW10: John Galliano, Versace Vanitas Fragrance, Barney’s NY, Jill Stuart Beauty, Miu Miu SS10: Miu Miu

Editorials: T Magazine, W (4), Vogue Turkey, i-D (3), POP (4), AnOther, LOVE, Interview

Covers: i-D, City

Other: Prada Fantasy Lookbook, "The View" TV show modeling Versace, opened Prada SS10 and Miu Miu AW10

Models.com Ranking: #12

Crystal Renn Agency: Ford

Crystal Renn made it back to runways and editorials in 2010, creating a ton of buzz in the industry--first for being the first "plus-size" girl to make it big (Chanel resort, Chanel campaign, Gaultier runway and campaign) and then for allegedly losing her plus-size label. Nevertheless, Renn was everywhere in 2010, from her six Vogue Paris editorials to the Today Show on NBC.

Ads: FW10: Chanel Special Store Re-Opening Campaign, Jean Paul Gaultier

Editorials: Vogue Paris (6), Harper’s Bazaar, Interview, V (4), Glamour (2), Tush, T Magazine

Covers: Paper Planes, Evening Standard, Glamour, D2

Notables: Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2011 Lookbook, Guest on NBC's "Today Show," Author of Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves (Simon & Schuster, 2009), fashion week correspondent for Glamour

Models.com Ranking: #19

Joan Smalls Agency: IMG

Puerto Rican-born Joan Smalls took 2010 by storm, starting out the year as an exclusive for Givenchy haute couture and finishing it with a lucrative Estée Lauder contract. Ads and editorials filled out the rest of Smalls' schedule, putting her on the pages of Vogue Italia and Vogue US, to name a few.

Ads: FW10: Gap, Givenchy, Gucci

Editorials: Vogue US (8), i-D, Interview, V, Vogue Germany, Vogue Italia, Vogue Paris

Covers: i-D, WWD Beauty Biz

Notables: Tom Ford SS11 presentation, Givenchy haute couture, 40th anniversary Roberto Cavalli book, ShowStudio McQueen tribute video, Estée Lauder contract for 2011

Models.com Ranking: #8

Miranda Kerr Agency: IMG

Miranda Kerr may have given up her angel wings for part of 2010, but that was only because she was too busy walking major runway shows and having her first child. As part of Prada's AW10 buxom lineup, Kerr started 2010 in high fashion, but continued her streak for SS11, walking Balenciaga pregnant. We're hoping 2011 is just as successful for the soon-to-be new mom.

Ads: AW10: Prada, Jil Sander

Editorials: W, Vogue US (4), Vogue Italia, Vogue Spain, Numero (2), Elle, GQ, i-D, LOVE, Vogue Russia

Covers: Vogue Spain, Vogue Italia, i-D, GQ, GQ Germany

Notables: Pirelli calendar 2010, walked Balenciaga pregnant, appeared in Vogue Australia and W with baby bump, married Orlando Bloom

Models.com Ranking: Overall #6, Sexiest #4

Lea T. Agency: Women Milan

Brazilian Lea T. is known for more than her stunning looks and Ricardo Tisci's muse. The transgendered model has paved her own way in fahion, starting at the top with Givenchy. Appearing in Givenchy's AW10 ads, Lea also racked up editorials in Vogue Paris and Interview, and will be appearing on Oprah's final season.

Ads: Givenchy AW10

Editorials: Vogue Paris (2), Vanity Fair Italy, Interview, Lurve, Hercules, The Room

Covers: Lurve

Notables: Givenchy haute couture, scheduled to appear on Oprah, muse to Ricardo Tisci

Models.com Ranking: N/A

Shu Pei Agency: NEXT

Chinese model Shu Pei caused a stir in 2010 on the runways and in the mags, walking all the major shows and appearing on three Vogue China covers. She's got the perfect face for beauty, Shu Pei scored a Maybelline contract, giving her a boost into top model territory.

Ads: AW10: Gap, Maybelline SS10: BCBG, Benetton

Editorials: W Magazine (2), Elle China, Glamour, Vogue China (5), 25 Magazine, Rouge

Covers: Vogue China (3, one solo), Harper’s Bazaar China, Rouge

Notables: Cushnie et Ochs SS10 lookbook

Models.com Ranking: #33

Abbey Lee Kershaw Agency: NEXT

2010 was a prolific year for Australian Abbey Lee, with major work in runway, editorial, and ad campaigns. Kershaw kept a high profile by switching up her hairstyles during 2010, from long to short, from dark to icy blonde, making her all the more desirable and proving her staying power. Her off-the-runway looks were just as popular, winning her space on street style blogs, making her, in our opinion, the most well rounded model of 2010.

Ads: AW10: Fendi Fragrance, H&M Divided, Gap, Alex Wang Video, Jaeger, Mulberry, Anna Sui, Chanel, ck Calvin Klein SS10: Karl Lagerfeld, Flora by Gucci Fragrance, Moussy, Guilty Brotherhood

Editorials: Vogue Paris, Vogue Australia (2), Interview, Harper’s Bazaar, POP (3), The Gentlewoman, Vogue US (2), Vogue Germany, Vogue China, Vogue Italia (2), Vogue Russia (2), Vogue Nippon, Vogue Korea, 25 Magazine, Numero Homme, i-D, Numéro

Covers: Vogue Australia (2), Vogue Nippon (2), i-D, Vogue Germany, Vogue Korea, Numero Homme, Pop, Vogue Russia, 25 Magazine Notables: Pirelli calendar 2010 & 2011, role in Remember Now, Tom Ford SS11 presentation

Models.com Ranking: #5

Eniko Mihalik Agency: Marilyn

It was almost impossible to open a magazine in 2010 and not find an editorial starring Eniko Mihalik. With the most diverse portfolio of editorials of any girl, Eniko was one of the most sought-after print girls of 2010, but lacked advertising and runway work. Nevertheless, her toned physique and piercing cheekbones are sure to get her a multitude of jobs in 2011.

Ads: FW10: APC, Tumi, SS10: Kenzo

Editorials: Vogue Nippon (4), Vogue Paris (7), Vs Magazine, Vogue Italia (2), Numero (2), POP (2), The Gentlewoman (2), Harper’s Bazaar (2), Muse (3), British Vogue (2), Nowness, ShowStudio, V (3), Industrie, i-D, Bon, 25 Magazine, Lula, Purple Fashion, AnOther, Elle Hungary, W, Vogue China (2), T Magazine

Covers: Russh, W Korea, Antidote, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Muse, V, Telegraph Magazine, Bon, Elle Hungary

Notables: Pirelli Calendar 2010

Models.com Ranking: #11

Alessandra Ambrosio Agency: Elite

Alessandra Ambrosio made a name for herself in modeling years ago, but her 2010 transition to high fashion made her bigger than ever. Walking both Victoria's Secret and Prada in 2010, Ambrosio straddles the line between sexy and edgy with ease--she appeared on the cover of LOVE with bleached out eyebrows and later walked Dolce & Gabbana in black lace and platform pumps.

Ads: AW10: Carlos Miele Jeans, Moschino, Loewe SS10: Victoria Secret online

Editorials: Vogue Nippon (4), LOVE (2), Vogue US, Vogue Russia (4), Russh, V, Vogue Brasil, Glamour, Industrie, Hercules

Covers: Vogue Latino America, LOVE, Russh, Vogue Nippon, Glamour, Vogue Brasil, Elle France

Notables: LOVE Modelgeddon Video, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2010, walked Prada and Louis Vuitton AW10, Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana SS11

Models.com Ranking: #22 Overall, #5 Money Girls, #5 Sexiest

Lara Stone Agency: IMG

Lara Stone's star continued to shine bright in 2010 with an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein. The buxom Dutch model appeared in most major mags as well as on the cover of the 90th anniversary issue of Vogue Paris. To top off her year she got married in not one, but two, custom Givenchy gowns to Brit comedian David Walliams.

Ads: AW10: Prada Infusion d’Iris Fragrance Contract, DKNY Be Delicious Fragrance Contract, Calvin Klein, ck Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans X, Giorgio Armani Cosmetics SS10: H&M Swim, Louis Vuitton, Versus Versace Fragrance, Jaeger, Forum

Editorials: Vogue UK (4), Interview (3), Vogue Paris (5), Vogue US (7), W (3), i-D (3), V, Vogue Italia (3), Industrie, LOVE

Covers: Vogue China, Interview, British Vogue, Vogue Paris, LOVE

Notables: Pirelli calendar 2011, 40th Anniversary Roberto Cavalli Book, Prada Lookbook, Two Custom Givenchy Wedding Dresses, Exclusive Calvin Klein Contract, British Model of the Year Award

Models.com Ranking: Overall #1, Sexiest #10

Kristen McMenamy Agency: DNA

Modeling legend Kristen McMenamy splashed back onto the scene in 2010, first with an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein, and then in the pages of Vogue Italia and Dazed + Confused. Kristen finished up 2010 walking topless for Louis Vuitton, instead donning zebra print body paint that she continued to wear after the show. Not bad for a mother of four.

Ads: MAC FW10

Editorials: Vogue US (2), Vogue Italia (2), LOVE (2), Dazed + Confused, i-D, Arena Homme +

Covers: i-D, Vogue Italia Couture Supplement, Dazed + Confused, Vogue Italia, LOVE

Notable: Calvin Klein FW10 Exclusive, walked Louis Vuitton SS11 with a painted on top, Gareth Pugh SS11 video

Models.com Ranking: #7 icons

Arizona Muse Agency: NEXT

By the second day of NYFW everyone was talking about Arizona Muse. Her short hair and wide-set eyes made her an instant hit during the SS11 shows. She walked Marc and Proenza in New York, was an exclusive for Prada in Milan, and then booked every major show in Paris. While her editorials and ad-work is lacking, her presence is heavily felt on the fashion world, and 2011 is sure to bring more recognition for Arizona Muse.

Editorials: W

SS11 Shows: New York: Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Altuzurra, BCBG, Max Azria, Herve Leger by Max Azria Milan: Prada Exclusive Paris: Balenciaga, Céline, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Hakaan, Chloé, Christian Dior, Sonia Rykiel, John Galliano, Loewe, Rochas, Kenzo, The Row

Models.com Ranking: Top Ten Newcomer

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