Model of the Month: Lily Donaldson

Flick through any fashion magazine with their sumptuous and extravagent advertisements and editorials and there will remain one consistent face in the overcrowded world of modelling, that of Lily Donaldson. The 22 year old model has graced the covers of countless magazines, the catwalks of numerous designers and is the face of limitless fashion houses. Last thursday night at the unveiling of the new Burberry US headquarters, which is now the newest member to illuminate the New York sky line, Donaldson reined supreme, nearly overshadowing the man of the hour, Christopher Bailey (Burberry’s head designer). The self declared Burberry girl and face of the brand for over 2 years hung onto Bailey's arm for the night, draped (of course) in head to toe Burberry.


But while being a self described member of the Burberry family, the model has graced the campaigns of many competing fashion houses. As well as being the main face of the British luxury goods label, last year Donaldson scored the highly coveted position as the face of iconic label Gucci. Since, Donaldson has earned her supermodel status with the past 5 years being a whirlwind of prestigious international cover shoots and gracing the catwalk for many esteemed designers.

Donaldson started her career in a typical fashion, after being scouted in Camden market while
shopping with friends at the young age of 16. Only 2 years later she was catapulted into the spotlight as she scored her first Vogue cover (UK), which was shot by iconic photographer Mario Testino. Since she has since been featured on covers and in editorials for the leading international fashion publications including Vogue (UK, US, Chinese, French, Australian, Italian and Nippon), W, Harper's bazaar, I-D, V magazine, and Numero. Her presence has also graced the catwalks for a diverse range of designers including Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chloé, Dior, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hermès, Jil Sander, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Missoni, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Rochas, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Vera Wang, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent and Zac Posen.


But what makes Donaldson stand out in the modelling world is her vast portfolio of advertisements for renowned high fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, MaxMara, Jill Sander, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino which embellish the pages of international fashion bibles.

With the re-emergence of the model as key, it is Donaldson's time to shine.

Met Gala

The Fahion event of the year, The Metropolitina Museum Costume Institute Gala took place monday the 5th of may. The theme this year was "models as muse" and was attended by some of the most celebrated faces of fashion, music and movies. However controversy sparked over the absence of designer azzedine alia, whose work was ommitted from the event. He along with some of the worlds most recognized supermodels (Naoimi, Linda and Stephane Seymour) who he designed gowns for failed to make an appearance in a protest against the ommission and described "dictator" Anna Wintour. He told womens wear daily how she has ignored his work for 15 years and how "“She behaves like a dictator and everyone is terrified of her . . . but I’m not scared of her or anyone.” While his absence didnt go unnotived there was plenty of fashion to make up for his lack of attendance.