Alexa Chung is in the process of a fashion takeover.  It appears that the cancelation of her MTV show has not slowed down the former model.  Mulberry has since honored her with a handbag named Alexa.  She has even inked a deal to collaborate with Madewell, a store owned by J. Crew.  Who knew she was also a designer?  It goes to show that great style is always marketable.  So we have named the designer and handbag icon to our Rollcall list.  We want to know what else she has in store for the rest of 2010, and we will be watching. 

Alexa Chung’s second act: Madewell designer [L.A. Times Blog]

Alexa Chung Inspires Mulberry ‘Alexa’  Bag  [Style List]

Model and actress Molly Sims is dazzling us with her spring collection of Grayce by Molly Sims.  The jewelry line is now available online at HSN.  Her collection is complete with rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.  It is a mix of modern and vintage inspired pieces that are beautiful and graceful, much as the name indicates.  The shapes and textures of the jewelry provide the visual interest that makes many of the pieces memorable, I’m partial to the geometric shapes.  Don’t hesitate to stock up because the items are priced between $29.95 and $119.95.  Here’s to a sparkling and fashionable spring with Grayce by Molly Sims.

Versace is hoping you will flip for their new ad campaign starring model Georgia May Jagger.  She is the new face of Versace, and the young daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger may be just what the label ordered.  The Spring 2010 ad displays an upside-down Georgia with her bag draped over her in what appears to be an unmade bed.  Her hair and make up are flawless, in total, she is very polished.  Even so, there is definitely a youthful and edgy vibe to this campaign.  It’s not even overtly sexy.  Perhaps Donatella Versace is targeting a younger demographic.

Do you like Coco Rocha’ s personal style?  Well now you will have the opportunity to dress like her.  The model has joined the ranks of models who’ve come before, she is set to launch her own fashion line.  It makes sense because she would be the perfect ambassador for her own brand. Further, as a model, she is always surrounded by the finest garments and by top people in the fashion industry.  It isn’t surpising that she would get bitten by the designing bug.  She may have decided to design a collection, but has not settled on a name yet.  So you may have the chance to name her label; Ms. Coco wants you to send her name suggestions.   

Finally, someone has owned up to the fact that all models aren’t naturally rail thin. Believe it or not, they actually diet.  A male model, rising in the industry, confessed that he eats, maybe twice a day.  He’s has lost 30 pounds for his career, and it is paying off with bookings from the major fashion houses.  We’re all use to the chatter about female models being underweight, but rarely do we hear about the male models.  I guess diet is an equal opportunity tormentor.  We’ve all been there, the temptations and the hunger pains.  You can’t help, but to root for this guy because his honesty is so refreshing.  ‘Diet’ is that four letter word many of us struggle with from time to time.  Do I feel better knowing the genetically gifted have to watch what they eat too?  No.  I’m too hungry.

A Confession About the ‘D’ Word at Cavalli [New York Times]

The life of a fashion model seems rich and glamorous from the outside.  So we are always taken aback when a model like Raquel Zimmermann tells us how she grew up as a tomboy.  How are we to believe that when we see her all done up on the pages of Vogue and on the runways in New York, Milan and Paris?  In this video she comes off as the sweet girl next door; she is open and likeable.

Today Fashion Rollcall names both American Vogue and Vogue Germany to its Rollcall list.  Arlenis Sosa is on the May cover of Vogue Germany.  She is also the new face of Lancome’s Laque Fever line.  The cover girl is having a fabulous year and we’re not even at the half-way mark. [Fashionista via Models] 

We also learned who made the May cover of American Vogue’s, The Models Issue.  The list is pretty stellar.  Each has already proven herself to be a force to contend with in this industry, and it will be great to see her progress within the next few seasons. They are Liya Kebede, Natalia Vodianova, Anna Jagodzinska, Isabeli Fontana, Lara Stone, Jourdan Dunn, Raquel Zimmermann, Caroline Trentini and Natasha Poly.  Congratulations to all!

Related Posts: Vogue’s Top Models, The Models’ Photographer.

Yesterday we talked about the May issue of Vogue, The Models Issue.  The cover was shot by famed photographer Steven Meisel.  Vogue.com has a feature story on the fashion photographer that is really worth reading.  It chronicles his beginnings in the industry, and touches on the complexity of the man.  His subjects have nothing, but praise for his craft and his ability to bring out the best in them.  While you are there, check out the video of the models backstage as they prepare for the shoot with Meisel, click onto the link. You will hear the models talk a bit about Meisel, Vogue, and modeling. 

Related Post: Vogue’s Top Models

Vogue magazine’s May cover is usually reserved for the top models, and this May will be no different. No celebrities needed this month. Even more interesting is that Liya Kebede and Jourdan Dunn are on the cover and on the inside fold respectively. May marks the third consecutive month that a woman of color appears on the cover of Vogue.  Michelle Obama appeared on the cover in March, Beyonce in April, and now Liya and Jourdan in May.  The cover is pretty fantastic and all the models look beautiful: Natalia Vodianova, Raquel Zimmermann, Isabeli Fontana, Anna Jagodzinska, Lara Stone, Caroline Trentini and Natasha Poly. [The Cut via The Fashion Bomb]

Related Post: The Models’ Photographer