waif's and whatnot
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Washington Post, March 1, 1999, from newsweek.com One would think that plus-size model Emme's regular talk show visits, the end of heroin chic, and Esquire magazine's celebration of cleavage culture should have collectively signaled the demise of the waif look. But just recently, Devon Aoki, a diminutive new muse, was christened at the Milan fashion shows as the next big thing, according to the Times of London. Aoki, who at 5 foot 6 is an inch shorter than superwaif Kate Moss, is a 16-year old student from London. Somehow in between her studies, she has managed to cram in photo shoots with Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue, fashion campaigns for Versus and Chanel and a modeling gig for designer Yohji Yamamoto. Aoki was signed to Storm modeling agency after Moss, whom the same agency discovered nearly ten years ago, spotted her in a magazine. Despite Aoki's height and her child-like look (round cheeks and a smattering of freckles), Sarah Doukas, Storm's managing director, said, "She is one of the most successful girls in the world at the moment...the work she has done is exceptional." Meanwhile Moss, who could be credited with paving the way for Aoki, staged a comeback of sorts in Milan after her stay in a psychiatric clinic. She appeared in the Versace, Versus and Chanel shows, and was dubbed the "star of the season" by "W" before admitting to drug use and learning that her contract with Calvin Klein would not be renewed. Words of advice to Aoki: stay in school. — Monica Drake |
