Canadian fashion models
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In recent years, Canadian models have become some of the most sought after fashion faces in the world. The trend started around 2002 with Daria Werbowy, and continued soon after with Jessica Stam, Heather Marks and Lisa Cant.
In 2005, Julia Dunstall also launched her career in a big way, followed almost immediately by Irina Lazareanu and Coco Rocha.
Forebears to the Canadian legacy include - most notably - Linda Evangelista, but also Shalom Harlow, Yasmeen Ghauri, Yasmin Warsame, Liisa Winkler, Tasha Tilberg and Estella Warren.
Three Canadians - Monika Schnarre (1986), Tricia Helfer (1992) and Leanne Spencer (1996) - have won the Ford Supermodel Of The World Contest. Two others - Ingrid Schram (2005) and Bojana Reljic (2006) - have been runners-up.
In 2004, Modelresource.ca (the Canadian counterpart to Modelresource.com) launched, creating a boon to the Canadian industry. Because Canadian faces were in such demand, agencies around the globe were clamouring to see the newest girl. The site's 2005 New Face Preview debuted such future stars as Madeleine Berrevoets. The site is now one of the most influential fashion modelling websites in the world.
Andi Muise, after switching to Marilyn Models in 2005 (from DNA models), has also enjoyed immense success. Within months of her signing she booked FCUK, Armani Underwear, Victoria's Secret catalogue, and most impressively, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2006 Arena Magazine picked her as their Girl of the Year. In 2006, UK Vogue predicted three Canadians to be among the faces to watch for the coming year, including Berrevoets and Dunstall. Meredith Mason was the third, and has enjoyed considerable success since, having done four Vogue appearances while balancing her high school schedule. Despite UK Vogue's predictons, Coco Rocha and Irina Lazareanu have made the biggest impressions in 2006.
2006 also brought the initial cycle of reality TV show Canada's Next Top Model. The series' first winner was Andrea Muizelaar.
By June of 2006 Models.com listed eight Canadians among the top 30 in the world. Throughout the year Canadian Models have continued to rise in popularity, with the likes of Michelle McCallum, Ingrid Schram, Pamela Bernier and Alana Zimmer added to the mix.
As of July 2006, three male models - Milan Krouzil, Owen Steuart, and Robyn Sinclair - all find themselves on the Models.com list of Top Male Models (at #47, 41 and 32 respectively).
