Fashion World’s New ‘It’ Girl

Cara Delevingne may only be 20 years old, but she’s taken the fashion industry by storm. The British model walked in 13 shows for New York Fashion Week, and was the most prominent model at the London event, walking for Burberry, Peter Pilloto, Matthew Williamson, Topshop and Issa, among others. Indeed, British Vogue deemed her the star face of the 2013 autumn/winter season, and she won Model of the Year at the 2012 British Fashion Awards.

Keeping It in the Family

Delevingne grew up in Belgravia, a well-to-do suburb in London, with a father who worked in property development and a mother who was a personal shopper. Her grandfather is Sir Jocelyn Stevens, most famous for his role as the English Heritage chairman, and for founding the pirate radio station “Radio Caroline” in the 1960s. Cara Delevingne’s older sister, Poppy, is also a sought-after fashion model – she is an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

Past and Present

Cara signed with Storm Models in 2009, and first rose to prominence when she became the face of Burberry in 2011. Her career has skyrocketed ever since then, and Delevingne has worked for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, DKNY, H&M, Zara and Dolce & Gabbana. The model is the cover star for the March issue of Vogue, and has just been announced as the latest celebrity to join the Pepe Jeans campaign.

Branching Out

Whilst many models don’t succeed when they try to enter the music or acting industries, Cara Delevingne appears to have transitioned rather well. She had a small part in the 2012 film Anna Karenina, playing the part of Princess Sorokina, the love interest of Count Vronsky. Furthermore, she recently recorded a cover of 80s hit “I Want Candy” for the soundtrack to Katie Grand’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection.

The Next Kate Moss?

Although Delevingne and Moss were both discovered by the same agent, Sarah Doukas, the Kate comparisons do not appear to faze her. Cara was quoted as saying “I don’t mind it, I just don’t think I am at all like her, no one can ever be her”. Besides, Delevingne has other ambitions, including the design of her own range.

Quirky, Unique & Beautiful

Cara Delevingne is perhaps most well-known for her distinctive eyebrows. She does not have typical fashion model features, with a snub nose and a shorter-than-average height (for a catwalk model!). However, these differences are what make her stand out amongst her peers. Veteran model Yasmin Le Bon described Delevingne as having a “very special kind of energy”, with “particularly gorgeous features — elfin but still strong”. Even Vogue’s editor sings her praises: “Cara is one of those girls who combine energy, wit, enthusiasm and the kind of edgy beauty that marks her out from the general pool of beautiful models”. A glowing endorsement indeed.

Grace Matthews is a London-based fashion blogger who is in awe of the fantastic designer dresses emerging from fashion month.