Fashion Models [Search results for Joan Smalls] 

Joan Smalls (Puerto Rico) from IMG models. So many ways to describe the mystery designer behind Joan's dress come to mind: knit, open work crochet, stripes...it's burst of energy certainly won't go unnoticed.

Photo fiesta fun with Roza Gough (L) and Joan Smalls (R) after a casting today.

Again, make sure you stay tuned for the coming interview with Sarah Doukas (owner Storm Models)....

Joan Smalls of Elite New York as discovered on Broadway hailing a cab. She was in Ricky Martin's video, "It's Alright", modeled for the 2007 Nordstrom's catalog, and appeared alongside Anouck Lepère in past Liz Claiborne ads.

On a side note, I can't believe I got a clean shot in the middle of the day on Broadway.

Not only do I like how Joan mixes a rugged boot with a soft and feminine top, but how both Joan and Frida add splashes of color to an otherwise neutral toned outfit.

While Joan's dad is from Saint Thomas, her mom is from Puerto Rico. Since I'm in Guatemala at the moment -- where I was born -- and I'm going to be attending some of the shows at the Guatemalan Fashion Week (surprised? I said the same thing too!) , I thought it would be appropriate to post a photo I took of Joan way last year before she became the June U.S. VOGUE 'IT' girl.

This photo humors me of the first shot I took of Joan back when she was still with Elite Models in early 2008. She was walking down Broadway between Prince and Spring streets. When I asked for her photo she told me I should talk to her booker. Naturally, I snagged a candid shot of her hailing a cab regardless, which actually turned out pretty good. How times have changed since then!

What's up Joan?!

Maybe that's what I want??? (Constance Jablonski)

Are you open to creative suprises? (Maryna Linchuk)

Wink at 2012, life is FUN! (Jacquelyn Jablonski)

Are you going to cover things up from yourself to avoid facing reality? (Jessica Clarke)

Are you going to keep secrets from yourself? (Joan Smalls)

Are you brave enough to be silly? (Behati Prinsloo)

Are 2012's challenges going to make you implode and lose sight of who you reallyare? (Adriana Lima)

Will 2012 bring surprises that make you pensive about being yourself (Anja Rubik)

Will you smile, being comfortable in your own skin? (Miranda Kerr)

Will you learn to "heart" yourself so you can learn to "heart" others? (Liu Wen with Anais Mali)

Happy 2012! The world's got loads of changes awaiting this year: a new U.S. presidential term, the Mayan Calendar officially ends (omg, omg I'm sooo afraid), and Facebook will finally go public.

Yet, despite any major external events, our happiness is always internally 100% our choice. It's not your boyfriend's job to make you happy. It's not your girlfriend's job to make you feel good about yourself. It's your job to choose happiness for yourself. My challenge to you guys is to let go of trying to control what others think of you in order to make space for you to be who you really are.

*all photos courtesy of backstage access to the November 2011 Victoria's Secret show

And strikes a pose within seconds of being whisked off by her driver on the motorcycle behind her in the photo.

Dree Hemingway, December 14, 2008...before she became a media celebrity.

Joan Smalls, back on June 3, 2009 before she became a Vogue It Girl.

Frida Gustavsson, at London Fashion Week back on September 23, 2009, in her first runway season, before she became a street style phenomena.

Tati Cotliar before she even finished her first runway season back at New York Fashion Week on September 25, 2009

Mirte Maas just after finishing her first ever runway season on November 19, 2009. Before she went on to multiple shoots with Steven Meisel, the Balenciaga campaign, and a Vogue China Cover.

Ruby Aldridge, on March 3, 2010. Before she went on to be shot by Juergen Teller for the Marc by Marc Jacobs campaign as well as by nearly every other street style blogger around.

Lindsey Wixson on February 10, 2010, just after debuting with a Miu Miu exclusive.

Ming Xi, during her first ever Paris Ready To Wear show on March 6, 2010, in a Paris Metro Stop. This is before her Givenchy campaign went mainstream.

Samantha Gradoville, on July 14, 2010. She hasn't even finished a complete runway season yet. Last season she Opened and Closed PRADA, one of the most influential shows any model can walk in, let alone a new model who Opens and Closes the show. Here she is at the recent Paris Couture shows.

The Independent, a British based newspaper recently mentioned this about altamira, "Dubbed 'Models off duty,' this blog captures the streetstyle of all kinds of fashion professionals including the industry's best-known models, often predicting soon-to-be-famous new faces."

Not only has this site been recognized as the single most powerful concentrated resource for models street style on the internet, but over time, that reach and influence will just grow more and more.

So stay tuned for updates during the coming fashion season.

Nice studded biker pants!