Model Of The Moment: Natasha Poly
New York Fashion Week is right around the corner, so we figured it was time to whip up an ode to one of the most important catwalkers in recent history—Natasha Poly. The Russian beauty is in the midst of a stellar season; you might have noticed her presence in the fall advertisements for Givenchy, Nina Ricci, Jil Sander, Blumarine, and TSE. Landing just one of these high profile clients would be impressive for most models, but the fact that Poly pulled five blue chip campaigns in a single season is quite a coup. (Even Glossy Mossy doesn’t have that many high fashion houses to her name this fall.)
One of the reasons that Poly’s (or Poleyshchikova, if we’re being formal) able to book these coveted campaigns is because she’s got an insane amount of runway appeal. During the last series of fashion weeks (for the Fall 08 collections), she opened shows for: Derek Lam, Malo, Matthew Williamson, Belstaff, Blumarine, Gucci, Moschino, Isabel Marant, Paul & Joe, and Kenzo. Additionally, she closed Herve Leger, Temperly, Phi, Balmain, Dries Van Noten, and Paul & Joe—astonishing, no? Putting her catwalk adeptness and otherworldly features aside for a moment, we think Poly’s fashion industry popularity can be attributed (at least a bit) to her excellent personal style.
As seen in today’s layout, Poly has a razor-sharp way of putting herself together. When running between runways, she goes for super skinny jeans, toughened up with zipper details, foot-friendly flat boots or moderately high booties, and her trusty leather moto jacket. The little leather’s not the only item Poly’s partial to; she’s also quite dedicated to her snakeskin Gucci Hysteria Clutch. We spotted it in her hand backstage at Dior (seen above, far right), Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, and Valentino during the last round of shows and the clutch was Poly’s bag of choice for a fash week Prada party (above, third image from left). We can’t wait to see what Poly has in store for this fashion season (style-wise and runway bookings alike) and hope this model extends her moment with continued success.
Nina Ricci and Sonia Rykiel backstage photos, First View.
One of the reasons that Poly’s (or Poleyshchikova, if we’re being formal) able to book these coveted campaigns is because she’s got an insane amount of runway appeal. During the last series of fashion weeks (for the Fall 08 collections), she opened shows for: Derek Lam, Malo, Matthew Williamson, Belstaff, Blumarine, Gucci, Moschino, Isabel Marant, Paul & Joe, and Kenzo. Additionally, she closed Herve Leger, Temperly, Phi, Balmain, Dries Van Noten, and Paul & Joe—astonishing, no? Putting her catwalk adeptness and otherworldly features aside for a moment, we think Poly’s fashion industry popularity can be attributed (at least a bit) to her excellent personal style.
As seen in today’s layout, Poly has a razor-sharp way of putting herself together. When running between runways, she goes for super skinny jeans, toughened up with zipper details, foot-friendly flat boots or moderately high booties, and her trusty leather moto jacket. The little leather’s not the only item Poly’s partial to; she’s also quite dedicated to her snakeskin Gucci Hysteria Clutch. We spotted it in her hand backstage at Dior (seen above, far right), Nina Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, and Valentino during the last round of shows and the clutch was Poly’s bag of choice for a fash week Prada party (above, third image from left). We can’t wait to see what Poly has in store for this fashion season (style-wise and runway bookings alike) and hope this model extends her moment with continued success.
Nina Ricci and Sonia Rykiel backstage photos, First View.
Love her boots and leather jackets @ Sarah: don't worry your 6 years old kid will never be aneroxic. I assume you let her watch TV and browse internet a lot, so she'll just be a couch potato. Please, just take her walking or jogging outside. If you're too lazy to do that then just eat some iron and jump into the swimming pool. And yes, I mean to hurt your feeling. That the fun of having a comment section in a site
Posted by: mz | 2009-06-08 01:34:39
I did read all of these comments. At first I was kind of annoyed that pretty much no one even commented on how gorgeous Natasha is, or about her style (btw, that's the entire point of this post). But it becomes amusing that people are taking these little digs at each other, let alone Natasha. There's meant to be some kind of sisterhood going on these days – where the hell is that? Can we not learn to have conversations without attacking people? P.S. I don't exactly understand why WWW administrators keep these kinds of comments up in the first place. Let this site be about style! Not bitchiness! To get back to basics: Her style is really edgy. I love the way she's wearing that leather jacket with a stripy top. Looks like leg warmers! I also like her pant-suit jacket with that voluminous scarf. Kind of balances things out. Great bags too!
Posted by: Jenno | 2009-03-20 05:59:47
and the nay's have it, i knew america had a conscience somewhere under thar'.
Posted by: sarah | 2008-10-04 00:10:04
seriously this girl is like soooo god damn skinny it's not funny! i'm not into this post at all...SOMEBODY GIVE THAT GIRL A CHEESEBURGER!!!!!!! or something?
Posted by: g says | 2008-09-11 23:22:20
'Natasha Poly is in demand. It's hard to blame her for starving herself rich.' JS Online 'THEY were alarmingly thin. Snejana Onopka, Natasha Poly and Hana Soukupova,...... appeared so gaunt and thin that their knees and elbows were larger than their concave thighs and pipe cleaner arms, and their bobbling heads looked as if a slight breeze could detach them from their frail bodies' ERIC WILSON New York TIMES '“There are a lot of girls doing the shows who are very thin and frail,” she said. “I don’t know if they are healthy or not, but I don’t think the frail, fragile look is very feminine, and I don’t think it’s attractive.” Jessica Stam '“What becomes alarming is when you see bones and start counting ribs,” Linda Wells, Allure editor '“We are minutes away from a catastrophe, this should be an industry of beauty and luxury, not famished-looking people that look pale and sick.” said David Bonnouvrier, the chief executive of DNA Models i hope you read this WWW. You may not care about what we eat, but you might like to think about what standards you uphold, irrespective of what your teenage demographic has been brainwashed into writing.
Posted by: s | 2008-09-05 22:46:39
Of course she's skinny fools, she's model. Don't make obvious comments, they're a waste. And I'm so tired of people criticizing models for being to skinny. THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE SKINNY! It's a fact, clothes look better on long and and skinny people, it make the clothes appeal better. Designers clothes wouldn't look good on overweight people, even some normal sized people. I"m not saying that models should be anorexic, that's just unhealthy, but you have to understand that there are a lot of models who are just naturally skinny! It's possible people. So stop attacking this girl because of her weight.
Posted by: serena | 2008-09-05 16:32:16
we all know they are paid millions because they are skinny. the question is, is that right? there are plenty of amazing models who are not his skinny. if this girl put on 10lbs she would look even more amazing. i am all for ethical fashion, i don't think the two should be mutually exclusive.
Posted by: peggy | 2008-09-03 16:35:45
hahah you guys go on about crap don't you. being "skinny" is a job requirement for these girls, its what makes the clothes look best. i agree with whoever said if she was anorexic, she would pass out halfway down the runway. my best friend used to have anorexia and could hardly walk. do you really think people would buy clothes that are modelled by fat people? stop being so self-righteous and annoying and get used to the fact that its WHAT THEY'RE PAID MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR.
Posted by: katie | 2008-09-03 06:33:41
ryan, you clearly have no brain.
Posted by: s | 2008-09-02 15:42:06
These comments tick me off. This is what models look like. Yes, they are freaks of nature, but do you think people waste countless hours criticizing how tall basketball players are on the NBA website? I think not.
Posted by: sarah | 2008-08-31 15:45:16
I love her style and her asymmetrical jaw lends an edge to her beautiful face. Really interesting how the darker brows give her a completely different look. Bit of a bobble-head, but her outfits look great!
Posted by: MEP | 2008-08-30 07:52:51
hahahahaha this is all started because of twiggy .
Posted by: meow | 2008-08-29 21:05:48
AGAIN, THIS IS NOT ABOUT SOCIAL ISSUES .
Posted by: meow | 2008-08-29 21:03:23
Jeez Ryan, tell us how you really feel. I like this girls style, but she is way to skinny - which makes her unattractive. The clothes she wears won't look like that on any other person because most of us don't look like a skeleton.
Posted by: Sara | 2008-08-29 19:23:45
Hey Sarah, if you don't care what us "idiots" have to say then do yourself a favor and don't bother commenting, or better yet, don't even read our responses. I wouldnt want you to fill your pretty little head up with our social irresponsibilities, and in turn "piss you off" yet again...And in regards to your 6 year old: Do your job. Be a mother and raise her yourself. If she needs someone to look up to, step up to the plate and be that person yourself. Don't expect the fashion industry to be filled to the brim with role models for a six year old. The frankly, don't care about her. Love ALWAYS, Ryan.... Oh and go eat a wafer and cry into the toilet.
Posted by: Ryan | 2008-08-29 16:46:11
oh she is just gorgeous, i heart her style. i also love her in the Givenchy Fall 2008 ad campaign, super edgy! i have it on my computer's desktop
Posted by: Amber | 2008-08-29 13:03:34
I agree, the WWW web page is to discuss fashion. If you want to voice your opinions or talk about issues you have with the world and apparently yourself, then I suggest you get a therapist.
Posted by: frances | 2008-08-29 11:41:45
geez, Blair IS mean... I love Natasha Poly and her edgy style! But I agree...very skinny. she doesn't really set a good example when it comes to health...
Posted by: Lucy | 2008-08-29 04:18:09
Blair - you fool! An 'anorectic' is someone who is suffering from anorexia nervosa. Its a real word! So leave Aaliyah alone and go get a dictionary before you start abusing people!
Posted by: Petra | 2008-08-29 03:44:29
Hey everyone. I've just created a blog spot and I'll be updating weekly on fashion tips, seasonal trends, things i'm currently diggin'. check it out. http://babyteeeeth.blogspot.com/ xxoo
Posted by: Jac | 2008-08-29 00:00:28
she's on the proana site...she IS anorexic.
Posted by: waverly | 2008-08-28 21:43:57
leelo -- thanks very much, have a nice day as well. i'll stop skim-reading WWW's articles because they're always so well written and deserve all of my attention, especially early in the morning.
Posted by: espacesss | 2008-08-28 21:43:50
oh zoe, get a brain, it's not 'oh we'll have a social conscience, except when we're looking at fashion', it's like saying, i'll look the other way when it comes to genocide because it makes me feel bad, and i don't like to feel bad...DUH, wwwd makes a choice with everything they choose to show, because i like fashion doesn't mean i don't care about anything else you half-wit.....and by the way you are arguing on both sides of the argument. get a life as well. and to anyone who thinks this is only a place to discuss fashion....ooooh watch out, you might need a mind sometimes, better get a frontal-lobotomy reversal. sorry you can't fit the brain and the fiiiiieercness' (ugh) into one. i can . haha.
Posted by: Sarah | 2008-08-28 21:41:00
Wow people, everytime someone who you all say is too skinny you all jump on the bandwagon. Have any of you seen the janicedickson modeling show or ashley pagie one? They both tell you fashion wants that. Get over it. People are still going to buy the clothes plus the sites motto is we only care what you wear. On that point I have seen her style on many models and the only difference is the one in the middle.
Posted by: Vier | 2008-08-28 21:09:51
Bella Vita, you could not have said it any better. Weight will always be an issue in our society but this is a place to discuss fashion. Let's please keep it that way.
Posted by: V | 2008-08-28 20:58:57
hey blair...why dont you stop making fun of aaliyah for having an eating problem. that was a really uncalled for comment. you need to be more sensitive to people's feelings or youll start coming off as bitchy..also with the rude and skinny comments aside, could we just look at her style for once? and p.s. it's great.
Posted by: la de da | 2008-08-28 20:13:25
It's funny how ya'll get upset about her weight! When in fact it is pure jealousy because the majority of women these days are over weight. 5'4'' and 120llbs is just right and anymore would be overweight! Get a life, learn to care for your body. Some people are just naturally skinny.
Posted by: A | 2008-08-28 20:02:27
I like how her style is refined and mature, but it's sorta ordinary nowaday to see her style. But she has FIERCE cheekbones ! :D Although, I think that only works well with high fashion- so she shouldn't be model of the moment since it isn't really well rounded in that sense. When did this place become a social issue/comment critiquing website? I wanna join in the "fun" hahaha 1. Ben- for someone who is calling people narrowminded, you are doing the same thing as them except from a different perspective 2. Sarah- who what wear is not about social issue; You are right, people should be more socially concious but here is not where you should preach about that. Additionally, you're looking at this website too aren't you? 3. Lee- I think she'd still have nice cheekbones without being emaciated aha There are a lot of other factors besides media that affects girls. It's a huge part, but I mean other things influence them too. It isn't wwwd's fault that some girls are weaker than others and choose to develop an issue. They CHOSE to do it the first time and it just grew. By the way, I am not a green-eyed obese toad. (; p.s. why specifically green-eyes ?
Posted by: zoeeee | 2008-08-28 19:05:32
Natasha's body has been like this since she started, if she were anorexic she wouldn't be able to do all those shows, it's energy consuming to death. She also walked for vicky's secret and god knows those girls are full. As for her cheekbones, you can't blame a girl who looks like that because of her bone structure, jeez people, get a grip, not everyone is anorexic.
Posted by: Alice | 2008-08-28 18:17:56
lol @ people complimenting this model on her cheekbones..If she wasn't emaciated her cheekbones wouldn't be so prominent.
Posted by: lee | 2008-08-28 18:17:32
skeleton face
Posted by: rebekah | 2008-08-28 17:46:51
i don't care about what any of you idiots think is stylish or not, there is a whole debate globally about anorexic girls going on parade as if it was desirable to be this emaciated....or did you miss that one dick-heads? she could be the ana poster girl.so get over your vanity for once and realise that people like WWWD need to be more socially responsible. i have a 6 year old daughter who needs some real women in the fashion industry to look at,and losers like you all piss me right off. go eat a wafer and cry into the toilet.
Posted by: sarah | 2008-08-28 17:29:17
I have to say that I like Natasha's style, regardless of her size. I assume this site is about fashion, so I think its irrelevant if she's underweight (which she probably is), I still find her style inspiring. I could see myself wearing several of her outfits, even though I am a "gigantic" size 6-8. Ha-ha.
Posted by: LuLuW-L | 2008-08-28 17:06:25
I think Bella Vita put it really well... this is about style, not about body size. You don't have to be Natasha's size to pull off her clothes. There's so much going on there beside the size of the clothing... the layering, the things she's mixed and matched, the different materials (loving the leather jacket), the shoes are all gorgeous. Her style really appeals to me, and I would love to dress like that every day. But at the same time, it's certainly not what everyone else likes. Whatever your opinion, I think it's important to remember that WWWD presents readers with inspiration for certain things that they can and should change if they want (clothes, hair styles, jewelry, makeup), but they're not supporting one body type or another... there was just a post about Kelly Osbourne, and no one made any comments over her body physique, so if you don't notice Kelly's physique, then why is Natasha's such a big deal?
Posted by: Caroline | 2008-08-28 16:27:52
Natasha is a really pretty girl. But I have to add that I think she is too skinny to be seen as a fashion icon for all. People tell me I'm skinny and I'm 5'4 120 lbs. She probably weighs a little less than 100 and is 5'9 that is bad. She makes me feel fat.
Posted by: kris | 2008-08-28 15:55:26
She is an amazing model! Gorgeous, great bone structure, and after seeing her in the Nina Ricci fall ads I have a new crush.
Posted by: Amber | 2008-08-28 15:14:55
PS: I agree with Lianna. I am not an obese toad by any means, this does not mean I can't spot someone who probably eats the equivalent of one can of corn per day. (Not uncommon in modeling according to an article New York Magazine did awhile back.) Sure she may have been this thin when she started but when you are a "school girl" you don't often have to worry about stifling curves by under eating.
Posted by: SheShe | 2008-08-28 14:14:00
Ben, Just because we believe that she's too skinny[which she really is] doesn't make us "obese toads" you moron. I am not obese and i am not overweight. I am a healthy and normal weight for my size. Even if she's "naturally" that skinny, it's still pretty unattractive. that's just my opinion. i don't think she's that pretty either and her style is kind of sloppy. I think the founders of this site - hillary kerr and katherine power are way prettier than her and have better style. and at least they're healthy looking. and they're way better role models than this model chick.
Posted by: lianna | 2008-08-28 14:03:54
Natasha Poly is my number one favourite model, not only is she otherworldly looking and breathtakingly beautiful she is extremely hard working which is why she is one of the most used models on and off the catwalk. Love her understated, classic, gothic edge style too. Her bone structure is like nothing I have ever seen. The "skinny" thing annoys me though. If the people who make these comments did some research they would find evidence that Natsha was that "skinny" when she was first discovered as a school girl. models.com also confirms this. Besides, most people who write that are probably obese toads with green eyes. Don't be so narrow minded. I know who i'd rather be.
Posted by: Ben | 2008-08-28 11:38:54
They said paul and jo twice b/c she opened AND closed for them. Read before you comment. I've always loved Natasha Poly and I adore those jeans in the far right pic. I've always thought she had such a international look to her, I've never been able to place her nationality, until now.
Posted by: leelo | 2008-08-28 11:32:16
My fashion Blog: ... *fashionchalet.blogspot.com* ... Ultimately, my favorite. I love her cheekbones and gorgeous style, of course!
Posted by: Fashion Chalet | 2008-08-28 11:21:09
her cheekbones can cut people up. and her legs look like they can barely support her. what happened to models who actually have a healthy BMI?
Posted by: jenn | 2008-08-28 11:18:58
Love, love, love her style! Pez dispenser? Neh.
Posted by: meg | 2008-08-28 11:11:01
her forehead is ginormous. not one of my personal favs, but girl can walk either way. props for this feature (btw, you said "paul&joe" twice.)
Posted by: espaces | 2008-08-28 11:01:05
She's a model!! She is supposed to be pencil thin. I love her style and she is gorgeous.
Posted by: bella | 2008-08-28 10:47:14
who cares. her style is fierrrrrrrce! www.runawaygallery.com
Posted by: runawaygallery | 2008-08-28 10:41:50
wow, aaliyah? you used to be "anorectic" eh? it's too bad you never learned how to spell the word. natasha is absolutely gorgeous. and her style is almost as killer as those cheekbones.
Posted by: blair | 2008-08-28 09:44:38
I like her style, but her head is so much bigger than her body, she's starting to resemble a Pez dispenser
Posted by: chloe | 2008-08-28 08:51:31
Natasha has amazing style and I'm so glad she's featured here. Everyone who says she's too skinny is stating the obvious. All high fashion models are skinny. GET OVER IT. This is about how she puts herself together, which she does very well. Thank you WWWD for inspiring me once again
Posted by: Mary Kate | 2008-08-28 08:06:43
I think she is a bit tiny, but this isn't exactly news when it comes to models. Unfortunate, but true. Her style is cute. I like the dark palette for Fall.
Posted by: SheShe | 2008-08-28 07:58:49
I'm an aspiring model and most of the time I'm just a little bigger than Natasha. But even though I'm very skinny I still don't think that WWWD should chose a model that looks anorectic. I used to be anorectic and I'm still not a 100% healthy yet. Chosing a model that skinny glorifies this dangerous illness. I'm sure she's not eating more than 1000 calories a day which is half of what an adolescant should be eating. Her style however is great indeed.
Posted by: Aaliyah | 2008-08-28 07:50:27
Natasha is great, love her style.
Posted by: Amy | 2008-08-28 07:44:35
i think she looks awesome. and she's skinny but so what? shes a model. duh.
Posted by: amy | 2008-08-28 07:20:27
cheekbones!
Posted by: valerie | 2008-08-28 06:32:51
Clearly some people here have missed WWWD's motto from day one, "We don't care who you date or if you eat. We only care about what you are wearing." Its about the clothes people, not all the other crap! Besides having zero to do with what she is wearing or her style, saying she is really thin is kind of a no brainer and goes without saying that most people can probably arrive at that observation for themselves. I doubt they need multiple people to point it out for them. Back to Natasha and her STYLE. WWWD, you guys are quite a bit behind on this one, aren't you? Still I love Natasha's style and would kill for hair that is that straight and shiny. I also like the way she mixed textures at the Prada party.
Posted by: bella vita | 2008-08-28 05:51:21
shes not too skinny! her style is awesome and she can pull off pretty much anything which is probably why she's been hired so much
Posted by: miarriam | 2008-08-28 05:40:28
Natasha is just a floating head, albeit a pretty one.
Posted by: Erock | 2008-08-28 05:38:01
np is so stunning, but it has to be said, she is grossly underweight, and it's not genes, height, petite size, she is not eating, too sad that this is upheld as fashionable and i have to say WWWD it is highly irresponsible for you to display her to your demographic. where are the morals here? otherwise she is so chic and perfectly groomed and her clothing choices are immaculate, love her style. x
Posted by: sarah | 2008-08-28 04:09:34
no no....her cheeks ...o my gosh she looks old
Posted by: mellysa | 2008-08-28 02:47:09
I enjoy her simple, monochromatic style but I have to agree with the other two posts-way too skinny. I just hope adolescent girls don't read this post.
Posted by: brie | 2008-08-28 00:51:45
eat something!!!!!! wayyy tooo skinny.
Posted by: bryanna | 2008-08-28 00:14:12
wow, she looks anorexic. Her style is okay - nothing original.
Posted by: lianna | 2008-08-28 00:11:56