Isn’t every year a good year for a working high fashion model? We’ve seen their faces in campaigns and editorials, watched them stomp the runways, and giggled at them goofing off on Twitter. We’ve narrowed it down to *your* top five picks.

Who should take the crown?

1.Joan Smalls

To say Joan Smalls has had a fantastic year would be a gross understatement. In case you couldn’t keep track: The model has appeared in campaigns for Fendi, Gucci, Givenchy, and Chanel— to name a few. Smalls was also ranked the #1 model in the world by models.com, landed a gig hosting MTV’s House of Style, and graced more than ten major magazine covers, (Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar UK,) collecting her Estée Lauder contract coins all the while.

Let’s not forget, Smalls walked the runway for top names like Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni, and countless others.

Can’t be mad at that!

 

2.Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan’s proven herself another campaign mainstay this year, with her face plastered on ads for Banana Republic, Burberry, John Galliano, and more. The i-D and Sunday Times Style covergirl also walked in the famed Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first (and hopefully not last!) time, and snagged herself a cooking show on Jay-Z‘s Life and Times YouTube channel.

The model mom was spied on the runways for Burberry, Issa London, Emilio Pucci, Marchesa, Alexander Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, and more designers than you can shake a stick at.



The model is beloved in her native U.K., but I think it’s safe to say that the rest of the world is also digging her!

 

3.Chanel Iman

 

Chanel Iman kept it cute in 2012. As she continued to stockpile cash from her Victoria’s Secret contract, she shot for major retailers like Target and Forever 21.

We saw her on the runway for Kanye West‘s sophomore collection. Aside from work, the model soaked in her  hard-earned notoriety, attending the Met Gala on the arm of Tom Ford, ki-kiing at AmFar Milan with Heidi Klum, and snatching a ticket to Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker‘s uber-exclusive Barack Obama fundraiser.

Sure, she took it a easy this year. But hey–  if you’re going to the Met Gala with Tom, scoring campaigns,  and stacking bread at the same damn time: you’re having a good year…!

 

4.Cara Delevingne

Much like her homegirl Jourdan, Cara cleaned up in 2012.  In her downtime, we know she’s not timid about making a goofy face or two, but she brings it in her modeling work. She’s certainly kept busy this year: she’s appeared in editorials for several iterations of Vogue (UK, US, Italia, and Russia), She landed herself a spot in Chanel’s Resort 2013 campaign, scored covers for Vogue Korea, i-D, and Style.com/Print (amongst others).



She stormed the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Mary Katrantzou, Burberry, and Oscar de la Renta— to name a few.



She’s also made friends with Azealia Banks, Rita Ora, Cassie, and Rihanna this year.



Cara’s been doin’ it, kids!

 

5.Nyasha Matonhodze

Oh, Nyasha! The ethereal Zimbabwean beauty took it a little easy this year (likely to focus on school,) but managed to churn out some major work at the same time. She appeared in editorials for W, Vogue, V, and more, walked for Altuzarra, Burberry, Rodarte, Donna Karan, and several others. And I could only barely manage my schedule in high school!

Did I forget to mention she’s a total sweetheart?

At any rate, who takes the crown for 2012?

(We already you will) let us know in the comments!

~Jihan

Today, we’re taking a look back at the hottest designers of 2012, the brands Fashion Bomb celebs rocked the most and rocked the best:

And the nominees are…

1. Alexander Wang

What a year it’s been for Alexander Wang! With a slew of blockbuster collections under his belt, he’s moving on to bless Balenciaga with a dose of his brilliance.

Not that he needs to join the ranks of a historic Parisian house to claim his place in the industry. His eponymous line does fantastically well, thanks to its mix of sport and sex, which has found fans in everyone from Nicki Minaj to Evelyn Lozada and Rihanna.



Another bonus: Mr. Wang is a champion of diversity in a sometimes whitewashed landscape. From casting Zoe Kravitz in his T campaigns in the past to outfitting and escorting Azealia Banks to the Met Gala, Alexander is cutting edge, bold, daring, and down.

It only gets better from here. Read our buzz about the industry’s wunderkind here.

2. Stella McCartney

Silent, but significant, 2012 British Fashion Awards Designer of the Year Stella McCartney has been a quiet fave of Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Beyonce, and the Kardashian clan.



A few stand out McCartney looks from 2012: Rihanna’s Mandarin Hotel Evening 2012 printed Tuxedo dress, Beyonce’s Nets Game Monogram Embroidered Blouse, Naomie Harris’s Skyfall Embroidered Dress, Solange’s Spring 2012 paisley number, and of course that Colorblock Shift noone could get enough of:

Betcha didn’t realize how good of a year it’s been for Ms. McCartney (and her multiple BFA’s didn’t hurt). Read all about it here.

3. Zara

Sure straight off the runway works for celebs, but Zara is a brand beloved by both stars and everyday people alike.

Zara unapologetically takes cues from the catwalk, then offers its interpretations without breaking the bank.

Good quality, flattering pieces, and affordable prices? You can’t beat that with a bat.

See our coverage of Zara here.
4. Christian Louboutin

Let’s be honest: Christian Louboutin has been slaying the scene for years.

But perhaps this year stood out thanks to his fabulous capsule collections and collaborations. 2012 marked the 20th anniversary of the French shoe designer, which meant an onslaught of lust inducing and drool worthy high heels. Despite their $3,995 price tag, his popular Isolde stompers found homes in the wardrobes of Nene Leakes, Monica, Kim Kardashian, and more:



Not to be overlooked were his Unbout Illusion Pumps, whose clear body and colored tip rendered them endlessly versatile. It seemed absolutely everyone had the shoe in different colors. No matter how they were rocked, the shoes werqed.





There’s simply no stopping Monsieur Louboutin. See his year in review here.

5. Givenchy

Few labels have been more ubiquitous than Givenchy this year.

Both men and women have fallen hard for Riccardo Tisci’s simple yet undeniably eye catching designs, consisting of star addled or rottweiler printed t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as sophisticated shifts and separates.





It seemed men in particular couldn’t go a week without rocking a piece of Givenchy. $300 t-shirts flew off shelves as Kanye West, Wocka Flocka, Pusha T, Carmelo Anthony, Victor Cruz, Swizz Beatz, and more flaunted their wealth and good taste on their backs.







Women got in on it, as well. Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Rita Ora, and more slipped on tees, dresses, you name it. Anything signed Tisci was fair game.




Aside from exuding effortless cool, Tisci is also down for diversity. He counts Ciara as his muse, throws kilts Kanye’s way for performances, and designed Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch the Throne album artwork.




Most popular certainly goes to Givenchy, but is Riccardo Tisci Designer of the Year?

More 2012 superlatives are on the way!

As we’re nearing our Bombshell of the Year throwdown, I decided to feature another second timer, Marlene from New York City:

She writes, “Ever since I was first featured I’ve been watching and hoping more of my fellow plus size divas would get a chance to shine and show off their individual style without being ripped to shreds by critics.”

” Fashion in my oppion is an extended part of one’s personality with no holds barred…”


“.. without limits, rules, or restraints.”


“A message to all”

“… Wear love as a undergarment and confidence as your best accessory.”


” On my youtube www.youtube.com/SuperbFashionSense , I try my best to motivate all ladies to love themselves entirely.”


What a positively fabulous message! I was a fan of your looks the first go round, and am a fan now.
What do you think?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!

We’re only days away from crowning our next Bombshell of the Year, so I decided we’d entertain a few resubmissions. Johnnybell from New York was first a Bombshell in August, but wanted to send in a few pix of her renewed style.

She writes, “I’m a 21-year-old mother from NYC.”

“… I was featured before but feel like in these past months I’ve sharpened up a bit more.”


” Love reading what your readers have to say…”

“… and appreciate all the feedback regarding my style.”


” My style is a cross between young/hip…”


“… and modern/classy.”

You are one hot mamma! Loving all your looks. See more at NYTrendyMoms.com. See Johnnybell’s first submission here.
What do you think?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!

Happy Monday!
About a week or so ago, I assembled the Fashion Bomb staff for a holiday themed shoot:

I realized Jihan, Faith, and Cliché’s profile pictures hadn’t been updated since the summer, so decided to make a whole production out of photographing fall/winter shots, with hair and makeup by Julienne Moore and Shalea Walker, and party ready designs plucked from Zaden Row, a new ecommerce site that lets you shop tons of local NYC boutiques.
Take a look at our glamour shots, snapped by Marta McAdams:

Faith gave Mona Lisa fierce in an MM Couture Sequined Shift Dress, gold Parker jacket, and a Black & Grey bib necklace.

Jihan oozed uptown elegance in a sparkling Boundary & Co Zoe Dress, studded skinny belt, faux fur stole, and jewelry by Noir.

Cliché added interest to a Parker dress with a bold statement necklace.

And I went for flapper chic in a black and gold beaded frock, Noir jewelry, and Jimmy Choo shoes.
Fun times!

Many thanks to Nina Zadeh and Keira Duarte of Zaden Row, photographer Marta McAdams, beauty mavens Julienne Moore and Shalea Walker, and to our host Robert Verdi for letting us take over his Luxe Lab.

And if you liked any of our looks, cop ’em at ZadenRow.com. Fashion Bomb Readers get free shipping until Jan 1st by using the code fashionbomb at checkout.
What do you think?

Ending this week is Bombshell Sherane from Atlanta:

She writes, “I consider my style to be pretty eclectic.”

” My outer appearance usually reflects how I’m feeling internally.”


” When I’m in a great mood-I may illustrate it through bright colors.”


“… and if I woke up on the wrong side of the bed- I may wear a plain outfit & spice it up with a funky vintage pillbox hat.”


” Fashion is supposed to be fun and I want my style to remain playful.”


” Growing up I was never the person to drool over fashion mags or follow fashion week.”

” I simply started thrifting and wearing vintage to express myself through fashion for an affordable price.”


” Adding vintage pieces to your wardrobe brings more personality because there is usually a story behind every piece.”


” Even the slight imperfections illustrate more character to your entire look.”

You’re gorgeous! I can definitely see the vintage influences. See more at SheranesCloset.com and follow her on Instagram at @SheranesCloset.
What do you think?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!

Hey Bombshells!
2012 will be over before we know it–but what a fantastic year its been!
From models like Joan Smalls continuing to rock magazine covers to newcomers like Azealia Banks and Rita Ora blossoming before our eyes, this year has been golden for Fashion Bomb celebs. For the next couple weeks, we’re going to take a look back at all the hottest trends, red carpet queens (and kings), and of course our Favorite Bombers and Bombshells:

For Best of 2007, 2008, and 2009, I offered my two cents on who should take the crown in each category. In 2010 and 2011, I asked for suggestions from you guys–I think that method works!
Leave a comment and tell me who you think qualifies for the following categories:

1. Fashionista of the Year

2. Most Fashionable Man

3. Beauty Diva of the Year

4. Top Trends of 2012

5. Fashion Bombshell of the Year

6. Fashion Bomber of the Year

7. Model of the Year

8. Outfit of the Year

9. Designer of the Year

10. Most Improved Fashionista

See past Fashion Bombers and Bombshells here. For all the top 2012 trends, click here. Need to look back at the best models? Check here. And look back at this year’s hottest male looks in our Men’s Style category.
The fun starts on Monday!

You ready for one of our last Bombers of the year?
Take a look at Domo from Jacksonville, Florida:

He says, “I’m Domo, 1 of the designers for Ruhged.“

“I like to call my style Gumbo.”


” My style is very colorful.”


” I like playing with items that a “healthy” guy wouldn’t usually go for.”


” Most Big guys are scared to take risks, but I’m not.”


“I love pushing the barrier sometimes.”

” My Motto: Wear it with confidence.”


If you like what you see, follow Domo @Rughed.

Fashion Bomber of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of male Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!

Today’s Bombshell, Jazmine from Chicago, was submitted by her friend Asia from Beautonomy:

Asia types, “Residing in Chicago, by way of the “Lou,” Jazmine is a hairstylist by day, and fashion designer by night.”

” Finding that she tends to express her everyday emotion as art via the clothes she wears.”


” From Boho chic, to Mod grunge circa 90’s…”

“… Jazmine finds her style is really a mix of era and genre..”

“…almost like that of music.”


” Its the weather elements and textures of things that have also inspired a few of her creations with Polished by J.”


“We appreciate your time and interest in possibly featuring Jazmine and we look forward to hearing from you soon. “

Work it out, girlfriend! I love your many dynamic hairstyles.
What do you think?

Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 6-8 picture(s) to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Images submitted may be featured on Facebook or Twitter. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!