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Noemie Lenoir

By SARA TEMPLETON

Noemie Lenoir appears to be the next big thing in modeling circles: Like Laetitia Casta, she's not only French, but has all the hallmarks of becoming the mid-naughties' most wanted model.

Noemie has conquered the modeling scene in Europe and America in less than four years, with much of her success down to her image.

She has what industry types would call a "fresh" look: Her mother is from an island off the coast of Madagascar, while her father of French blood. With her emerald eyes, striking hair and 'best walk' according to many, Noemie isn't likely to disappear from the modeling A-list anytime soon.

Talking about her meteoric rise to fame, Noemie said: "I never really enjoy being recognised. I'm not from a show business background, and it is strange to realize that everyone is waiting for me."

Well, in actual fact she said: "Je ne me réjouis pas réellement d'être reconnue. Je ne suis pas issue du milieu du show business, et c'est curieux de réaliser que tout le monde vous cherche," but we just translated.

Born in 1980, Versailles, Noemie was 'discovered' in a post office purchasing stamps when she was 16, by a Ford Models representative.

Soon after being signed up with a Ford agent, she got her first gig doing a shoot for French Marie Claire. After this she landed a GAP clothing campaign, then Ralph Lauren. But before things got too hectic, Noemie decided to finish her schooling and to increase her knowledge of English.

These agenda items completed, she set off for the Big Apple - New York, New York - in 1999 to persue a career in the fashion in industry.

And what a career it's been! Having worked with some of the industry's most recognised photographers - and not by chance, either - such as Mario Testino, Ellen von Unwerth, Peter Lindbergh and others, Noemie Lenoir is as far from the stereotypical model as one could be.

For instance, when a conversation turns to top models, most think of binge drinking, huge A-list parties with more celebs than you can shake a stick at and lots of nudity and raunchy sex. Noemie, however, is the exact opposite, a model preferring to sleep a lot, and who has fresh attitude towards her job.

Some of her work includes the world-famous Pirelli Calendar, campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren Jeans and L'Oreal, has done shoots for magazines Allure, Glamour, Mademoiselle, and multiple internationals for Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire.

She has cat-walked for more than 18 designers, including Gucci and Oscar de la Renta, has been part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue on more than one occasion, has modeled for the US lingerine line Victoria's Secret and has even starred in her first movie - Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre, alongside Gerard Depardieu and Monica Bellucci.

At present, Noemie lives in New York City and one of her favourite past-times is shopping. Hard to believe, really... Commenting on her physique and how to keep in shape - which isn't made easy when you spend more than half the week travelling - she mentions eating good food, swimming a lot and getting lots of rest seem to work for her.

She also loves horse riding and animals in general, and she even hinted recently that she may like to move into other areas of the fashion industry. Could we be seeing the Lenoir range of ready-to-wear ensembles in the near future? If her career so far is anything to go by, then yes - bien sur!