Lujan Fernandez

By Sara Templeton

The 'Latino Explosion' is not so much a phenomenon, but more of a mass realisation of the talent and beauty that has always existed in Latin America.

Consider for a moment, that Latin was once the language of scholars and academics more than 2000 years ago, and now - well, the word 'Latin' is more often than not associated with shaking one's 'bon-bon'...

Lujan Fernandez is of Argentinean blood, born there in 1979, and today she's a high-paid megastar in the world of modeling and fashion, which is more than understandable - just take one look at her and it's hard not to be awe-struck with her natural beauty.

Lujan's early life began in a rather peachy fashion, as the young South American was heavily involved with acting and drama and most will agree that she was happiest when performing in front of the cameras or a crowd. She was involved in quite a few localised Argentinean TV shows and this early experience would have no doubt acclimatised her to being in front of cameras; hence her wonderfully relaxed demeanour in front of the lens.

During school, she was always conscious of her acting talents, tending to choose subjects that would assist her in becoming a fully-fledged thespian. But oh, how even the best of plans come unstuck when the fickle hand of fate interjects!

But nay, 'twas not to be, as when Lujan was 14 years old sunning herself on a beach in lovely Uruguay, she was approached by a 'scout' (I use the loosely) who told her a tale of fortune and riches beyond her wildest dreams, and that she may even travel to such mystical places as Milan, New York and gay Paris.

Well, as chance would have it, they exchanged details and a young Lujan later told her folks about the chance meeting she had had.

Her parents didn't see a problem with their daughter trying out for a few photo shoots and then Bam!! Before you can say "Holy Argentinean Angel", Lujan Fernandez had appeared in international photo shoots before she'd even turned 18.

Though she still did the odd stint on Argentinean television, Lujan saw herself in a modeling career, and what followed was a brilliant rise to success.

While still a teenager, Lujan managed to secure spreads in both Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire and after her 'glossy mag' initiation, she moved to New York (as most top models do) to secure more work. Though she instantly landed print contracts for labels like Emmanuel Ungaro and America's favourite lingerie line, Victoria's Secret, it wasn't until she donned a bikini that her true potential became apparent.

In 2000, she was approached by Sports Illustrated to appear in their inaugural swimsuit issue and she accepted, returning in 2001 due to positive reader responses. After appearing in the 'seen-by-all' Sports Illustrated magazine back-to-back, it was now time to officially call Lujan a top model.

She's since worked her Latino 'bon-bon' off, appearing on haute-couture runways on different continents for the likes of Ralph Lauren, while her fashion magazine spreads have also kept her busy, working with big fish such as Vogue (Italian, American & German), Elle and mens magazine GQ.

Having conquered the world of fashion in seemingly record time, one question refuses to go away: What's next for the lovely Lujan?

A big yellow road sign with her name on it points to directly at Hollywood, but a European or Latin American art house flick could also be on the cards. And who knows - with all her experience as a child actor, perhaps Lujan Fernandez' filmic career will mirror her success in modeling?