Lineisy Montero in the spring/summer 2017 Prada show in Milan. — AFP pic

PARIS, Oct 2 ― At just 20 years old, Lineisy Montero is causing something of a stir in the fashion world. From designers and major labels to women’s magazines, all the industry’s major players want a slice of the action, making the Dominican model a rising star of the runway and the wider world of fashion. Here’s a look at Lineisy Montero’s rapid rise to fame.

With her stately demeanour, enviable figure, perfect pout and mesmerising dark eyes, Lineisy Montero has everything it takes to tread the runway for the biggest names in ready-to-wear and couture fashion. Her rapid rise to fame began at the beginning of 2015, when she was picked to walk a runway show as an exclusive for Prada. She was the only model in the show who didn’t have a smooth straightened ponytail, instantly setting her apart ― she was unmissable. This runway hit was a springboard for Lineisy Montero’s career, and the young model has been on the up ever since.

A natural beauty

In the space of just four seasons, Lineisy Montero has risen to become the darling of the world’s biggest fashion houses and renowned designers. The Italian label Prada evidently played a major role in Lineisy Montero’s breakthrough, as it is Miuccia Prada in person who chose the young model for her fall/winter 2015-2016 show, and who decided to put her firmly in the spotlight among the many faces on the runway.

Today, everyone wants to book Lineisy Montero, who notched up some serious runway miles between June 2015 and May 2016, with 151 shows ― including six openings and one closing ― according to figures from specialist website Models.com.

So how has this young model from the Dominican Republic managed to succeed and to stand out from the likes of Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner? The simple answer is that she represents a new generation of models, who are atypical, charismatic and diverse. Thanks to these characteristics, she can tread the catwalk for any label and embody all the facets of the modern woman.

Prada, Lanvin, Balmain

From New York to Paris to Milan to London, Lineisy Montero is everywhere right now. For the fall/winter 2016 season, she starred in shows for Maison Margiela, Lanvin, Paco Rabanne, Sonia Rykiel, Céline, Givenchy, Elie Saab, Nina Ricci, Dior, Chanel and Stella McCartney. And these labels certainly don’t choose their models at random. The young star clearly hasn’t finished taking the fashion world by storm.

The spring/summer 2017 shows have started well for Lineisy Montero. She has already starred in some 30 catwalk shows and is expected to be very much present in the French capital, where Paris Fashion Week is currently in full swing (September 27 to October 5).

The stunning 5ft9in (1.80m) model has already been seen in shows for Jason Wu, Noon by Noor, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Boss in New York, for Burberry, Mulberry, Topshop Unique, J.W.Anderson and Versus in London and for Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Max Mara, Diesel Black Gold, Etro, Marni and Dolce & Gabbana in Milan.

In terms of campaigns, Lineisy Montero has posed for Chanel, Zara, H&M and Elie Saab. However, she is yet to follow up this success with a brand ambassador contract for a major fashion label or beauty brand. ― AFP-Relaxnews