During fashion week, nothing gets the fashion crowd buzzing more than an undiscovered fresh face taking her first strides down the runway. Canada has long since been a hotbed for top-notch runway talent (think Linda, Daria and Jessica) and this season is no exception. From Toronto to Milan and beyond, these
homegrown beauties are the most-hyped newcomers of the season. Read on for who will be the next big thing.

One to watch: Chantal Stafford-Abbott

This flame-haired, freckle-faced newbie could be the next Lily Cole. She was recently featured in the September issue of
ELLE Canada and her international runway resume features credits from Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, and Vivienne Westwood. Expect to see this fiery Quebec beauty emerge as a major player with her signature tresses blazing a trail.

Image above courtesy of Leda & St. Jacques.

One to watch: Anaïs Pouliot

Fashion insiders are smitten with this fresh-faced Lachenaie, Quebec native. She scored choice runway gigs this season at Yves Saint Laurent, D&G and Prada and high-profile fashion editorials in Italian
Vogue,
Numéro and American
Vogue. This fall, you’ll see the 20-year-old star in Louis Vuitton’s ad campaign and with her enviable bee-stung pout and porcelain skin, we have no doubt that she’ll add a lucrative beauty campaign to her growing resume sooner rather than later.

Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com

One to watch: Kate King

Fall 2011 might have been her runway debut, but this willowy wonder from Toronto has already logged coveted catwalk time at Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Miu Miu (and she even survived a walk with her hands cuffed behind her back at Louis Vuitton). Her signature razor-sharp cheekbones and statuesque 5’11” frame had her rivalling the likes of Abbey Lee Kershaw and Arizona Muse for runway room. The brunette beauty has also appeared in fashion editorials in
Dazed & Confused,
Interview and fall ad campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana and Topshop. This model of the moment is poised for fashion lift-off.

More models to watch on the next page …

One to watch: Herieth Paul

This Tanzanian-born beauty moved to Ottawa (with her Diplomat mother) only three short years ago and already she has graced the cover of
ELLE Canada. With her high forehead and impossibly smooth skin, many say she’s the next Tyra Banks, while other industry insiders slate her as the next Naomi Campbell. This 5’11” stunner is another example of an African-born beauty who has found her fashion legs in Canada (much like Yasmin before her). She has appeared in American
ELLE, Italian
Vogue and
Dazed and Confused. And with the likes of Steven Meisel tapping her as one of his muses, there is one thing for sure: this fashion novice is well on her way to becoming a seasoned pro.

Image courtesy of John van der Schilden.

One to watch: Janice Alida

Of the newcomer power pack, you might say Janice Alida is the leading globetrotter. For Fall 2011, she walked 34 shows in all four fashion capitals – New York, Paris, London and Milan. This season, the Vancouverite earned her fashion stripes at Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Christopher Kane, Acne, and Celine. She was featured in Teen
Vogue,
V and
Interview magazine and her striking gaze, bold brows and androgynous features secure her as a model mainstay for years to come.

Image courtesy of ImaxTree.com.

Read more:

Designer DNA: Mark Fast
Designer profile: The Blonds 

Designer DNA: Erdem