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Meet the New Girl: Luisa Bianchin Talks Lady Gaga With Marc Jacobs

Fashion just luuurves a great ginger-haired model. Like Karen Elson and Lily Cole before her, the striking Luisa Bianchin is on the rise. The 18-year-old Bergheim, Germany, native was scouted at a fair in Berlin in 2008. After a strong push by her agent at AM Model Management, Bianchin was sent to Milan a year later, where she quickly became an editorial darling at Italian D. She juggled assignments while finishing high school, and in 2010 came to New York. Now represented by DNA Models, the flame-haired beauty opened Marc Jacobs ‘s spring 2011 show. With that feather in her cap, and the support of powerful casting director Michelle Lee, Bianchin was a big presence in London, where she walked for Mark Fast, Topshop Unique, and Giles Deacon. Though her catwalk bookings in Milan and Paris slowed — with the exception of a memorable appearance at Jean Paul Gaultier — Bianchin had caught the eye of Steven Meisel, who, you will recall, also boosted the careers of fellow redheads Elson and Cole. Click ahead to read a Q&A with Bianchin, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.

How did you get discovered?
Two years ago, I was scouted at a fair in Berlin, Germany.

You opened for the spring 2011 Marc Jacobs collection in New York. What was that process like?
I first met Marc at the casting, and then the night before the show I did a hair and makeup test at which we got to speak a bit more. We had a great conversation. I’m a huge Lady Gaga fan, and he had actually met her. I found out I was opening the show 30 minutes before it started!! It was amazing! I’m glad I didn’t know sooner; it was a nice surprise, and I was so honored.

If you weren’t modeling, what would you be doing?
I don’t have something specific in mind, but I would like to do something else in the creative field.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen while modeling?
To be honest, I’m not sure anymore! There are always so many different crazy things happening that nothing can shock me anymore.

You just woke up, late for an appointment, and you have ten seconds to get dressed. What would you wear?
I take my highest Topshop heels and my favorite Marc Jacobs blue dress and RUN!

What’s the hardest thing about modeling?
The stress when you have to be at several different appointments at the same time.

What’s your diet like?
It’s pretty normal, but my favorite food is sushi!

Share with us some of your beauty secrets.
Just a simple moisturizing cream for the skin, sleep a lot when you can, and some gym.

What’s your ultimate goal in modeling? Is there a contract or campaign you’d just love to have?
My dream job is to do Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel. Otherwise, I just want to be a model for as long as I can, and be the best that I can.

Explore other rising stars (plus all the big names) in our extensive Model Manual, featuring runway pics, glamorous editorials, model bios, career time lines, and more.

Meet the New Girl: Luisa Bianchin Talks Lady Gaga With Marc Jacobs