Kang Seung-hyun, winner of the Ford Supermodel of the World contest.
Korean model Kang Seung-hyun(21) stunned the world by winning first place at the Ford Supermodel of the World contest held in New York. She is the first Asian winner in the event’s 25-year history. The contest is hosted by Ford Models, regarded as one of the world’s leading modeling agencies. Kang Seung-hyun, who is studying in the Department of Modeling at Dongduk Women’s University, received $250,000 in prize money and is expected to pursue a career on the international stage.

What drew the judges’ attention to her at this competition? It was Kang Seung-hyun’s ‘baby face(youthful appearance).’ With her small, elongated eyes, delicate nose and mouth, rounded jawline, and plump cheeks, Kang Seung-hyun’s face is a classic example of the ‘baby face’ look that has become one of the fashion industry’s biggest trends in recent years. Gemma Ward(Gemma Ward), Heather Marks(Heather Marks), Jessica Stam(Jessica stam), and Lily Cole(Lily Cole) are among today’s most successful ‘baby face’ models. Their appearance is completely different from that of earlier models represented by Gisele Bündchen’s sensual appeal or Kate Moss’s androgynous beauty.

Baby-face models, who began appearing one by one three to four years ago, are now highly active as leading models for Jil Sander, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and other major brands.

Can Kang Seung-hyun challenge the dominance of these established baby-face models? Absolutely. Simply having a youthful face is not enough to attract attention as a baby-face model. Standing 178cm tall and weighing 51kg, Kang Seung-hyun has an Asian yet girlish face, along with arms and legs that appear exceptionally long and slender for her frame. Moreover, her smooth and energetic runway walk, supported by her well-balanced hips, was more than enough to capture the attention of the Ford Supermodel of the World judges. As the sexy, glamorous trend fades and baby faces lead the modeling world, global attention is focused on the arrival of a model who may surpass the four leading baby-face models and captivate the entire fashion industry.