represented by IMG models, we’ve been watching joan smalls conquer the world of high end fashion on the runway, through campaigns & through editorial bookings. it’s been an incredible year for smalls who often responds with, “im just doing the best i can”. apparently her best, is the best & has been well recieved in high end fashion circles. earlier last year, joan walked for prada & was still climbing her way to the top seemingly becoming an overnight star right in front of our eyes. in april of this year, joan was photographed by the legendary steven meisel, a move which is said to make the world of fashion shift in your direction, for the pages of italian vogue. after appearing in vogue germany for the publications may issue, we seen joan appear alongside raquel zimmermann for the pre-fall 2010 gucci campaign. as if those bookings weren’t amazing enough, smalls then booked a spot for givenchy haute couture & became a model favorite in the pages of both french & american vogue. of puerto rican decent, smalls has become the industry’s it girl, appearing for the exclusive tom ford womenswear presentation & had appeared in the pages of vogue, again shot by steven meisel, for the collection’s unveiling. while joan has had enormous success as of late, she has been a working model since 2007. closing at dior this past spring & walking for just about every fashion house in new york, paris & milan; smalls tops her year with the end all/be all of fashion contracts, being announced as the latest face added to estée lauder cosmetics. senior vice president & creative director of estée lauder, aerin lauder, speaks on why joan has been enlisted as a new face for the brand; saying, “she’s confident, happy, elegant, well spoken & grown-up”. no doubt, my head is spinning; i’ve had joan on my radar all of this year & am completely floored by how quickly the industry has taken to her. she’s a completely refreshing personality to the fashion world. i am over the moon about the acceptance of more women of color, especially with major cosmetic companies. joan will now join the ranks with marilyn management’s constance jablonski & estée lauder’s first east asian contracted model, liu wen. vogue reports that joan wrapped a television commercial for the cosmetic company, which was filmed in new york over the course of both monday & tuesday. upon being added to the roster joan says, “that’s what i love—it’s a diverse group of women who speak to all women.” while senior VP, aerin lauder, continues with “when we pick someone to represent the brand, it’s about her personality, too. it’s not just the face. you find yourself not being intimidated by her beauty, but drawn in by her warmth.” joan reportedly had to keep the contract signing a secret- even from her own parents, since milan fashion week earlier this year & explains her reaction to finding out about the news, until it was announced by estée lauder. speaking further on her siging of the epic contract joan says, “it still hasn’t hit me yet. it feels surreal.” seen here, joan appears in an official shot from the commercial she recently filmed. radiating like the true star she is. a well deserved career move for joan, as we’ve seen her blossom at warp speed this year in high fashion. beyond overjoyed about this news & it’s no secret to joan herself, jeremydante.com is a full force supporter of the model. in representing diversity & further breaking the color barrier, joan smalls we applaud your performance- keep killing it. joan is a muthafuckn star! i been told you. [SOURCE]