THE fashion world has a new "it" girl and she's Brisbane native Catherine McNeil.
Just one month into 2008, the 18-year-old is already in seven pages of Paris Vogue, has graced the cover of Numero magazine, renewed a contract with Hugo Boss and replaced fellow Australian model Gemma Ward as the face of Jean Paul Gaultier.
The curvy, cat-eyed brunette from Logan, south of Brisbane, who is managed by Sydney agency Chic Model Management, is being hailed as the model of the moment by the international fashion industry.
Next week, the former Shailer Park State High School student will star in every major show at New York Fashion Week, treading the catwalks for top designers like Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.
She will do it all again for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana in Milan the following week and then head to Paris Fashion Week, where she made her debut this time last year.
Not bad for a teenager, who just over a year ago was earning a day rate of $5000, but who now commands up to $50,000.
Despite her overwhelming success, she has not let the sudden fame go to her head.
"She still thinks she's the girl from Logan," Chic Model Management general manager Kathy Ward said.
After an era of waifs and boyish figures, McNeil is being lauded for bringing back classic beauty and womanly curves to the catwalk.
"She's bigger-busted with broad shoulders . . . it's a look that will last a long time," Ms Ward said.
