With piercing blue eyes, white-blond hair, and a brilliant smile, it's not surprising Ginta Lapina is strutting her way to the top. Her stunning features—at once angelic and futuristic—are truly unique and have earned her editorial coverage in illustrious publications like Harper's Bazaar, W, Love, Vogue Italia, and Vogue Espana. Additionally, while she already has a slew of top-notch campaigns under her belt—such as Miu Miu, Derek Lam, and Yves Saint Laurent Beauty to name a few—this spring she's featured in the amazing Marc by Marc Jacobs brights-infused desertscape ads, which were shot by Juergen Teller. Finally—as if a major modeling career and killer good looks weren't enough—the lovely Latvian certainly has a way with neutral pieces and knows how to use luxurious textures and eye-catching materials to make every ensemble an intriguing, un-basic look. It's this sleek, yet highly accessible style, along with her budding prowess on the catwalk that makes Ginta Lapina the perfect subject for this month's Model Off Duty.
One of the things we love about Lapina's backstage style is her inclination for a sophisticated textural mix. Take, for example, her powerful ensemble backstage at Dries van Noten's S/S 11 show (top row, left). This striking all-black look is made interesting through the use of double leather, in the form of Rick Owens' Biker Jacket from F/W 10 and Rag & Bone's Classic Legging ($525, 212.219.2204) in black leather, while her vintage boots add a touch of toughness. Once again reaching for leather outerwear, but this time opting to team it with suede, Lapina also pulled on a leather bomber-style jacket with Rag & Bone's The Classic Legging ($985, 212.219.2204) in black suede leather, a Miu Miu bag, Christian Louboutin boots, and Oscar de la Renta's Gold Astrakhan Printed Scarf ($450) from F/W 10 while running around New York Fashion Week during the S/S 11 shows (far right). We love how she once again turned a head-to-toe black ensemble into something deliciously complex by breaking up the colorless palette with an eye-catching scarf. Following a similar style formula, i.e., using a festive piece in contrast with a dark base, Lapina threw on a glittering gold sweater—a dazzling hometown find—with Vince shorts and Topshop's Black Satin Collar Tux Blazer ($135) backstage at Valentino's S/S 11 show for an excellent cocktail look (top row, far right).
While Lapina does love her noir-hued basics—perhaps because they offer such a compelling contrast to her nearly white locks—she proved she also can lighten up on occasion! Case in point: backstage at Narciso Rodriguez's S/S 11 show, where the MOD used a light gray Narciso Rodriguez blazer to accent her beloved Rag & Bone's The Classic Leggings ($985, 212.219.2204) in black suede leather, vintage boots, a Prabal Gurung t-shirt, and her Miu Miu bag (bottom row, far left). The spring jacket offers a lovely ladylike contrast to her edgy black base, making the entire ensemble a little less harsh. Of course, Lapina doesn't shy away from a warm-weather look, as she demonstrated backstage at Michael Kors' S/S 10 show (top row, center). There the super-strutter eschewed all outerwear and opted for a simple white button-down and black Levi's jeans, resulting in an effortlessly chic ensemble that looks every bit the epitome of off-duty cool.
Finally, during New York Fashion Week F/W 10, today's muse provided the perfect example of an oft-challenging style situation: cold-weather chic (bottom row, center). To arm herself against the winter chill, the stylesetter bundled herself in a City Parka ($250) and Scrunch Gloves ($30), both from Eryn Brinie, and grounded the look with Rag & Bone's The Legging ($165, 212.219.2204) in Midnight. The final touch was provided via a Michael Michael Kors' Hamilton Tote ($298) which was generously gifted to all the models who walked in the designer's F/W 10 show.
Luckily, getting this MOD's look is surprisingly simple—all it takes is a few key pieces and wardrobe essentials you may already have in your closet! If not, don't worry; we have plenty of options that will get you perfectly outfitted! One of the primary items on your list should be some leather or leather-like pants. We suggest investing in Helmut Lang's Jersey & Leather Combo Leggings ($690)—after all, leather pants are endlessly versatile—or picking up DKNY's Faux Leather-Front Pants ($99) for a more wallet-friendly version. Black bottoms are imperative to nailing Lapina's look so we'd also buy some inky denim; try Seven for All Mankind's The Skinny Jeans ($178) in black or Frankie B. Jean's French Kiss Leggings ($151). Pair one of these skinnies with a great flak jacket—either Staring at Stars' Hooded Parka ($49) or the Hooded Army Jacket ($128) from Nasty Gal should do the trick—and you'll have a stellar cold-weather outfit that's totally model approved!
Next, it's time to scoop up a few lighter-colored tops to brighten up your tout-noir basics. We like Pins & Needles' Scalloped Placket Chiffon Blouse ($59), Sparkle & Fade's High/Low Button Down Shirt ($49), or Nasty Gal's Downtown Blouse ($48) for a look similar to Lapina's backstage ensemble at Michael Kors. However, if you're dying to recreate our muse's snazzy cocktail outfit from the Valentino S/S 11 show, try throwing Plastic Island's Jagger Tuxedo Blazer ($198) or Alexander Wang's Essential Boyfriend Blazer ($525) over Vince's Metallic Dolman Sweater ($320) for an equally eye-catching, after-hours ensemble.
Lastly, put the finishing touches on your Lapina-inspired look by getting two key accessories—a bag and a scarf—and you'll be ready to step out in style! An MOD outfit is never complete without a giant tote, and we have a bevy of black carryalls to get you on your way! If you'd like to invest in this must-have piece, try Marc by Marc Jacobs' Totally Turnlock Lucy Tote ($498), otherwise grab Cooperative's Multi Flap Turnlock Satchel ($58), Topshop's Ruched Lock Detail Shoulder Bag ($80) or Topshop's Hinge Front Flap Bag ($70) for a quick fix! Finally, take a note from Lapina's lookbook and use a patterned scarf to jazz up an otherwise neutral ensemble. We recommend Asos' Crinkle Oversized Leopard Scarf ($26), Diane von Furstenberg's Gracey Animal Print Scarf ($160), or Alexander McQueen's Scarf ($294) to top off and punctuate your lovely, Lapina-worthy look.—Liza Kaplan
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