If a model can transform herself from the pretty girl next door to an intimidating Grace Jones look-alike, she deserves a rightful spot on the runways. And that’s just what Philadelphia-born Sessilee Lopez has been able to accomplish. After attending an IMG open casting call in 2004, Lopez was signed and hit the Vivienne Tam catwalk in February. But her career really catapulted after she agreed to chop her long locks a year later. With just a couple of inches of hair, the beauty of Portuguese and Dominican descent was quickly photographed by Steven Meisel, Gilles Bensimon, and Karl Lagerfeld. Most recently, she was in April’s Italian Glamour flaunting her athletic legs and glowing skin. If we thought we could pull off her strong, androgynous look, we’d be booking our hair appointment now. —Kendall Herbst

Model Profile: Sessilee Lopez

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