It was of no surprise when I heard that the intriguing Lana Del Ray had been signed by Next Models – an agency that already represents Jessie J and Ellie Goulding. In her latest video we see her showcase her enviably long legs in cut off shorts and Converse trainers, embodying a rebellious lovestruck youngster as she passionately kisses a tattooed male on a car bonnet . In contrast, the video see her channel  old-school Hollywood Glamour, with Veronica Lake soft waves, an otherworldly pout and a sexy silk gown. Her ability to combine a youthful coolness with retro sophistication is surely set to make her the standout new style icon for my generation in 2012. Her new status will inevitably make her the go-to star for designers and brands in the hope that celebrity/music-loving consumers will follow suit in an attempt to emulate. Some savvy designers spotted her potential early though. Christopher Kane and Emilio de la Morena used her haunting music as soundtrack to their shows during SS12 LFW, and Mulberry chose her to perform at their SS12 presentation in New York.

The controversy surrounding the 25 year old is also bound to make her an even more attractive clothes horse. The decision to change her name from Lizzie Grant, her image re-haul and conflicting stories regarding her upbringing, have stirred mass suspicion amongst critics and music fans. Comments about authenticity, regarding both her career and looks, are as rife as the praise that surrounds the American. I personally enjoy a good bit of mystery, but whatever the truth is, the fact remains that Lana is an incredibly exciting musical talent who I will enjoy seeing evolve over the coming year… …and pretty beautiful to boot!

P.S Ms Grant is not the first music star to take a model turn. Eliza Doolittle’s penchant for high hems didn’t go unnoticed for long. She is now signed to Select, where she is joined by X Factor’s Alexandra Burke, the young soul singer Dionne Bromfield and the beautiful Deliah . LA’s coolest teen Sky Ferriera intentionally grown out roots and innate style has also attracted the attention of IMG models.

Born To Die is set to be released on January 27, while her debut album of the same name is due out on January 30.

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About the author

Sophie Eggleton
After finishing her Fine Art degree Sophie went on to gain experience within the fashion teams of UK magazines Eve, Glamour, Elle, First and Vogue . She then spent time as a stylist assistant for publications including NME and Easy Living, then combined her art background with fashion at Alexander McQueen, as an artwork assistant. She currently freelances as a Music/fashion journalist writing for online and print publications including The Guardian, Disappear Here, Bring The Noise, FASHIONMUSICSTYLE, Stylebible, Guestlist as well as LDNfashion twitter. North, South, East or West? South High Class or Common or Garden? In the middle of Common and High Class Clothes or Culture? Both of course! Visiting a gallery in your finest outfit for instance! My best night out ever made me feel... Like I was lucky to be alive...but that cocktails aren't always my friend