FIB’s TOP MODELS Volume 63 – Sexiest Girls: Lindsay Ellingson

The world is full of beautiful people. But being sexy dwarfs beauty — it is more than just a pretty face or nice physique. When you look at the Sexiest Girls we have chosen, you see a common factor: they all own their sexuality. There will always be critics, but being sexy is about having the cheers of admiration drown the whispers of jealousy.

So each week, let FIB give you a glimpse into our upcoming book, TOP MODELS Volume 63 — Sexiest Girls. Be warned, though: some of these women can make Kate Moss jealous.

With Bambi eyes, flowing golden locks, and porcelain skin, the ethereal beauty of Lindsay Ellingson is truly angelic. No surprise here; the legacy Victoria’s Secret model and Angel was born ready-made for the role. With an exceptional runway and high fashion modelling career, she sits comfortably in our list of Sexiest Girls.

Photo Credit: Victorias Secret
Photo Credit: Victorias Secret

Ellingson’s entry into modelling was entirely unexpected. In hindsight, it is scary to think of what might have happened if she had stuck to her original plan to study biology at UC San Diego. Born in San Diego, California on November 19, 1986, Ellingson suffered from scoliosis and underwent therapy and eventual corrective surgery for the condition in which metal plates were put into her back to support her spine. The experience inspired her to make a difference to other suffering, and she planned to become a doctor. Everything changed when a scout spotted her on the street shortly before beginning her studies, and immediately flew to Paris. Ellingson enjoyed dance after her recovery from surgery, and her slim dancer’s build was a large factor in landing her first job – she was cast by John Galliano to walk for Christian Dior Couture, opening her debut show.

Photo Credit: Galliano for Dior
Photo Credit: Galliano for Dior

What followed was nothing short of a spectacular rise to fame. Ellingson went on to grace the catwalks of New York, Paris and Milan for designers Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Givenchy, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Victor and Rolf, Lanvin, Karl Lagerfield and Salvatore Ferragamo, many of which use her as a muse when constructing their shows. Ellingson featured in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle around the world.

As her career progressed Ellingson remained popular on the catwalk. Her walk captures both innocence and confidence, translating beautifully to brands like Sass and Bide, which Ellingson opened for in New York in 2007, along with Behnaz Sarafpour, and Victor & Rolf, both of whose shows the model closed in 2007, in New York and Paris, respectively.

To round out an outstanding career, Ellingson has a host of high fashion covers to her name. Spanning several countries and a decade of modelling, just some of the magazines she has fronted include Elle Brazil, GQ China, GQ Romania, Elle Italia, Marie Claire Japan, Vogue Mexico, Vogue Portugal and Harper’s Bazaar Beauty.

Although Ellingson can claim an illustrious career on the runway, and overall in high fashion, it is likely that her most memorable work is that with Victoria’s Secret. Out of many models that walk down that runway, only some become true legacies of the brand. Ellingson is one of those few. It didn’t come easy, and Ellingson’s success is a testament to her perseverance, trying out three consecutive years before landing a spot in the highly sought after line up in 2007. Following her first appearance Ellingson became a regular in the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, and two years later she was named an official Angel, remaining one until 2013. Ellingson walked in the 2014 show, but was not an Angel. With tough competition every year to walk in the show, Ellingson earned her spot as one of our Sexiest Girls by constantly staying at the peak of the industry.

Ellingson is just as successful outside of modelling, showing herself to be a talented entrepreneur. Her first venture, jewellery line Goldie Knots, encapsulated her love for jewellery and for humanitarian work, as part of the proceeds from each sale goes to ASPCA, an association dedicated to rescuing abused animals. Her second, Wander Beauty, is a luxury cosmetic line designed for women that travel, with a focus on designing durable makeup. Her “Love Lock Lip Gel” was named “Best Sheer Red Lipstick” by Harper’s Bazaar in October 2015, adding a cosmetics accolade to Ellingson’s long list of achievements.

Photo Credit La Sposa
Photo Credit La Sposa

The end of 2014 saw Ellingson married to Sean Clayton and still rising in modelling. She featured in the Wander Beauty campaign, and fronted several wedding magazines including Brides and Italian wedding magazine La Sposa.

Keep an eye out for FIB’s upcoming book, TOP MODELS Volume 63 – Sexiest Girls.

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