Rutgers Student Takes Modeling World by Storm!

The insert cover inspired by the Clinique Fresh Face winners!

Many a girl has dreamed of being a model--wearing gorgeous designer clothes, walking down catwalks, and being photographed by the likes of Patrick Demarchelier and Mario Testino. For Misha Bernier, a Rutgers University sophomore, the dream became a reality. Misha was one of three final winners in Clinique's Fresh Faces contest. As a result, she is featured in this month's special advertising insert for TEENVogue.

From left to right: Contest winners Monica, Misha, and Eartha

In an interview with Scarlet Style, Misha noted, "[TEENVogue] called me really early in the morning to tell me I'd won...I was still sleeping!" Shocked and elated, she quickly told her parents the good news. During winter break, Misha and her sister were picked up via towncar, and went to New York City for three days.

The first day in New York included getting to their hotel and having a meet-and-greet with the other winners. On the second day, the new models had brief photoshoots in their hotel, Times Square, and the Clinique and TEENVogue offices. Misha and the other winners helped with "Naming lipsticks...market research...just talking about what girls want" in terms of cosmetics with the Clinique personnel. The final day featured a day-long photoshoot at Industria Studios. The winners also received $1,000 worth of Clinique cosmetics. However, Misha noted, "My sister came with me, so we're splitting the cosmetics...But I still use them everyday!"

Misha's sparkly dress is fantastic!

Now back at Rutgers, Misha will soon send modeling pictures to casting agencies and hopes to find regular work. She adores Chanel Iman, seeing her as "a total inspiration to women of color," and is also a huge fan of Rihanna. Misha also prides herself on staying real. "Just embrace what you naturally look like. If you're not a 'typical model,' that's perfectly fine. It is possible. Just keep trying."

Note: All images are from TEENVogue, Clinique, and their respective owners.

--ZS