The Comeback Kid: Ali Michael

Remember Ali Michael? The 18-year-old girl model du jour from Texas with the striking eyebrows who opened for Lanvin last year? We know she’s had more than her share of drama since her career began. In December, she faced criticism for the whole semi-nude, semi-Galliano photo by Paolo Riversi in The New York Times’
T magazine. In February, she got kicked out of Paris Fashion Week after being told her legs were too fat for runway – in other words, for actually eating. Then in May, she boldly took a stand against pressures for eating disorders in modeling on the Today show.

Michael’s five-pound gain definitely kept her in the media spotlight for a while, but it also kept her off the runway. Her disappearance made us wonder if there really is no chance of change in the industry. Thankfully, New York Magazine reports a fresh rebound in Michael’s career. Lanvin recruited her to stand by the Jeanne Lanvin perfume bottles, and Anna Sui chose her as the star of her fall campaign.

Perhaps New York will love her legs in a month and a half? We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
-Grace Bahk