Self-effacing and a reluctant social-media user, Aymeline Valade is a stark contrast to today’s generation of superstar models. Yet the French 32-year-old, first discovered by Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, has been booked by everyone from Dries Van Noten to Chanel.

Her striking beauty is marked by a certain undone insouciance, and designers clamour to dress the effortless Valade. Her look is androgynous tailoring – something she has made her own since arriving at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 wearing a Saint Laurent Le Smoking tuxedo.


