Baby Models of the Month

There has been a cuteness explosion in my inbox, and who can pick between these adorable babies?

Aksel Leder

Age: 9 months
Weight: 20 lbs
Size: 9-12 mo.
Closest city: Manhattan, NY

Aksel Leder

Aksel Leder’s contagious smile

Joseph Venturino

Age: 12 months
Size: 12 mo.
Based in: Staten Island, NY

Joseph Venturino

Joseph Venturino’s contagious smile

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Child Model Winner

Congrats, Lucy!

Lucy Roth strutting the runway, in clothes she designed, at Ellen Gang Design Studio

Height: 55″    Age: 9   Size: 8

Based in CT
Photo by Kerry Long

I saw Lucy in a fashion show recently, and her fierce strut worked like a jolt of caffeine on an audience placidly enjoying a parade of children modeling clothes they had sewn themselves. Lucy was a supermodel among amateurs. The graphic designer friend by my side leaned in and said, “I’d like to do a shoot with that girl.” My friend was not privy to the fact that Lucy normally sports a bald head, as a result of her struggle with Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. I knew this; I’d seen her bravely displaying her naked head on Facebook and thought she was an amazing, inspiring little girl. But on that runway, I caught a glimpse of something more, as did my friend: a model powerhouse of the Linda Evangelista variety with the entrancing glare of Stella Tennant and speedy gait of Tatjana Patitz. She bowled me over and I had to share her with all of you.

Lucy Roth modeling the jacket she made at Ellen Gang Design Studio and channeling Stella Tennant

In the show, for Ellen Gang Design Studio, Lucy wore a wig made by Children With Hair Loss, an organization located in Michigan that provides free human hair wigs for kids struggling with hair loss. Unlike other programs like Locks of Love, when people donate hair to Children with Hair Loss, it goes directly to kids who need it–with no thousand-dollar price tag.

Alopecia Areata is very unpredictable. Hair can fall out or regrow at any time. There is currently no cure for this condition, though about 1-2% of the population suffers from it at some point. Lucy had no hair during third grade but she powered through radiantly. She doesn’t normally wear the wig but rather opts for just a thin hat and sometimes nothing at all. I asked Lucy how she stays strong and confident. She replied, “I just put myself out there and take the risk.” She says she is thankful for her friends, who have been so supportive and kind to her.

There is much beauty in this story. Thank you, Lucy.

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Lucy Roth, an alopecia areata sufferer, celebrates her unique beauty. Photo by Kerry Long.

Lucy Roth looking askance in mirrors. Photo by Kerry Long.

Boy Model Winner: Benjamin Dornstreich

Congrats, Benjamin Dornstreich! He is the third of four winners this month.

Benjamin Dornstreich
Age: 5
Height: 44 inches
Based in Philly
Seeking Representation

Child model Benjamin Dornstreich

Benjamin Dornstreich

Benjamin Dornstreich

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Preteen Model Winner: Sabrina Kirk

Congrats, Sabrina! She is the second of four winners this month.

Sabrina Kirk
Age 12
Height: 4’11″
Size 10/12
Based in NJ
Represented by Funny Face Today

Sabrina Kirk, shot by Dani Diamond, in AW19 for Pastel, Brooklyn. Styled by Dana Curtain.

Sabrina Kirk in swimwear

Sabrina Kirk, by Dani Diamond, for Pastel. Styled by Dana Curtain.

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