Beautiful People 2008: Elettra Wiedemann

When Bruce Weber nudges you into the fashion world, you go. Elettra Wiedemann was 18 when the famed photographer, a family friend, featured her in an Abercrombie & Fitch campaign. Now at 24, she has walked for the likes of Alberta Ferretti and Diane von Furstenberg, and currently serves as the face of Lancome. While most of her model contemporaries are doing unlawful things at ungodly hours, Wiedemann is quietly making the world a little bit greener. This past September, the eco-minded muse helped to stage Earth Pledge's Future Fashion show with fellow catwalker Shalom Harlow in an effort to get designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces with renewable fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo. Everyone from Versace to Thakoon participated and some, like Derek Lam, immediately agreed to incorporate the sustainable materials into future collections. Wiedemann is currently raising funds to build a 24-hour solar-powered hospital in Burundi, Africa. Oh, and she's also the daughter of famed Italian actress Isabella Rossellini and the granddaughter of Swedish screen goddess Ingrid Bergman. "I was always taught that independence and ambition, paired with curiosity -- and a little bit of luck -- will guarantee a full and fascinating life," says the youngest of the famed trio. "I try to be all of these things and grab opportunities as they arise."
Sarah Cristobal

Styled by Paul Johnson-Calderon * Makeup by Greg B for de facto using NARS * Photographed at Thom Bar in the 60 Thompson Hotel.

Elettra wears a dress by John Galliano, hat by Chris Benz and bracelets by Lia Sophia. Fragrance: CHANEL No 5.

< BACK TO THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE 2008 LIST