Models Direct can’t help but be impressed by Ginta Lapina’s modelling career, in which the phrase ‘from humble beginnings come great things’ has never felt more pertinent.

The ice-blonde Latvian started out in the industry just a few years ago when in 2005 she bagged her first ever modelling job for teen fashion catalogue Delias. From that point, Lapina’s career began to spiral into the competitive world of high fashion modelling as she was booked for Teen Vogue editorials and more catalogue work for luxury department store Neiman Marcus.

It wasn’t until spring 2008, however, that she made the final transition into high fashion modelling with her catwalk debut walking for Benjamin Cho at New York Fashion Week.

Now 22 years old, the model, although still a relative newcomer, has earned the attention of fashion’s biggest hotshots, not to mention the Models Direct team.

She walked an impressive 41 shows last season, has featured in high-end fashion and beauty campaigns including those for DKNY, John Galliano, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, YSL and Nars, and has even got her foot in the world of magazine editorials, boasting appearances in Harper’s Bazaar, Flair, Numéro, and Marie Claire, as well as Russian Vogue, Vogue Italia and Vogue Mexico (pictured above).

While she may have started her career in catalogue work, like many of the models here at Models Direct, we think it’s only a matter of time before this stunner becomes a name on everyone’s lips – what a great reminder that everyone has to start somewhere!