Written by Oscar Holland, CNN
Less than a week after the public was entranced at President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, American youth poet Amanda Gorman signed a contract with one of the world’s largest modeling agencies.
On Monday, the 22-year-old Harvard graduate struck a deal with IMG Models, which represents fashion heavyweights like Kate Moss and Gisele Bündchen, the agency confirmed to CNN.
Gorman was one of the breakout stars of last week’s presidential inauguration, where she read her powerful poem ‘The Hill We Climb’. In addition to moving onlookers in Washington and around the world, the Los Angeles native was also impressed with her vibrant fashion choices.
Amanda Gorman speaks at US President Joe Biden’s inauguration at the Capitol on January 20, 2021. Credit: Patrick Semansky / AP
In a yellow double-breasted coat by Italian designer Miuccia Prada and a red satin Prada headband, the poet and activist stood out against the more muted crowd behind her. She completed the outfit with jewelry donated to her by Oprah Winfrey by independent designers including New York-based brand Of Rare Origin and Greek jewelry maker Nikos Koulis.
In the days since he was put in the global spotlight, Gorman has made a number of high profile public appearances. CNN’s Anderson Cooper said on the air that he was “nailed” by the poet during an interview shortly after the inauguration. During a virtual appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Tuesday, DeGeneres meanwhile “endorsed” Gorman as president, though she is still 13 years below the minimum age required for a presidential run.
Gorman’s upcoming books, “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” and “The Hill We Climb and Other Poems,” are currently at the top of Amazon’s bestseller list.
‘Wow, you’re amazing’: Cooper left speechless by the youth poet laureate
In addition to representing full-time models, IMG has a variety of entertainment figures in its roster, including Chrissy Teigen and Selena Gomez, as well as musicians, actors and sports stars such as Naomi Osaka. The agency’s latest deal sees it develop approvals and editorial opportunities for Gorman in the fashion and beauty industry.
While Gorman has not yet made a statement on the deal, she recently spoke to Vogue about her interest in fashion. In an interview published shortly before the inauguration, she told the magazine that she had her ‘own kind of symbolism’ in the latest Wednesday outfit.
“(Fashion) has so much meaning to me, and it’s my way of delving into the history that came before me and all the people who supported me,” she says.
