Written by Oscar Holland, CNN
Less than a week after captivating audiences at President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony, young American poet laureate Amanda Gorman signed with one of the largest modeling agencies in the world.
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 stars of last week’s presidential inauguration, where she read her powerful poem “The Hill We Climb”. In addition to moving viewers in Washington and around the world, the Los Angeles native also impressed with her vivid fashion choices.
Amanda Gorman speaks at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021. Credit: Patrick Semansky / AP
In a yellow double-breasted coat by Italian designer Miuccia Prada and a Prada red satin headband, the poet and activist stood out from the more deaf crowd behind her. She completed the outfit with jewelry – donated by Oprah Winfrey – by independent designers including New York-based brand Of Rare Origin and Greek jeweler Nikos Koulis.
In the days following his global spotlight, Gorman made a number of high profile public appearances. CNN’s Anderson Cooper said on air he was “pierced” by the poet during an interview shortly after the inauguration. In a virtual appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Tuesday, meanwhile, DeGeneres “endorsed” Gorman for the presidency, although she is still 13 years below the minimum age for a presidential election.
Gorman’s upcoming books, “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” and “The Hill We Climb and Other Poems”, currently top Amazon’s bestseller list.
‘Wow, you’re awesome’: Cooper left speechless by young poet laureate
In addition to representing full-time models, IMG has a variety of characters from the entertainment world on its roster, including Chrissy Teigen and Selena Gomez, as well as musicians, actors and sports stars like Naomi Osaka. The agency’s latest agreement will allow it to develop endorsements and editorial opportunities for Gorman in the fashion and beauty sectors.
While Gorman has yet to release 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 would incorporate her “own kind of symbolism” into the latest Wednesday outfit.
“(Fashion) means so much to me, and it’s my way of looking at the story that has unfolded in front of me and all the people who support me,” she said.
