Kendall Jenner may have risen to fame on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but this 18-year-old beauty has stepped out of the shadow of her older sisters and made a name for herself on the runway. The ambitious E! star announced last month that she was dropping the "Jenner" from her name, simply going by "Kendall" for her modeling career, which has seriously taken off. Kendall's appearances in shows for designers like Marc Jacobs and Chanel are increasingly rising above the din of Kardashian-related news stories, which generally have to deal with Kim's omnipresent cleavage and Kylie's '90s-inspired lips.
Unfortunately, not everyone is on board with Kendall's rise to independent fame, and reports recently surfaced that the other models at New York Fashion Week weren't too happy to have their jobs filled by a reality TV star who they thought didn't deserve to be there. We here at HC have a different perspective on Kendall's rise to modeling fame, and have rounded up five of our favorite looks that showcase Kendall's transformation from Kardashian to top model.
1. Sexy Neutrals
Kendall wowed at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards in this Olcay Gulsen jumpsuit, pairing the halter-top-and-high-waisted-pant ensemble with silver pointy-toe pumps and a metallic clutch. She finished off the slightly futuristic look with sleek strands and a smokey eye. This model clearly knows how to dress for her body, and we couldn't help but draw comparisons between this outfit and that of another top model...
2. Off-Duty Edge
Kendall looked every inch the top model-off-duty strutting around Paris in this edgy, rocker-chic ensemble. From the leather leggings and combat boots to the cropped tee and that to-die-for Givenchy jacket, it looks like Kendall has mastered the art of effortlessly cool Parisian street style.
3. Sophisticated Stripes
Yet another Parisian look, Kendall donned this amazing striped set while out to lunch with mom Kris ahead of Paris Fashion Week. This chic ensemble is a far cry from the over-the-top bodycon outfits we're used to seeing from the Kardashian klan, and this sophisticated and tailored look was a total breath of fresh air (and a testament to Kendall's ability to put together an amazing outfit!).
4. In Vogue... Literally
As another Kardashian knows, you know you've made it once you're in Vogue. This impossibly stylish spread Kendall shot for Vogue Australia is a perfect example of why this young model is here to stay. From the Audrey Hepburn-esque backless dress and fashion-forward shoes to the stunning wide-brimmed hat and Kendall's gorgeous bone structure, everything about this shot is perfection.
5. Chic at Chanel
Kendall showed everyone she's in the same league as the world's top supermodels when she walked alongside them at the Chanel Haute Couture show during Paris Fashion Week recently. Channeling her inner punk and rocking a tweed ensemble that eerily resembled her hairstyle (in the best way), Kendall looked right at home on the catwalk.
Kendall may have grown up in the shadow of reality TV's most influential family, but this superstar has made a career and a name for herself in the modeling industry. Her high-fashion style has proved to us all that Kendall is completely deserving of her meteoric rise to fame. Collegiettes—what do you think of Kendall's model-off-duty and runway looks?