GQ MODEL OF THE YEAR 2009
Jon Kortajarena is GQ Model of the Year 2009. Jon Kortajarena Redruello (born 19 May 1985) is a Spanish male model from Bilbao, Spain. He has been the face of Just Cavalli, Bally, Etro, and Trussardi. He is currently ranked at #5 behind Lars Burmeister on models.com list of the Top 50 international male models, as of October 2009. His distinguishing feature are his chiseled cheekbones, piercing stare, and full pout.
He was discovered when he met a friend Eduardo Sayas who persuaded him to try the fashion world and suggested he go to Barcelona to meet some customers. Kortajarena made his debut in 2004 at the fall Emporio Armani and John Galliano shows in Milan and Paris. In the same year, he became the face of Roberto Cavalli's campaign Just Cavalli shot by Ellen Von Umbert for the spring collection that quickly jet started his career. His runway credentials include walking for Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, John Galliano, and Chanel in Milan and Paris. In 2007, Kortajarena signed with GUESS?. In 2008 Kortajarena was featured on the cover of the spring/summer issue of L'Officiel Hommes magazine devoting 200 pages to the Bilbao native as well as appearing in the recent Tom Ford eyewear ad with Karen Elson.
