With a clean, classic, and undeniably gorgeous face, Nordic newcomer Linnea Regnander got her first big break when she was booked for Valentino's fall 2010 couture show in Paris. Seventeen-year-old Regnander, who is five foot ten with a 24-inch waist, then flew to New York, signed with IMG Models, and hasn't stopped working since. In her first full show season, Regnander walked for BCBG Max Azria, Alexander Wang, and Calvin Klein in New York (she was selected by casting directors Russell Marsh, Anita Bitton, and the duo Maida Gregori Boina and Rami Fernandes, respectively). The Swede later opened for Versus in Milan, followed by a stint at Bottega Veneta. Paris, however, proved to be her strongest market: She landed on the catwalks for Celine, Miu Miu, Kenzo, Valentino, and Dries Van Noten. Click ahead to read a Q&A; with Regnander, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.

Tell us a little about your childhood.
I lived in Australia while I grew up, but after a few years my family moved to Västerås, [Sweden], which is where I live today. I painted a lot growing up and had dreams of being an interior designer.

How did you get discovered?
I was actually discovered on my birthday by a scout from Stockholmsgruppen when I was out shopping with my friends.

What about beauty secrets, got any to share?
Get a good night's sleep and drink a lot of water.

Guilty pleasure?
I mix popcorn and M&M;'s in the same bucket. It's delicious!

Tell us something random and totally weird.
I am terrified of clowns; they creep me out!

Any models you look up to?
I have always admired the Swedish model Caroline Winberg. I also really like Daria Werbowy; she is someone I started looking up to when I began modeling.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I will have finished school and be working as a full-time model.

What do your family and friends make of your newfound success?
They are very proud and happy for me.

Favorite thing about being a model?
To meet a lot of new people and experience exciting places.

Worst thing about being a model?
To be away from my family and friends.

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