In February 2007, Vogue declared a “Coco Moment.” This was right after Canadian Irish supermodel Coco Rocha opened Jean Paul Gaultier’s Scottish Highlands-inspired fall/winter 2007 show by Irish step dancing down the runway. Since then, Rocha has consistently affirmed her status as one of the most sought after and interesting models in today’s industry.

Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1988, Mikhaila “Coco” Rocha grew up in Richmond, British Columbia. She is Irish on both sides of her family, and also traces her roots to Wales and Russia. Irish step dancing was a big part of Coco’s life from an early age, and is actually how agent Charles Stuart, whose daughter danced as well, first scouted her. In an interview with Irish America in 2009 Coco said, “If it weren’t for my Irish dancing, I wouldn’t be modeling.”

Rocha has been in innumerable runway shows and campaigns, and has graced the covers of many top fashion magazines, including Vogue, W, Fashion, i-D, Harper’s Bazaar – and even Irish America. She has appeared in ads for Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, and many more. She was named one of the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris, and in the summer of 2010 completed a month-long “Today I’m Wearing” feature with Vogue UK. Well known for her vibrant personality, Coco was also invited to host the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards white carpet pre-show. The same summer, she married her long-time boyfriend, interior designer James Conran. The two met when he helped decorate her apartment.