Millions have seen her but few know her name. This is the ironic reality of the gifted, young, fashion supermodel Ali Stephens, who uses the Transcendental Meditation technique as a tool for success. In three short years, Stephens has gone from open call, beginner to exclusive Paris feature; from awkward high school teen to a clothing designer's dream.
Discovered by an Elite Model Management scout while shopping with her family, the Salt Lake City resident was initially hesitant about a life in the glamour biz of fashion. However, after careful thought and consultation with her family, Stephens has braved the catwalk and grabbed the fashion world by the tail.
In just a few years, her innocent beauty and natural acting skills have propelled her to the top of the cover girl scene. To date, Stephens has appeared on the front page of ten of Vogue's worldwide publications. In 2009 Stephens graced the runway as an ‘exclusive' for the Calvin Klein Spring show. She then posed in CK Jeans for world-renowned, fashion photographer, Steven Meisel, which confirmed her place as one of the brightest stars in the fashion universe.
At the same time, Stephen's meteoric rise has not created the comet-like burn out experienced by many other young talents in the entertainment and fashion industries. Instead Stephens has a rather simple and innocent approach to her work. Her sheepish admission that the first time she bought a fashion magazine was when her picture was on the cover is a prime example. Stephens also chooses her Mormon faith and the peace of the Transcendental Meditation technique over celebrity events and late night parties.
In a recent interview with David Lynch Foundation Television (Above Video) Stephens explained that her 10-year practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique is a "big part" of her life. She's also a fan of award winning director, David Lynch and his initiative to bring the Transcendental Meditation technique to at-risk youth who apply to learn the meditation after obtaining their parent's permission. According to Stephens, its "incredible what he is doing" and she feels the program could really benefit not only students but their parents as well.
In person, Stephens is unassuming, soft-spoken, happy and very, very, relaxed. After a few minutes of listening to her talk, it's obvious that despite her new-found fame, she has retained her small town values and finds comfort in a self image that is humble, healthy and balanced. Not quite what you'd expect from an 18 year old whose face appears on a one hundred foot billboard. It seems that her family values and practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique have helped her adjust to the recent and rapid changes in her life.
Stephens is also a strong supporter of environmental issues and although she hails from the land locked, high desert of Salt Lake City, she is passionate about ocean preservation. See a recent article where Ali hosts a celebration for ocean conservation. Stephens was a cross-country runner in High School and her athletic legs that have carried her to excellence on the fashion runway.
It's ironic that the same limbs that propel her career are also found silent, in crossed-legged position, while sitting at home or on a Parisian hotel bed, deep in meditation. So regardless of whether you see Stephens with her eyes open on the runway or closed in meditation, she is always a memorable sight and the next time you find her on the cover of your favorite fashion magazine, you will also remember her face and remember her name. Because it's all about the girl they call Ali.
