Natalie Portman: Actor, Harvard graduate … and, now shoe designer.

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Awhile back I stopped by The Agency Arizona: They’re kind enough to help us out with models when we do higher-profile fashion shoots, and since I had never actually said hello in person, dropping off tear sheets gave me a perfect excuse.

They have an ENTIRE WALL of comp cards — each model’s shows off his or her different looks and lists their measurements and sizes — and I was mesmerized. I probably could have stayed there all day just looking at the different pictures and analyzing their features.

While I was there, I was amazed how the bookers honed in on things not apparent to my untrained eye. I’d see a woman with a beautiful body and crazy-long legs; they’d point out she also has a long torso, which makes it harder to book her in shows.

When I left, I felt kind of stupid, like I just found out I’d been operating with my critical abilities set at “sluggish” the whole time.

So when I watched last night’s episode of “Make Me a Supermodel,” the newest reality series to hit Bravo, and learned that America would be voting for the winner, I was dubious. Does America really know what to look for? Heck, *I* don’t even know what to look for, apparently.

For example, would America look at contestant Katy, pictured at left, and say, “You need to work on your body”? (Because the correct answer is: Yes. Yes, she does.)

Lauren Wessinger, a booker at The Agency Arizona, says there are some specifics that modeling agents and bookers look for — but they’re always malleable, too.

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No fair! It seems like I *just* got part of my Wednesday nights back!

The CW released the names of the 14 contestants in Cycle 10 of “America’s Next Top Model” — in case you thought that was the cast of some touring production of “Chicago” above. A look at each of the girls is after the jump. …

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Sephora plans to open mini-versions of its beauty emporiums inside JC Penney stores in Tempe and Casa Grande next month.

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Those of you who had hoped that last week’s challenge had taught Christian a little humility … sorry. And damn if he doesn’t turn around and end up winning this week’s challenge! But Kit’s off interpretation of avant-garde gets her sent home.

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Liz Claiborne’s gain is Target’s loss: The clothing and accessories company has hired Isaac Mizrahi to be creative director, which means he’ll end his five-year-old Isaac Mizrahi for Target collection this year.

His first women’s collection for Claiborne will be in stores in spring 2009.

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Have you test-driven a Ford fragrance lately?

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In its 16 years, the Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak has raised more than $2.2 million for local charities that assist at-risk women and children, thanks to fund-raiser events like an annual spring fashion show.

This year’s event, “Star Spangled Spring,” is scheduled for Feb. 23 in the grand ballroom of the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix. It begins with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m., followed by a noon luncheon, then a fashion show featuring clothing from stores at Kierland Commons shopping center, including Jennifer Croll, Harari, Blossoms/bbz and Eileen Fisher.

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A lot of plus-size fashion centers around the combination of tank top/jacket/trouser — or tank dresses that end at mid-calf, probably the least-flattering spot on a woman’s leg — so I think this above-the-knee dress is a breath of fresh air.

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I found this week’s contender under the “Exotic Shoes and Bags” section at Saks Fifth Avenue, where it holds court alongside crocodile, snakeskin and pony hair offerings by everyone from Miu Miu to Giuseppe Zanotti. So when I saw that it was described as a Gagosian leopard slide, I thought: “Surely it’s not made of leopard skin. Aren’t leopards endangered?” But all the other ones were real ….
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