Kim Smith was born on March 3, 1983 in Houston, Texas. She still lives in Houston, and is in her third year of high school. She practices her favorite sport of golf, as she plays on the varsity golf team. She hit her first hole-in-one last year on a par-three course. She is also on the National Junior Honor Society and is actively involved in her community. Her classmates voted her most popular last year. article continued below...

This 5'9", green-eyed brunette loves to keep fit by exercising, and maintains a very healthy diet with lots of sleep. She got her start by attending a Model Search America contest with a friend. She had no intention of modeling, and was there purely as a spectator. In fact, when president David Mogul spotted her, he asked her why her tag said "Guest", and quickly changed it one that read "Competitor." Shortly after, she received over a dozen calls from different agencies. She signed a contract with Clipse management and Ty Kilinic of Dallas.

Some of her test shots were sent directly to Paul Marciano, President and Creative Director of Guess? She was an instant success, and he booked her immediately for the Fall '99 campaign in Hollywood with photographer Pablo Alfar.

Despite her lack of experience, Kim showed the self-confidence and poise of a veteran. She was right at home in front of the camera, and has been described as "a delight" to work with. She was featured in Maxim's swimsuit issue, and appeared in 'N Sync's video for their hit song Bye, Bye, Bye.

Gear magazine described her as the up and coming model to watch. The review said that "She is Guess's next big thing - following in the footsteps of Laetitia Casta, Claudia Schiffer, and Eva Herzigova."

Besides the Guess? campaigns in 1999 and 2000, she also worked for Glamour, Neiman-Marcus and Ambercrombe & Fitch. She did work for Danier leather, and has made numerous television appearances over the last year. She was seen on Politically Incorrect, The Late Late Show, the Fox Report, Access Hollywood, Extra and MTV. She can be seen in editorials for both Harper's Bazaar and French Elle.

In addition to the Maxim cover, she graced the cover of Gear magazine. She also was found in Amica and Bikin magazines. She will be featured in Glamour and Sky this spring, as well as in the Neiman-Marcus ads.

Kim remains well grounded, despite her rapid rise to stardom. She credits her upbringing, her brother and her friends who have helped her stay true to herself. She believes strongly in education, and listens to the wise words of her parents carefully. Her goal is to finish her schooling and then continue with her modeling career.

• Kim looks for honesty and willingness to communicate in her men rather than opting for good looks and a great physique
• Kim practices her favorite sport of golf as she plays on the varsity golf team. She hit her first hole-in-one in 1999 on a par-three course

Kim Smith
C/O Guess, INC
1444 South Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021