Sweet Caroline

As a teenager, Caroline Silta dreamed of becoming a supermodel. With sheer determination, she now walks the runway, graces magazine covers and headlines billboards in Times Square

-  JOSEPH MANGHISE

Sometimes teenage dreams come true. Growing up in Rhinebeck, New York, Caroline Silta watched “America’s Next Top Model” on TV and hoped she would end up in fashion magazines one day. Since breaking into the business at age 16 on the pages of “Teen Vogue,” the redheaded beauty has appeared on the covers of “Marie Claire UK” and “Harper’s Bazaar HK,” among other glossy publications. She’s also been the face of campaigns for top brands, including Uniqlo, Fleur du Mal, American Eagle Outfitters and Rebecca Minkoff. Silta (the name is Finnish) says that seeing her freckled face sky high on billboards in Times Square and hitting the runway for New York Fashion Week are pinch-me career highlights. The self-proclaimed Swiftie is also a fan of extreme sports, including bungee jumping, zip-lining and rock climbing. Skydiving is next on her to-do list. When she’s not treating her 75,000 Instagram followers to a look at her far-flung work destinations, Silta is spending quality time with her adorable pup. She’s also been rewatching “Gossip Girl,” her favorite…as a teen.

How did you get into modeling?

I started modeling part-time when I was 15 and still in high school. I was obsessed with “America’s Next Top Model,” so I submitted my photos to all the top agencies in New York City and went to open calls. I got signed, had my bangs cut at the request of my agency and started working soon after.

Did you have the support of your family?