Elsa Benitez got her modeling start after winning a model search in Costa Rica in 1995. Modeling gigs poured in soon after, first in Mexico and then in the United States and Europe.

Signed with Elite Model Management, Elsa managed to grace the covers of plenty of top fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire. In 1996, Elsa appeared on the cover of Vogue Italy three times -- in April, August and September.

The Mexican beauty has also done advertising campaign work for Dolce & Gabbana, Macy's, Episode, I-N-C, J.Crew, Oscar de la Renta, Rena Lange, Nine West, Valentino, and Jones New York. Joining models such as Tyra Banks and Laetitia Casta, Elsa has also donned the lingerie and clothes of everyone's favorite company, Victoria's Secret.

Elsa appeared in the 1999 Pirelli Calendar that featured "Women Through the Decades". She was photographed as representative of the groovy '70s in the exclusive issue.

Elsa may not be as recognized as fellow modelsCindy CrawfordandElle MacPhersonyet, but she is bound to become the next Latin supermodel of the millennium, especially after being selected to grace the cover of the 2001 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

In addiction to modeling, Elsa also plans to enter the world of film. With acting lessons under her belt and beauty that is sure to melt the screen, Elsa hopes to work in both Spanish and English films.

Elsa is currently married to former NBA player Rony Seikaly, so we'll all just have to admire her from afar -- or at least from her pictures.