2011 really felt like a good year for Solange Knowles. While in the past we have always thought of her as Beyonce's younger sister, last year was the first time many people stopped and paid attention to her and it's hardly surprising. Her style and penchant for brands like Opening Ceremony and Dries van Noten has won her a legion of fashion fans and she's starred in big campaigns for both Rimmel and Carol's Daughter.

2012 looks to be even better for Knowles as yesterday, news broke that she has just signed with Next Models. Like Lana Del Rey who signed with them last week, she will join the agency's 'talent' category along with stars like Elie Goulding and Alexa Chung. Vogue UK, who are already calling her the 'next big thing', have confirmed that she will guest-blog on the website fo their 'Today I'm Wearing' feature. 

Hopefully this is only the beginning of great things for Solange.

Solange Knowles is quite the style icon. We love her mix of high and low and her ability to go off the grain a bit so the only thing left for her to do - she's currently the face of Carol's Daughter and Rimmel - is to collaborate with a fashion brand.

Last week she attended a block party held by Opening Ceremony on Howard Street, leading many to speculate that a collaboration might be in the works. Okay, that's maybe a bit farfetched. She was only attending the event after all but it would definitely make sense. When asked by Fashionista whether she would start her own clothing line, she explained that she would only do it if it was a collaboration and she made it clear that Opening Ceremony would be her first choice. "I like smaller more accessible brands so it would have to be something that people could afford." she added.