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Beyoncé, Texas - It takes something special to be called an “It Girl” in today’s booming and oftentimes disposable industry. By definition, an “It Girl” represents a young woman who possesses the quality "It," which does not necessarily mean conventional beauty, or outward characteristics, but rather an ineffable notion. Though there are familiar faces like Queen Bey repping Texas and Rih Rih holding down Barbados, we've also highlighted some of the world's most successful but relatively unknown faces that you need to know. Beyoncé’s star status is arguably out-of-this-world, but Bey always manages to remind us of her southern roots. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the seasoned performer rocks her fringe and vintage cowboy boots, loves her fried chicken and waffles, and is often seen throwing up the Third Ward hand sign. By: Moriba Cummings (Photo: Tumblr ...

Photo By Photo: Tumblr via IamBeyonce.com

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Rihanna, Barbados - Putting the Caribbean island of Barbados on the map internationally, Rihanna first burst onto the scene with her reggae-infused dance single “Pon De Replay.” Fast forward eight years, and Rihanna is known for her brash demeanor, thick accent and sexy persona. The Bajan beauty regularly gives subtle nods to her home territory via her music videos, style and those gorgeous Instagram photos of her parading on the beach. (Photo: Island Def Jam Records)

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Alicia Keys, New York - There are many stars who are products of the Big Apple, so many that it's almost hard to keep up. Very few, however, have made the impact that musician Alicia Keys has made on the world. Starting off as a musician, and hailing from Manhattan, Alicia boasts a hard edge that screams "New York" every time she moves. The songsterss loves her home state so much that she even chose a New York man as her life partner. Her husband, producer Swizz Beatz, is originally from The Bronx. Furthermore, the singer showed true New York pride by joining former Bed Stuy native Jay Z on their smash hit "Empire State of Mind." (Photo: Def Jam)

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Nicki Minaj, Trinidad - Femcee Nicki Minaj has come a long way since her underground days, and though she grew up most of her teenage-to-adult life in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the rapper often reminds the world that she's Trini to the bone. Born Onika Tanya Maraj in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, the then young girl left the Caribbean island at the age of five with her mother. And while her memories of living in Trinidad aren't the best, the MC often displays gestures of pride for her culture, occasionally shouting out the nation in her music. In 2012, Nicki returned home to the island to shoot the Carnival-themed music video for her single "Pound the Alarm." (Photo: Cash Money Records/Young Money ent)

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Ciara, Atlanta - Though Ciara is not originally from Georgia (she was actually born in Texas), many know her for her very open appreciation of the culture of the dirty south — Atlanta, to be exact. After signing with producer Jazzy Pha in 2002, Ciara released a slew of hits, including “Goodies” and 1, 2 Step,” which influenced fans and media alike to start referring to the then rising star as the Princess of Crunk (a craze that was taking over Atlanta at the time). Today, Ciara has not forgotten her down south roots, always repping the "A" like only she knows how. (Photo: LaFace Records)

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Rita Ora, Kosovo - Kosovan beauty Rita Sahatçiu Ora burst onto the music scene in 2012 with her debut album ORA, which spawned UK No. 1 singles "How We Do (Party)" and "R.I.P.” Though Ora is originally from Kosovo, her fashion choices and aura speaks to the UK. The singer reps hard, supporting various British fashion brands, even rocking the UK flag on her ensembles, and appearing on several UK magazines. With constant aesthetic comparisons to label-mate Rihanna, Rita Ora is now known as a confident fashion risk-taker with a free spirit.(Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for ELLE) 

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Iggy Azalea, Australia - The 23-year-old Australian rapper grew up in Mullumbimby, New South Wales, and while she’s originally from down under, Iggy has lived in multiple countries throughout her life. At 16, she moved to the States, then later moved to the United Kingdom and eventually returned to the U.S. Though she is mostly known for her music, Iggy is also a professional model represented by Wilhelmina Models and is the new face of Levi Jeans. Joining the rank of Elle Macpherson, Iggy proves that Aussie girls sure can strike a pose too. The rapper is scheduled to open for fellow "It Girl" Beyoncé during the Australian leg of her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. (Photo: ©PacificCoastNews.com)

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Angela Simmons, New York - Introduced to the world on her family's MTV hit reality show Run's House, Angela Simmons matured right before our eyes. Boasting a thick New York accent and a "rough around the edges" demeanor, Angela knows just when to turn it on and off to her advantage. Now considered a television personality and a lucrative brand, Simmons has proven to be an amazing businesswoman. She has already taken over the fashion world with Pastry, dabbled in the beauty business and now has plans to launch a signature line of clothing. (Photo: Hector Valllenilla,PacificCoastNews.com)

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Kat Graham, Switzerland - Kat Graham, born Katerina Alexandre Graham, is a jack of all trades. She sings, dances and models, but is known most for her role as Bonnie Bennett on the CW TV series Vampire Diaries. Though her accent is strictly American, the talented lady represents her Swiss roots in her style choices, effortlessly incorporating various prints and patterns into her wardrobe. While she’s a triple threat, it’s her top-of-the-line fashion picks and hairstyles that boost Kat Graham to “It Girl” status. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for AQUAhydrate)

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Joan Smalls, Puerto Rico - Latina supermodel Joan Smalls Rodriguez has modeled for every designer one can possibly think of. In 2010, she began modeling for Victoria's Secret and was signed by Estee Lauder the following year. Since her debut, Smalls has modeled for Roberto Cavalli, Chanel, Mercedes-Benz, Rag & Bone and Stella McCartney, to name a few. Smalls even brings that Latina sass to the runway, as she told The Daily Mail that she loves to mess with the other girls by staring them down as she walks. Her strategy seems to work as she's currently ranked the No. 1 model in the world, according to Models.com. (Photo: Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com)

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Jourdan Dunn, United Kingdom - British fashion model Jourdan Dunn has done what most women in her field can only wish to achieve...and she's only 22! Dunn was discovered when she was 16 and signed to Storm Model Management in London. Two years later, she was featured in Prada's runway show and was the only Black model to walk. Her real "big break" came when she was cited as the "New Star" in British Vogue. The rest is history. To date, the young beauty has modeled for YSL, Calvin Klein, H&M, Gap, Victoria's Secret and fellow "It Girl" Rihanna's River Island collection, to name a few. (Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images)

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Chanel Iman, Atlanta - Praised by model royalty herself Tyra Banks as the next big thing in modeling, Chanel Iman lived up to that title and then some. Born in Atlanta, Ga., the 22-year-old model got her start in the business very early on. At 13, she began working with Ford Models and was officially signed with the agency soon after. In 2009, her career started booming when she appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue with fellow "It Girl" Jourdan Dunn. Today, Iman is strutting her stuff down the runways of Paris and Milan and is most recognized as a Victoria's Secret Angel. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella)

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Genevieve Jones, Louisiana - Considered New York's most sought after socialite by the state's fashion elite, Genevieve Jones is arguably fashion's best kept secret. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jones grew up a privileged product of two successful parents. The socialite took a stab at singing at a younger age but was unsuccessful after realizing that her passion laid in fashion. Networking her way to the top of all of fashion's biggest events, Jones became very close friends with now world-renowned designer Zac Posen and is at the top of every industry event list in town. (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for IWC)

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Shala Monroque, St. Lucia - Dubbed a "modern style icon" by New York magazine, St. Lucian socialite and model Shala Monroque is most known as the muse for world-renowned designer brand Prada. Though she often is seen in the Big Apple, the St. Lucian beauty has never forgotten her roots. In June, she provided a St. Lucia Travel Diary in collaboration with Vogue for World Oceans Day. Though she is not often in the limelight, Monroque is always recognized at fashion's most exclusive events. (Photo: Johns PKI / Splash News)

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Kinée Diouf, Senegal - Senegalese model Kinée Diouf is doing big things. After gracing the cover of Vogue Netherlands in July, the gorgeous, statuesque model became the first Black model to cover the prestigious fashion publication. Known for her rich, smooth skin and tall frame, Diouf often models designs that reflect her African background, flaunting bold head wraps, flowy fabrics and vibrant colors. The rising supermodel is expected to dominate the world of high fashion in the coming years. Look out! (Photo: Nathalie Lagneau/Catwalking/Getty Images)

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Bria Murphy, California - Bria Murphy, 24, daughter to funnyman and actor Eddie Murphy, has been making a name for herself in the world of entertainment and fashion. The California cutie is currently a runway and print model for LA Models and the face of Dark and Lovely hair products. Aside from modeling, the pretty girl is often seen enjoying the beach or attending industry events in Hollywood. Hey, it doesn't get more Cali than that. (Photo: © T.M., PacificCoastNews.com)