Forbes‘ 30 Under 30 Features Wang, Cushnie, And Some Question Marks

Looks like we weren't the only ones who spent 2012 collecting the hottest high-achieving professionals under the age of 30. As with our own series, Forbes' collection of professionals, artists, and scenesters in their teens and 20s is an impressive list that contains some of our favorite people, and more than a few randoms.

Take, for instance, the appearance of Alexander Wang, a designer whose career trajectory and staying power belies the fact that he's a mere 29. The lovely Carly Cushnie (pictured) and Michelle Ochs of the ascendant Cushine & Ochs, also makes a well-deserved appearance in the "Art & Style" section of Forbes' feature. Nasty Gal's Sophia Amoruso, The Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, Joseph Altuzarra, Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen all make appearances. In other sections, we see Refinery29-approved faces such as Adele, Frank Ocean, Pete Cashmore, Tavi Gevinson, Maude Apatow, Lena Dunham, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Rebel Wilson pop up. It's a collection of highly worthy youngsters, for sure (though an almost boringly obvious selection).

Beyond them and the other new, fabulous people we met through the series, however, the head scratching begins. Actors like Greta Gerwig, Analeigh Tipton, and Logan Lerman have all enjoyed years of "Next Big Thing" status with all the magazine covers, profile pieces, and hype it entails, and have yet to produce anything resembling remarkable work.

Over in the "Art & Style" section, the debatable choices continue. Vladimir Roitfeld is a great, stylish guy, but does he belong here...really? We sort of feel the same way about another art dealer, Vito Schnabel.

Oddest of all is the 21-year-old Michael Avedon whose entire profile reads, "The grandson of master photographer Richard Avedon, he is currently a student at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Avedon works primarily with black and white 35mm and medium-format film." It almost seems as if Forbes is as ambivalent about this choice as we are.

Oh well, no one's perfect. Besides, if anyone knows how hard it is to put together a 30 under 30 piece, it's us. (Forbes)