Finalists in NZ’s Biggest Model Search Announced

DREAM TEAM – FINALISTS IN NZ’S BIGGEST MODEL SEARCH ANNOUNCED

Cadbury Dream Model Search 2007

A dream team of New Zealand’s most beautiful young women have made the finals of New Zealand’s biggest model search.

Announced last night on The Edge, the 12 finalists in the Cadbury Dream Model Search were selected from almost 900 girls who took part in the nationwide auditions held throughout May.

The Wellington region came out tops contributing an incredible six aspiring models to the total, with two from Auckland and one each from Whangarei, Hamilton, Napier and New Plymouth.

Open to young women aged between 13 and 24, competition organiser and Director of Nova Models, Talent & Actors, Caroline Barley, said the 10 regional auditions had been hugely successful and the calibre of this year’s entrants was very high.

The 12 young hopefuls were chosen from a group of more than 55 semi-finalists found at the regional auditions.

“We saw just under 900 gorgeous girls in total, up almost 200 from last year which is huge. It was great meeting so many lovely, charismatic, confident young women,” said Caroline.

“Selecting the finalists was hard with the standard being so high, however we’re very happy with the group we’ve chosen.”

In a major coup, organisers this week also confirmed a representative from Trump Model Management New York as a guest judge in the final, Director of Scouting and Development Duane Gazi, a 16-year veteran of the modeling and fashion industries.

The agency is also offering the Cadbury Dream Model Search winner a one-year contract with Trump Model Management and a roundtrip airfare and accommodation in New York City.

This comes in addition to the prizes already offered to the winner of the Cadbury Dream Model Search which include representation in New Zealand by Nova Models, Talent & Actors; an all-expenses paid trip to Sydney to meet with top modelling agency Vivien’s Model Management; and a test shoot with a top Australian fashion photographer, return flights to Sydney courtesy of Air New Zealand.

The overall winner also gets a $1000 travel scholarship with international manager and model placement agency Michael Hooker International (MHI); a Cadbury Dream chocolate gift basket and flowers; a $1000 Jeanswest wardrobe; a photo shoot with fashion magazine Lucire; and five sets of Hey Sister! underwear.

The 12 finalists will now go on to compete in the July 5 final being held at Old Sofrana House in Auckland, involving a catwalk show for an audience of fashion and beauty insiders, media and sponsors.

The finalists will spend the four days prior in Auckland preparing for the final which will include coaching on how to walk and present themselves, fittings, photo shoots, makeovers by Vada Hair Salon and interviews with the judging panel. Accommodation and meals are being provided by Rendezvous Hotel Auckland.

The girls will model new collections from Jeanswest and Hey Sister! on the night and will be interviewed by the judges the day of the final to determine factors like personality, attitude and determination.

New this year, members of the public can vote for their favourite finalist through the ‘Peoples Choice Award’. To vote for your favourite finalist, go to www.cadburydreammodelsearch.co.nz/vote.html. One lucky voter will win a prize pack of goodies from Cadbury, Jeanswest, Nova, The Edge and C4, as well as a Lucire magazine subscription, Vada cut and colour, one night’s accommodation at Rendezvous Hotel Auckland and two tickets to the Grand Final.

Also new this year, the public can also check out the behind-the-scenes action at the Cadbury Dream Model Search, in an hour-long show airing on C4 the week after the final.

In addition to Duane, this year’s judging panel includes: Caroline Barley, event director and owner of Nova Models, Actors & Talent; Catherine McGill, General Manager of Viviens Model Management, Australia; Michael Hooker, Director of MHI International Model Placement; Belinda Waller, Australasian Advertising and PR Manager for Jeanswest, Melbourne; internationally renowned fashion photographer Tony Drayton; and Jack Yan, owner and director of fashion magazine Lucire.

The Cadbury Dream Model Search 2007 finalists are: Courtney Brandt (15) from RD2, Hamilton; Kathleen Cooney (15) from Taradale, Napier; Courtney Fallow (17) from Hataitai, Wellington; Ellese Forbes (18) from Tawa, Wellington; Sarah Gaskin (17) from Lower Hutt, Wellington; Hazel Gibson (19) from Auckland City; Elle Gibson (14) from Whangarei; Chloe Hamer (17) from Fairfield, Wellington; Jordan James (16) from Brooklyn, Wellington; Larissa Joyce (17) from New Plymouth; Christabelle Ray (17) from Carterton, Wellington; and Anastacia Vorobyeva (18) from Waterview, Auckland.

Cadbury Dream Model Search is proudly sponsored by Cadbury Dream, Jeanswest, Nova Models, Talent & Actors, The Edge and C4.

For more information visit www.cadburydreammodelsearch.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media