About 55 models were on show, hoping to impress one of three designers who would hopefully sign them to wear their clothing at the two runway events at Dunedn Railway Station on March 18 and 19.
Clem George (15) is no stranger to modelling after recently arriving back in the country from a modelling stint in Los Angeles. She was looking forward to modelling in her home town.
‘‘It's just really fun,'' the St Hilda's Collegiate pupil said.
‘‘I'm doing it for more experience.''
The 180cm tall model was signed to Next Model Management in the United States and hoped to model full time.
‘‘When I turn 16 they are going to make me global,'' she said.
At the other end of the modelling spectrum was Kaikorai Valley College pupil Taela Aitcheson (16), who was spotted in a Dunedin street by a scout.
He had never modelled before being asked to participate in a model search event in September. He won the male category.
‘‘I'm very nervous at the moment,'' Taela said, while waiting for his turn yesterday.
‘‘I don't really know what to expect. Normally I'm a sports person.''
Taela's mother, who had been a model and participated in fashion week, had given him some tips and he had received ‘‘walking training'' in the lead up to casting.
‘‘I reckon it will be quite good.''
Otago Girls' High School pupil Shaeleigh Read (16) would be participating in fashion week for the third time if she was cast. Modelling was great for meeting people and a good boost for her confidence, she said.
Ali McD Modelling Agency partner and Aart on St Andrew owner Darryl McNamara, who organised the event, said there would be lots of ‘‘newbies'' participating this year but it was up to the designers who they chose.
There were four catagories the models were cast in, which were alternative, pretty, young and men, Mr McNamara said.
Fifteen to 17 models would be cast in each category.
