ALLEGRA, 16
How were you discovered?
It was the Chic national Girlfriend model search two years ago. I was a finalist - that was one out of six out of 6000 girls. I kind of did it as a joke with my mum and my brother, and it was the biggest surprise when I actually got through.
I didn't end up winning but it kind of made me interested in modelling and in 2005 I won the Perth Vivien's model search.
What about school?
I'm still in school, doing year 12, so all this is only part-time. After school I want to go to university - to Parsons in New York to study graphic design. I went to Paris in October last year. I was only 15 so I couldn't do too much (work), but I think when I finish high school I'm going to go to Paris for a year and see if it works out. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. I have my own life and my own goals.
So, you don't want to be a supermodel?
It's such a cut-throat industry. You never know who's going to be on top.
Is it a bitchy scene?
No, I think all the girls are really nice. We end up being all friends. We grow up quite fast but it's not something that's bad because we learn about ourselves. The agencies are really protective of us and make sure we take care of ourselves.
What are the best things about modelling?
It's exciting. We get to travel. I live in Perth but I get to travel to Melbourne and I'll be in Sydney in fashion week. It's a good experience. But I'm only allowed to be here until Tuesday because I have to go back to school. It's kind of weird; you go to school so you can get a job but I already have a job.
What about the body mass index issue?
Some of us are just naturally skinny and to tell a girl she has to be over a particular weight isn't fair. When you're younger you're skinnier anyway, skin and bones, until you grow some hips.
Do you diet and exercise?
I'm like the laziest person you could meet. I spend my whole weekends watching TV on the couch. But my mum's just made me join a gym so I can get some fitness; for my health.
How do people respond to the fact you're a model?
I tend not to tell people. There are so many stereotypes about models.
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