Calgary model walks Victoria's Secret catwalk
The hottest modelling event on TV is getting a boost from Calgary.
The city's own supermodel, Heather Marks is putting on the angel wings to grace the runway for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, airing on CBS tomorrow night.
"It's an exciting show to do. It's such an honour because there are only 25 girls in the show," says Marks.
While the stunning 18-year-old, who won the Mode Models model search at the age of 12, has been wowing the fashion industry for the past three years, this is the first time she's being allowed on the Victoria's Secret catwalk.
"You have to be 18 to do it," says Marks, adding it's thrilling to know her friends at home will get to see her strut her stuff on TV.
"Everyone I know loves to watch it -- I mean, it is lingerie. You get the guys who want to see the girls in the lingerie and then you get the girls who are into fashion and are big fans of Victoria's Secret. Everyone loves it."
Marks, who is famous for her big eyes and doll-like features, will join the likes of Gisele Bundchen, Selita Ebanks, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio on the runway tomorrow night.
Among those attending the show will be Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Alyssa Milano, while Justin Timberlake is scheduled to perform.
"The energy is really good, the vibe is really good and the music is always amazing and pumping. It's just a good time for everyone, whether you're sitting in the audience or up on stage."
Marks says the show is a nice change of routine.
"You do Fashion Week, you have 12 shows a day and you are just exhausted, so it's really nice to do this. It's a different group of girls you are working with -- you haven't seen everyone everyday -- so it's really fresh and fun."
Marks, who'll sport a popcorn-inspired bra and underwear number for the show, is expected to make more than US$1 million this year and was recently named one of the world's top 50 models.
The young beauty says she's already accomplished everything she set out do when she started modelling.
"It still blows me away, but I do see it as a job now," says Marks, who recently moved to New York from Calgary.
"It's about making money. You don't know how long you are going to last in this industry, so you just have to milk it for all it's worth while you can."
Despite all her financial success, Marks says she's most proud of growing into a woman who is able to take care of herself and travel the world alone.
On the downside, she's least proud of dropping out of high school.
"If I could go back I would have totally finished high school, but with a job like this, you don't really have the choice. You don't know if you're today's material and won't be wanted tomorrow.
"Your career can last a year or 10 years, so you have to take it while you can get it. I guess for me that time was unfortunately when I was 15."
While nothing is a certainty, Marks says she would love to eventually move back to Calgary for good. In the meantime, however, she is content to fly home as often as possible.
"I'll definitely be coming home for Christmas. I love coming home and seeing my friends and I love to snowboard. I can't wait."
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs tomorrow night at 11 p.m. on CBS.
Thanks to MissMagAddict 
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