An 18-year-old Doha high schooler will represent the region for the first time at the Elite Model Look global finals in China later this year.
Australian Isabella Haycock, who has lived with her family in Doha for the last five years, won the UAE and Qatar finals of the Elite Model Look contest on Saturday night, beating 11 finalists scouted this summer in a six-month search for the region’s next top model.
“I’m over the moon, so excited,” said Haycock, wearing a purple gown, as her proud parents looked on. “This has been my dream since I was little. I was really positive, confident and believed in myself and did what I do best. I felt like I was the most positive one, making the other girls feel good.”
Having graduated from high school, Haycock plans to take the next year off and see where her modelling career takes her. She’ll compete in the world finals in Shenzen, China, in November, and if she wins, gets a contract with Elite agency.
The final decision was made by Victoria Dasilva, director of Elite Model Look, the modelling contest which in past editions has been won by the likes of Cindy Crawford and Gisele Bundchen. The contest is in its 30th year and for the first time included the UAE and Qatar. Haycock won thanks to her attitude as much as her beauty and walk, said Dasilva.
“For me what makes the difference was her positive attitude and her motivation. She really wanted to win but at the same time, in a kind way. She wanted to continue the experience. This is becoming more and more important in the business. These days, the idea of beauty is broader, so I have a more open mind to choose different kinds of beauty. What will make the difference between a model and a top model is the motivation and the personality.”
