NZ's next top models plucked from Dunedin high schools
Fri, 16 May 2008 05:41p.m.
Two Dunedin schoolgirls will soon be gracing the world's catwalks after being chosen to model for the prestigious Trump agency.
The girls were the only New Zealanders picked to join a group of 40 other aspiring models in New York for a week of photo shoots with top designers.
From living the life of an ordinary schoolgirl in Dunedin to the glamour of the catwalks of New York; 17-year-old Nicole Clulee's enjoying being back with her school friends after a whirlwind week in America, posing for some of the world's top designers.
"They're really excited and jealous, I think, but all are really supportive," says Ms Clulee.
Along with 15-year-old Kayleigh Hancock, she was spotted at Dunedin's ID Fashion Week in March by the model agency owned by property tycoon and TV star Donald Trump.
From there, it was a fast track to New York.
"I got a call from Ally and she said 'I'm going to New York,'" says Ms Hancock, "and I was like oh okay. Then she was like, 'Kayleigh, you are going to New York,' and I was like, 'oh my god!'"
The pair turned heads, and have been booked for international work.
Ms Clulee will hit the fashion week circuit in August, strutting her stuff in New York, Paris, Milan and London. For her agent, it does not get much bigger.
"These opportunities don't come so often, especially from down south because we don't have the exposure," says Aliana McDonald.
At 15, Hancock is still too young – she has to wait until next year to make her catwalk debut, and will not be pressured into revealing shoots like 16-year-old Zippora Seven, who appeared topless in an Australian magazine.
"It's not needed for a 15-16-year-old to do that sort of stuff," says Ms Hancock. "It's not appropriate for that age.
The girls' fathers seem unconcerned that their daughters are entering the sometimes sleazy world of modelling.
"I've got no reservations," says Gary Hancock. "She knows she can pull out anytime she likes if she doesn't like it."
"I think she's got her head screwed on pretty well for a just 17-year-old," says Peter Clulee.
The prospect of being the next Kiwi supermodel is still sinking in.
"It's weird," says Ms Clulee. "I'm just from Dunedin, so yeah."
She may not be a small town girl for long.
tv3.co.nz
