Dylan Nicholson usually dresses like a typical student but a remarkable change of image later this month will see him stand out in the crowd.
The 18-year-old, who was Te Puke High School's head boy last year, will strut his stuff on the catwalk at the Montana World of WearableArt Awards
Show (Wow).
Dylan is in his first year of studies towards a bachelor of arts degree at Victoria University in Wellington.
He was headhunted for the modelling job after one of the show's choreographers saw him perform in a university show.
"She was a judge at what it is like the uni version of Stage Challenge and said 'come along to auditions', so I did," Dylan said. "Initially she told me to come along to dance auditions but they didn't need any male dancers and wanted me for the modelling side of things."
Although Dylan has done jazz dancing since he was 6, this is his first foray into modelling and he has a taste for more.
And it beats working in a supermarket to help pay the rent. Rehearsals have already started for the event's 11-show season, which opens on September 23.
Dylan will take to the catwalk at least three times during the show but strict confidentiality rules mean he can't give us a clue about the wacky and wonderful outfits he will wear.
"I have seen a couple of them and they're really cool, I'm really excited about it.
"Each garment has a story to it of the designer's inspiration.
"The costumes are more theatrical than a normal fashion show."
Dylan is studying theatre, film and Japanese and hopes to forge a career in acting or dance.
He hopes the Wow experience will give him a "step up" in his path to modelling and acting, as well as paying some of his uni bills.
"It's really fun, such a good experience."
Also involved in the event is Jessica Aiken, who was head girl at Mount Maunganui College last year. Jessica will perform as a dancer.
