Search uncovers winning models

Indulge Model Search winners Stacey Mucalo and Jimmie Mckay.

CAMERAS CLICKED amid laughter and smiles as the winners of Indulge Model Search 2016 posed at Mangapapa Hotel last Saturday.

Winners Stacey Mucalo and Jimmie Mackay were having fun changing clothes and moving around this fantastic venue under the guidance of professional photographers Lynda Gordon and her son Jason.

Jimmy, who said he wasn't really a "collared shirt wearer", looked right at home in front of the roaring fire the Mangapapa staff lit especially for the photo shoot.

He looked equally at ease by the pool wearing shorts and a casual top.

His four outfits were from Thomson's Suits in Hastings. Jimmy, who says he entered spontaneously, was a natural in front of the camera.

He looked relaxed and laughed and joked with the photographers.

He said he was "stoked and really happy" when he found out he was the male winner.
"I design clothes myself more casual than this," he said. "Men's streetwear and I have some of my work at the iwi exhibition in the Heretaunga Maori Centre. I do some styling as well."

The 27-year-old has just bought his first house and volunteers one day a week for the Salvation Army.

"My mum and I made a deal. She volunteers one day a week for Riding for Disabled and I do one day a week for the Salvation Army."

Jimmy also works part-time as a farm hand.

He says he was really happy when he got into the final 12 and didn't get any flak from family and friends. "Just praise really. I was pretty nervous coming here." Stacey arrived at Mangapapa after having her makeup done at Make Up Shop in Napier and her hair styled at M>Phosis Hair Stylists in Hastings.

She looked stunning and was fizzing with excitment. "This is so much fun. I feel like a celebrity," Stacey said as she went into one of Mangapapa's amazing rooms to change into her first outfit. One look at the bathroom and she said, "Let's just stay in here for the day."

Her four outfits were from O-So-U in Napier and first up was a beautiful dress.
"I would never pick a dress like this but now I'm like, I want this."

It looked beautiful on her as did all the outfits which were matched with shoes from Holland Fashion Shoes in Hastings, as again Lynda and Jason had some fun with her moving through the venue.

Stacey said she was shocked when she found out she had won. "I'm quite shy so I didn't think I would win."

The business graduate, who is in the process of finding a job, says she has done a couple of shoots before and loves the boost it gives to her confidence.

"I honestly don't want this to be over. "I might walk through town afterwards so people can see how good I look because I don't look like this every day," she laughed.
Stacey was also relaxed and natural in front of the camera.

Lynda and Jason, who have just opened a gallery in Taradale, were thrilled with the venue and the weather which was rather cloudy. "The light is perfect," Lynda said.

I loved the venue. I've never been to Mangapapa Hotel before - it is stunning both indoors and out. I've heard their high tea is amazing. Might have to try it out.