By ALANAH MAY ERIKSEN
Storm Hodge reckons she could be the next Tyra Banks.
The bubbly Rotorua teenager was one of about 80 budding models, some skimpily-clad, who turned up to impress the judges in the last of 10 heats at the Cadbury Dream Model Search 2007.
Storm was announced a semifinalist at the event in the City Focus yesterday.
The competition, run by Nova Models, Talent & Actors, is the biggest model search in New Zealand and the only televised search.
Storm, 16, had to bring three photos of herself, including a bikini shot, chat to the judges about why she wanted to be a model and pose for a photographer.
The former Lakes High School student, who stands 180cm, has attended various modelling courses since she was 9.
"Modelling is what I've always wanted to do. I love being the centre of attention. Hopefully this will be my big break."
She watches America's Next Top Model every Friday because she admires host and former model Banks.
Proud aunty Heather Hodge, who was there supporting her niece, said Storm had wanted to be a model since she was a little girl but hadn't had any major modelling work yet.
Judges, Nova Models, Talent & Actors director Caroline Barley and Michael Hooker, of model agency Michael Hooker International, now have the job of picking 12 finalists from the 50 semifinalists selected at the nationwide heats.
The winner will be announced at an invitation-only event for celebrities, fashion buffs and sponsors, held at the Old Safrano House in Auckland next month.
Ms Barley told the Daily Post yesterday the final six were "edgy", which is what the industry wants at the moment.
"You don't really know what you are looking for until you see it, you can't explain it."
If Storm wins she will receive a modelling contract with Nova, a photo shoot with Sydney's Viviens Model Management, a $1000 scholarship for travel with Michael Hooker International and a photo shoot with fashion magazine Lucire.
Other semifinalists at the audition were Rotorua residents Amber Jennings, 16, Jenny Bolten, 19, Alexis Morrison, 16, Atiria Morrison, 13, and Tauranga resident Chontelle Melgren, 14.
By ALANAH MAY ERIKSEN
Storm Hodge reckons she could be the next Tyra Banks.
The bubbly Rotorua teenager was one of about 80 budding models, some skimpily-clad, who turned up to impress the judges in the last of 10 heats at the Cadbury Dream Model Search 2007.
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