On Thursday I attended the Elle New Talent Fresh Face Awards at Coord Studio. The faces of the eight finalists were displayed around the studio along with five words they chose to describe themselves. I quickly fell in love with Alexandra Robertshaw who called herself whimsical, weird, dreamy, daring and fanciful. The beautiful first time model from Johannesburg won the Talent Search receiving prizes to the value of R45 000 from various sponsors, including appearing in the Woolworths campaigns for winter and summer 2011, a wardrobe make over, make-up and a two-year contract with Boss Models,  who will network her to top international agencies. Robertshaw will also receive a year’s subscription to ELLE and will be featured in the January 2011 issue of the magazine, along with the seven other finalists, and will be on the cover of the April 2011 issue of ELLE.

I loved the genuine modesty Alexandra exudes and at just 17, girl has a real presence. The editor of ELLE Magazine, Jackie Burger said that, “To choose the one fresh face from the finalists has been a challenge as all the eight finalists had very unique and amazing qualities,” “This is the first time in South Africa ELLE’s done the fresh face search and the process has been very rewarding, speaking to these young women and understanding their psyche has made us realise the role we have to play in the industry in growing young talent.”

“Alexandra showed a very natural confidence, strong and healthy sense of self, natural beauty and comfort in her skin, and that’s what we were looking for, our brand represents a sexy, stylish, spirited, and independent woman. Alexander fits this description and has the right values to be a role model for other young people,” comments Burger.

All eight finalists of the ELLE New Talent Fresh Face Search will appear in the January 2011 issue of ELLE Magazine. The finalists also each received a photography portfolio with professional photos done by ELLE’s fashion photographers. Finalists also each received wardrobe and make-up to the value of R3 000.