Michelle wears
Head piece - Matthew Britten

Accessories - Zuri

Dress - Mari & Me

Shoes - Model's own

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.

I remember when watching The September Issue, Grace Coddington made a comment about how Anna Wintour knew celebrities were going to be the new style icons, the new magazine cover girls, selling designs on red carpets. Call me crazy but could there be a similar trend rising with plus size models? While celebrities are slaughtered for gaining weight, I can't open a magazine without seeing Crystal Wren these days. For its January issue, V Magazine has embraced the trend which has been gaining momentum for years but found instant notoriety in 2009 due to the overwhelmingly giddy reception to Lizzie Miller, the 21 year old model featured in British Glamour. I know there are lots of fashion size fascits, some are outspoken, others are extremely tight lipped unless they're behind closed doors. But at the end of the day, where there's a gap in the market, there's money to be made. I'll bet that plus size issues are currently some of the best selling magazine issues in years. Everyone wants to see something different.

Size zero standards are being rejected by the average woman who figured out that starving isn't easy when you don't have nutritionists, drug addictions, swelling bank accounts or an Olive Oyl metabolism. The world is changing every day and it is fashion's nature to evolve with it. Whatever one's tastes and opinions are, it is stimulating to see full figures in glossy magazines. While I'm sure National Action Against Obesity founder and extremist Meme Roth would be appalled (saying this kind of thing encourages unhealthy habits) I find it interesting and Crystal Wren hardly promotes obesity. I've always thrilled at different body shapes, imagining how best to style them. In every era beauty standards change and are welcomed by the masses, what will the new decade bring? The bottom line is that everyone is beautiful and they deserve to see a role model that mirrors themselves whether they identify with a Kardashian or a Lisa Ling. Happy 2010! 

V Magazine editorial

When I heard the music begin pulsing backstage I was so excited, imagining my model walking. Soon it was my turn and I just had fun with it. I was dressed in a harajuku range and, due to my love of a dark palette, I had never worn so many bright colours at once before. Just before the show, my dress was falling off so the designer had to quickly safety pin it for me.