Search for top model in shopping centre competition (Pictures)
SHOP worker Simellia Durber hopes to become the next Kate Moss after winning top spot in a catwalk competition.
The 20-year-old, who works at the Monsoon store in Hanley, dazzled judges with her long blonde hair and model-like physique at the Potteries Shopping Centre over the weekend.
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ON STAGE: The Potteries Shopping Centre Model Search 2009 winner Simellia Durber, aged 20 from Northwood, poses on stage. Pictures: Cara Edgington
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MODEL SEARCH: Wannabe models, from left, Melody Smith, Sudawan Kumdee, Michael Ogundibo and Ashley James. Top left, the judges.
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WANNABES: Clockwise, from top, Emma-Louise Jones, Deborah Freitas and Robin Soleimani.
The former Birches Head High student was one of at least 100 entrants who strutted their stuff on the catwalk on Saturday and Sunday as part of the Model Search 2009 competition.
But judges said it was Simellia's bubbly personality rather than her looks which made her stand out from the other entries.
Judge Ellie Pierce, aged 24, who is a London-based model and actress, said: "Yes, Simellia has a beautiful face and figure, but so had many of the girls taking part in this year's competition. We were looking for something extra.
"We wanted their personality to come through while they were on the stage and for the model to connect with the audience. We found Simellia to be bubbly, friendly and lively. I think she has the potential to make it as a model, especially in the commercial modelling world."
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Simellia, of Broom Street, Northwood, won £200 in shopping vouchers. She also hopes the exposure and experience she has gained will give her the boost she needs to enter the fashion industry.
Simellia says she has always been interested in fashion, and took a beauty therapy course at Stoke-on-Trent College after finishing school. She says she would like to follow in the footsteps of Croydon-born model Kate Moss, who was spotted at JFK airport in New York by modelling scout Sarah Doukas when she was just 14-years-old.
Simellia said: "I'd love to be as successful as Kate Moss, but obviously without her downfalls.
"I've been spotted by a model agent before when I was shopping in Liverpool, but nothing ever came of it.
"Taking part in this competition has really boosted my confidence. Winning is smashing.
"I'm really going to give being a model a proper shot now."
The annual Model Search competition, which is in its third year, was organised by the Potteries Shopping Centre.
The judges came from Essex-based firm XS Productions, which holds catwalk events all over the country.
They have professional experience in modelling, acting, photography and choreography.
The entries were given lessons on how to stand, pose and move on Saturday before they were whittled down to yesterday's 22 finalists.
The grand finale consisted of each entrant being given 20 seconds on stage to impress the judges.
Shopping centre marketing manager Sandrine Rutter said: "There has been a very high level of entrants this year and we were particularly pleased with the number of male entrants.
"The event is really popular every year as everyone loves fashion shows. There's a great atmosphere and it is a good time of the year to have the event as it is just before people go back to school."
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