by Nejela Almohanna
Local Spokane girls who dream of becoming a model, glamorously globe trotting with pictures spread across magazines, are getting a chance to make their dreams come true.
Red Eye Promotions is sponsoring the first annual Spokane’s Top Model competition. Marketing Director Kris Kilduff sees this as a huge step for Spokane.
“We are trying to put the base together for something similar to Seattle Fashion week,” Kilduff said.
More than 284 models tried out for the competition this year in February, and some are still trying to sign up. Criteria for applying were left open to different heights and looks for all the different salons and boutiques being showcased.
“We are open to both aspiring models as well as ones with some modeling background,” Kilduff said.
The competition is made up of three main stages, Kilduff said. First models audition. From those models, 40 have been chosen for the event. Models were then paired up with a salon and boutique and scheduled for a full photoshoot. Those pictures and their live runway appearances on April 16 will make up how they are scored by the judges.
“The competition so far is fast-paced and fun,” said Olivia Cadwell, one of the top 40 models in the competition. “There is a lot of talent in Spokane with the photographers, makeup artists, hair dressers, local designers and models that are working together to form the first annual fashion show.”
The judge panel is made up of some pretty high-end industry professionals, Kilduff said. Judges include Seattle Fashion Week Award Winning Designer Isaiah Whitmore, Glamour Rock PR Owner Meia Walton, Dlist Magazine Marketing Manager Mychal Trawick and owner and director of the Paul Mitchell School Spokane George Brunt.
Spokane’s Top Model will win an all-inclusive trip to Seattle, a chance to walk in Seattle Fashion Week, a meeting with one of Seattle’s top public relations firms, Glam Rock PR and photoshoot with Seattle Fashion Week designer Isaiah Whitmore, a contract with the View Talent Agency, a Red Eye Promotions modeling portfolio, a social media marketing premier setup and a photoshoot with the winning salon and boutique by Savage Unlimited Photography.
The competition is the best thing any model can do locally to jump start or further his or her careers, Kilduff said.
“Our prize package has the option to get them out there on the national market,” Kilduff said.
On April 16, Spokane’s Top Model will have a red carpet event at the Knitting Factory at 6 p.m. The runway show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 for general admission and $40 for VIP seats.
“I am very excited to be a part of this event and can’t wait for April,” Cadwell said.
The audience members can influence selecting the winning model, salon and boutique by text voting for their favorite models at the end of the night, based on the finalized print images as well as the runway performance.
“They will be able to tell us which model, salon, boutique they support and that will directly be affecting the voting,” Kilduff said.
Red Eye Promotions are already preparing for next year’s event.
“We already have some amazing ideas for next year’s event,” Kilduff said. “I hope any aspiring models would have great interest in what we are doing, there are a lot of talented people here so come support us.”
Women who are interested in auditioning for next year’s event should look at magazines, work with local photographers, practice walking, put together a good portfolio and try not to be nervous, Kilduff said.
“There are a lot of pretty women; find out what makes you special, what makes you stand out,” Kilduff said. “Embrace it. Then work at it like it’s a job.”