Elite Model Look Final 2012 || LoveScene Magazine

We are not going to lie – a month on and we still find ourselves reminiscing over the most incredible week that was the Elite Model Look 2012 National Final! And to have one of our chaperones, Jo Davis - also a contributor to LoveScene Magazine - compose such a beautiful piece about her EML experience has brought so many happy memories! Thank you Jo for sharing your amazing story and for being a part of this year’s Elite Model Look – we couldn’t have done it without all your help!

On my first day of working with Elite, I didn’t know what to expect.

After spending time with the team at the Newcastle scouting event, I knew everyone was friendly and extremely welcoming, but I still had those natural butterfly nerves which occur every time. As I found my way off the tube and into Waterloo film studios, I developed a massive buzz of excitement as I realised I was in the heart of London, working on board of a big event that many people would be talking about.

Elite Model Look 2012 began by scouting potential male and female faces across the nation, in the hope to find the next catwalk superstar. Narrowing the finalists down to 12 gorgeous girls and 12 beautiful boys, the potential models were then whisked off to London to participate in a week long boot camp involving photo shoots, nutrition, catwalk training and finishing with a final show in front of many industry experts. The winners - consisting of one girl and one boy, would receive a contract with Elite agency and a chance to take part in the world final.

The first day was hectic. 24 models poured through the door, some confident and some, not so much. Hair stylists began their artwork and makeup followed, to create an extreme high fashion finish. The models were then taken away one by one, to be styled by the Look wardrobe team and experience their first photo shoot. Even though it wasn’t me in their shoes, I still felt extremely excited for them. The boys all sported slick back hair and smart suits, whereas the girls  showcased loose waves, tailored tops and eye popping statement outfit pieces.

Meanwhile, whilst preparing for the photo shoot by being given the task of blowing up 150 balloons, I made a friend for life who I still keep in daily contact with now. Olivia, who worked on the Elite Model Look 2011, said she had so much fun last year she had to come back again. As we both lay on the floor in a black cab covered by 150 balloons above us, we began laughing as it wasn’t something we would usually do every day!

As the afternoon drew to a close, the 24 finalists then began to receive a small taste of catwalk training, where previous Elite winner Maddy Hooton set an example for the girls and Topman model Matthew Bell showed the boys exactly how it’s done. Finishing off with group photos, everyone seemed in extremely high spirits as we left Waterloo film studios and myself and 5 other chaperones then escorted the models back to The Flemings Hotel in Mayfair, where dinner and a comfy bed was provided to grab some shut eye after a long day.

Day two: A 6:30 start. Even though I was up at 6:30, I didn’t feel tired because I was still so excited to experience what the day held in store. We began by heading to Pineapple Dance Studios, the grounds where the likes of Kate Moss started out. The models were then put through a fast paced dance routine by industry expert Mark Battershall and told exactly how to stay in shape. After a quick shower and healthy lunch, we then all jumped on the tube to Arsenal, where we were greeted by a beautiful model waiting at the door of her apartment ready to teach us a class in eating healthy and how to make nutritional meals. The model diet mainly consisted of fresh fruit smoothies, miso soup, yoghurts, nuts and the main essential-water.

I was then placed with Olivia to look after the 12 boys, who were preparing to have their first model casting at the Elite offices based on Islington Street, London. The girls were taken to the Blue Fin media building to be cast for LOOK Beauty range, by LOOK Magazine editor Ali Hall. When we arrived at Elite, the boys were told how to act at a casting and the casting director was given the chance to have a look at their portfolios. The girls on the other hand, found themselves catwalking on a rooftop and across the Millennium Bridge in front of a small audience. After a hearty dinner at the hotel, we all went to sleep on happy tummies in preparation for Day three.

It was time for Day 3. We started by visiting Topman on Oxford Street, where the boys were given tailored outfits and told how to further improve their walk for the final show. The girls were taken to Buckingham Palace, where they started to get used to a large audience by walking in front of onlookers who were visiting the landmark. We stopped at Sylvia Young drama school where the models were greeted by Jed Texas, a model signed to Elite who has starred in campaigns for Primark and Topman, who was there to further help the models with more catwalk training.

Day four and it was time for the final show. Westminster business school towered above us as many workers hurried round preparing for the grand finale.  As the models practiced, everyone gave off a positive attitude by helping with small jobs that would make a big difference. Nerves and excitement were in the air, as each finalist walked down a long stretch of ground with their shot from the first photo shoot projected onto a screen behind them. T4 presenter Georgie O’Kell began to practice what she needed to say alongside presenter and model John Mason as I looked at them both, star struck. As six o’clock drew in, the team began to add last minute touches and anxiety travelled across the building with added excitement. The workers quickly got changed into smart outfits in the bathroom and waited in anticipation for the final show to begin.

Floods of people began to arrive, including the cast from Made in Chelsea, Kate Walsh from The Apprentice, Aiden Grimshaw, journalists from the Daily Mail, The Telegraph and TV production companies, friends and family of the finalists, and modelling industry experts. As everyone took their seats, the lights were dimmed and the finalists created a storm down the catwalk, with onlookers admiring the outfits displayed and anticipating who would take the Elite crown.

The announcement then came that English rose Gillian Matthew and cheeky Conor Doherty scooped and signed the contract as winners of EML 2012.

As the finalists made their way back to Kings Cross the morning after, everyone reminisced about how the Elite Model Look event had been the experience of a lifetime.

I count myself very lucky to have been given the chance to participate and work with the Elite family and without hesitation my answer would be a huge ‘YES’ to return next year. After making friends for life and seeing how people's lives have changed, I cannot thank Elite enough. We would definitely all agree we have lived the London dream, even if it was only for a week!

See the article on LoveScene Magazine here.