MIRANDA KERR may be one of the world's most sought-after models but when she entered Girlfriend Magazine's modelling competition in 1996 she did not even make the finals.
Kerr, who is expecting a baby with actor husband Orlando Bloom, was a Gunnedah school student when she sent some photographs to the magazine in the hope of winning the quest. According to insiders, the supermodel even fronted up at Warringah Mall for the NSW state finals. But at 12 years she was considered too young by the judges and was turned away.
Kerr won the Dolly Covergirl competition the next year and the rest is history: she is the face of Victoria's Secret and David Jones and her face is everywhere, even in the advertisement on this page.
Kerr's bid for fame was discovered recently by staff at Chic Model Management who found photos in their archives. Kerr is represented by Chic, the agency behind the Girlfriend competition. Girlfriend's Model Search quest has launched some of the country's most recognisable faces on the international fashion scene.
Previous entrants - including Alyssa Sutherland, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Catherine McNeil,
Sam Harris and Ruby Rose - have become household names.
This year's winner, Adelaide St Aloysius College year 10 student Jemma Baines, 16, was announced on Wednesday. Girlfriend editor Sara Cornish acknowledged the 20-year-old competition had a rich history.
Baines, still wearing braces, plans to finish school and study journalism or interior design at university, as well as walking the international catwalks and gracing the cover of the world's top fashion magazines. "I'm still in shock; there were so many beautiful girls and my braces don't come off 'til next month," she told The Sun-Herald.
Chic spokeswoman Kathy Ward said Baines was the standout among tough competition.
"Jemma has incredibly long legs, she's in proportion and she's has a really photogenic face and comes alive in front of the camera. She has a great presence," she said.
Chic managing director Ursula Hufnagl would not comment on Miranda Kerr, but said the competition was about finding someone who could fit in on the world stage: "It is not like one look has taken over from another. There are just more looks in the marketplace now."
Lisa Seiffert 1995
Appeared in music videos with Robbie Williams and Jay-Z. Most appearances at Australian Fashion Week, 2010.
Sarah Stephens 2006
XStar of campaigns for Mambo, Portmans and Peter Alexander.
Camille Piazza 2006
Most appearances at Australian Fashion Week, 2010.
Meg Lindsey 2007
Miranda Kerr 1996
Did not make finals but now a star for Victoria's Secret and David Jones.
Alyssa Sutherland 1997
Face of Laura Mercier and campaigns for Chanel and Calvin Klein.
Tione Hawkins 1998
Face of San Pellegrino water and cover girl for Madame Figaro.
Pania Rose 2002
Victoria's Secret model; twice cover girl for marie claire, France.
Catherine McNeil 2003
Star of latest Givenchy ads; modelled for Donna Karan and Versace.
Ruby Rose 2003
Hand-picked by Karl Lagerfeld as the face of Chanel.
Abbey Lee Kershaw 2004
Flown to New York for one photograph for Harper's Bazaar.
Samantha Harris 2004
Done campaigns for Lacoste, Diesel and Benetton.
Sarah Stephens 2006
Most appearances at Australian Fashion Week, 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is the Girlfriend Model Search and why does its 20‑year history matter for fashion brands?
Girlfriend Magazine’s Model Search is a long‑running talent competition that, over 20 years, has launched many recognizable faces onto the international fashion scene. The article highlights that the contest has produced models who went on to front major campaigns and covers, showing it’s been a consistent source of new talent and exposure for fashion and beauty brands.
Which well‑known fashion and beauty brands have used Girlfriend Model Search alumni as faces of their campaigns?
Alumni from the competition have gone on to work with a wide range of major brands mentioned in the article, including Victoria’s Secret and David Jones, Chanel, Givenchy, Donna Karan, Versace, Calvin Klein, Laura Mercier, Lacoste, Diesel and Benetton, as well as appearing in publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire.
What role does Chic Model Management play in the Girlfriend Model Search story?
Chic Model Management is the agency behind the Girlfriend competition. The article notes Chic discovered early photos of Miranda Kerr in its archives, represents Kerr, and its spokespeople (including managing director Ursula Hufnagl and spokeswoman Kathy Ward) commented on winners and what the competition looks for.
How might everyday investors interpret the competition’s track record when watching fashion and retail companies?
Based on the article’s examples of contestants becoming high‑profile models for global brands, investors might see the competition as evidence of a reliable pipeline of marketable talent that can drive brand campaigns and media exposure. That said, the article reports facts about alumni success rather than making direct financial claims.
Who is the recent winner highlighted in the article and what opportunities does she plan to pursue?
The article highlights 16‑year‑old Jemma Baines, a year‑10 student from Adelaide St Aloysius College, as the competition winner. She plans to finish school, study journalism or interior design at university, and pursue modelling opportunities such as walking international catwalks and appearing on major magazine covers.
Which past entrants from the Girlfriend Model Search have become household names?
The article lists several former entrants who became well known, including Miranda Kerr, Alyssa Sutherland, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Catherine McNeil, Sam Harris and Ruby Rose, among others, illustrating the competition’s history of producing notable industry talent.
What international successes have alumni achieved that demonstrate the competition’s global reach?
Alumni achievements cited in the article include being the face of Victoria’s Secret and David Jones, starring in Givenchy ads, being hand‑picked by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, fronting campaigns for Chanel and Calvin Klein, appearing in Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire, and representing brands like Laura Mercier, San Pellegrino, Lacoste, Diesel and Benetton.
What qualities do judges and agencies value in winners of the Girlfriend Model Search?
According to quotes in the article, agencies and judges value traits that translate to international modelling success: good proportions and long legs, a photogenic face, strong presence in front of the camera, and the ability to ‘fit in on the world stage’ with looks that work in the broader marketplace.
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