New Face 2017's finalists make their mark in modelling world
Pageant alumnae share their model success stories
Before winning local modelling competition The New Paper New Face last year, Jean Yong had no experience in the field.
But today, she is gracing the covers of international publications such as Vogue Italia, Elle Thailand and Elle Paris, as well as local ones like Her World and The Business Times Weekend.
Now signed to local agency NOW Model Management as a full-timer, the 23-year-old biology and business management graduate from Imperial College London also walked the runway for Milan Fashion Week and Singapore Fashion Week last year.
She will be flying to Paris on Sunday for castings for the upcoming fashion week season in the French capital.
Yong told The New Paper: "New Face has opened many doors for me and gave me many opportunities and a good head start and exposure locally before I started to go international.
"I was scouted by my current agency during the competition and New Face got me out of my comfort zone. I stepped out of my shell and was surrounded by a supportive group of girls who encouraged one another."
New Face is back this year to give girls the chance to make a mark in fashion, beauty and entertainment. Sign up at www.tnp.sg/tnpnewface by Wednesday.
It is open to all ages, and the winner will receive $10,000 cash and $2,000 worth of hair services from Kelture Salon.
Walk-in auditions will be held at Subaru Leng Kee on Sept 15, 9am to 3pm.
Yong said: "I joined the competition and held no expectations because the greater the expectations, the greater the disappointment. I was blessed to get selected for the final.
"Speaking from experience, having gone through a drastic hair transformation in the midst of the competition, my advice is to be open-minded and brave to take the first steps because it might open many opportunities for you."
Another New Face 2017 alumna who had a "life-changing experience" is second runner-up Melanie Kasise, 15.
Signed to local modelling agency Mannequin Studio, she was recently featured in a campaign for bedding manufacturing company Simmons Korea.
The CHIJ Katong Convent student told TNP: "A modelling agent from Korea was looking for someone who can model and dance.
"I picked up ballet when I was three years old and explored hip hop when I was 10. My booker happens to be friends with the agent in Korea, so I was introduced for the job.
"I got it in the end and travelled to Seoul with my mum, and it was such a good experience."
She added: "I didn't expect my New Face journey to be so successful. When I went to the audition, I was unsure if I could get in, but I received words of encouragement from my mum who accompanied me.
GIGS
"Since then, I have done gigs with many brands like Pedro, Nars and H&M."
New Face 2017 first runner-up Ameerah Smith, 23, was most recently a Top 15 finalist in this year's Miss Universe Singapore (MUS).
Said the pastry chef: "New Face changed my life and gave me the opportunity to be the model that I wanted to be.My biggest milestones include walking for Grand Bridal Fashion Weekend (Singapore) and my first magazine cover for Solitaire in February.
"I get so excited whenever I see my face gracing the magazine stands. I feel like my experience in New Face has really paid off."
She added: "I'm also proud of myself for being one of the 15 MUS finalists. I got out of my comfort zone and gained new experiences. I am the type who loves to challenge myself."
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