NZ’s cheekiest top model in casting call
There was a lot of nervousness and excitement in the room but none of it was coming from Kiwi model Danielle Hayes.
The former New Zealand’s Next Top Model was the seasoned pro among the 400 wannabe models who turned out for the New Zealand Fashion Week casting call at Auckland’s Aotea Centre yesterday.
‘‘I don’t really care, as long as I get some jobs, it’s all good,’’ said the Kawerau model. ‘‘It’s just a job for me.’’
This will be Hayes fourth time hitting the catwalk at New Zealand Fashion Week, having strutted her stuff everywhere from New York to Milan in recent years.
‘‘Fashion weeks are crazy, no matter where you are in the world it’s just crazy. It’s a blast but it takes a lot out of you.’’
On hand to give out a few tips was industry legend Mercy Brewer, who has walked with the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent.
In her mid 50s, and rocking a funky grey hairdo, the Scottish-born model said despite her extensive career – you can’t assume anything with castings like this.
‘‘I take my chance – just like anyone else. I was thrilled and grateful that I got lovely shows last year.
‘‘Every show is a beautiful show, it’s just fabulous. When you come from a background that’s perhaps not so glamorous, like myself, to find yourself wearing Saint Laurents and Valentinos and the funky Vivienne Westwoods – it’s a beautiful thing.’’
Both Brewer and Hayes were represented by Unique model agency – fronted by Ursula Dixon.
‘‘Today we walked 43 girls and seven guys,’’ she said, and hopes they will all get a spot in Fashion Week.
‘‘I’m excited and nervous for all of our people, we just want them to do well.’’
‘‘We’ve got some girls that we’ve just scouted two weeks ago – so we hope they do well.’’
Over 100 of the models will ultimately be chosen for the show, representing the likes of Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester and Moochi.
The week-long event, which has been running since 2001, starts on August 22.