Local model taking it to the Max
DESIRAE HOSACK A FINALIST FOR MAXIM AUSTRALIA COVER GIRL COMPETITION
Dr. Hook once sang about being on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
Desirae Hosack may not be headed for that cover, but the 19year-old model from Lethbridge is one of the finalists for the cover of another well-known magazine.
Hosack, a graduate of Catholic Central High School who is now attending the University of Alberta, is one of 32 finalists for the Maxim Australia Cover Girl competition.
The 32 finalists have been pared down to four groups of eight with the top vote-getter in each group advancing to the final four later this month.
First prize will earn the winner a $10,000 cash prize as well as being the cover girl on Maxim Australia.
Given the sheer amount of entrants, getting to the final 32 is impressive for the local model.
“There are multiple groups,” said Hosack. “It started off with about 25,000 with groups of about 30 and you had to be in the top 15 and then you have to be in the top 10. I got past those and then I had to be in the top five and then the top three. You have to win your group and that’s how you get into the quarter-finals. You had to be first in the quarter-finals to get into the semifinals. So now there are four groups of eight and you have to place first to move on to the finals.”
The voting is on Thursday and closes at 9 p.m. Those wanting to cast a vote for Hosack can go to her page at https://au.maximcovergirl.com/20 20/desirae-hosack.
“You have to get a certain number of votes and promotion, all of that is the most important thing,” said Hosack. “I have a profile and all of my pictures I submitted for it. Everybody can vote for free once a day or you can pay to vote multiple times.”
People can cast a free daily vote using their Facebook login and can also purchase an adventure vote, a $10 minimum with one dollar equaling one vote.
Money raised from the voting goes to the K2 Foundation for families with disabilities that was formed in 2009 and helps individuals with life challenges and disabilities realize their full potential.
No matter what the final vote tally Thursday, Hosack took stock of making it this far.
“I didn’t think it was possible to make it to the (final) 32, that’s so many people,” she said. “I’m kind of shocked, but it’s also pretty cool. I don’t know how far I’ll get, but I think it’s a cool opportunity just to try out. I’ve been modelling for three years, but it’s not something that’s been an actual career. It’s something to do for fun and if anything gets further I’d love that. But it was for fun.”
Hosack began modelling locally. “I have a creative side to myself and I really love creative shoots. I also love fashion, so those two go hand-in-hand,” said Hosack, who has worked with Xerxes Tomas of Lightbridge Images along with Olie Almonte. “He’s been one of my favourites to work with and collaborate with because he’s been really supportive. He really got me into modelling.”
As the votes continue to add up, Hosack continues her postsecondary education at the University of Alberta, currently in her second year of Fashion
Business Management.
“It’s a newer program here,” said Hosack. “Obviously that area is my passion. I love it. It’s online right now, but it’s really cool and my classes this year are much better because last year I had to apply into the program. This year has been a lot more fun, hard work, but I love it.”
In the meantime, the hometown support is buzzing as Thursday’s voting deadline nears.
“My family is also very excited. They’re very supportive of all this and I appreciate it,” said Hosack.
Ditto for her Catholic Central classmates.
“They’re excited, too. Most of my friends have been voting, sharing the link and sharing it on Facebook. Everyone is very supportive.”
Come Thursday, Hosack conceded nerves will be a bit of a factor.
“It’s going to be pretty stressful, I guess. I’m not going to be totally upset if I don’t get past it because it’s lots of people and people with more experience. But it’s still a good opportunity and I would love to go past (semifinals).”
The finals start Oct. 23 and run until Oct. 29.
The voting will be reset and the winner of Maxim Cover Girl Australia will be announced Oct. 29.
Even if she is the last model standing and the Maxim cover girl, Hosack figured modelling will remain a fun pursuit.
“I think just (for) creative shoots. It’s more about the fun for me, but it’s exciting, too.”