Four Dunedin models featured in reality television programme New Zealand's Next Top Model on TV3 last night.
University of Otago student Aafreen Vaz (20), twins Elza and Nellie Jenkins (18), and Otago Girls High School pupil Eva Duncan (16) were among 14 models selected to be filmed in the "Top Model House" in Wellington.
"There are more girls from Dunedin in the house than from any other place," New Zealand's Next Top Model spokesman Jade Rook told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
Another Otago Girls High School pupil, Ariana Knox (16), narrowly missed out on making the final 14.
"You're obviously doing something right down there, because we get so many standout girls from Dunedin," Mr Rook said.
"I think, because of the nature of the area and the university and everything, it does breed a unique sense of style."
Dunedin sisters Lucy (22) and Olivia (19) Murphy appeared in the original series last year.
Ali McD Modelling Agency director Aliana McDaniel said there were advantages to finding models in Dunedin.
"Dunedin is a university town and, geographically, the main street is the main street, so it's easier to spot someone with potential here. My eyes are always scanning. If I see a girl [who is model material], I'll stop and stare," she said yesterday.
"If I don't have enough models for a show, I hunt. I'll just go out into the main street and hunt."
Ms McDaniel said it was impossible to define the model "look".
"I'm not sure exactly what you'd call it. It's an X-factor or freak factor or something. They've just got something that makes you stare at them a wee bit. Models are often unusual looking."
Eight Ali McD models are forging international modelling careers.
"It's certainly a viable career now. If you do well, you do immensely well. My top model, Stella Maxwell, is making the same sort of money as the prime minister does."
New Zealand's Next Top Model features 14 young women catwalking and catfighting their way to fame and fashionable clothes.
At stake is a chance to launch a career in the modelling industry, with the winner receiving contracts with 62 Model Management and CoverGirl cosmetics, an eight-page feature spread in Cleo magazine and trips to international modelling agencies in Sydney and New York.
