Finalists in new face competition
This week and next week the Shropshire Star is featuring the 10 finalists in its Face of the Future 2009 competition.
This week and next week the Shropshire Star is featuring the 10 finalists in its Face of the Future 2009 competition.
The 10 young woman all spent a fabulous day with the Shropshire Star and Telford Shopping Centre at a fashion photo shoot in the spectacular house and grounds of Weston Park on the Shropshire border. The historic house looked splendid dressed up in its finery for the festive season.
And a frosty winter's day outside in the beautiful grounds was the icing on the cake as Weston Park proved a perfect setting for the photo shoot.
Expert photographer Russell Davies captured the finalists modelling evening wear loaned by many of the stores in the shopping centre.
Our finalists looked their very best on the day thanks to stylists Ant and Laura, from hair and beauty specialist Rizzo.
The overall winner is due to be announced on New Year's Day. She will win the chance to represent Telford Shopping Centre on at least four occasions in 2009 and will be involved in a romantic bridal fashion shoot during January.
Today we look at the first two finalists.
Rachael Thomas says that becoming Shropshire's Face of the Future would be the first step in her dream of one day being recognised as an outstanding actress.
Studying performing arts at Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, 16-year-old Rachael plans to go onto drama school.
"My love of performing arts and drama means I am confident in public and I feel I would be able to promote Telford in any situation," she said.
"I love meeting people and would welcome the opportunity to be an ambassador for Telford, its shopping centre and its history and heritage. I want to raise awareness of what a great place Shropshire is."
Rachael says she is mad about fashion and loves to look different. "I certainly dress very differently at college," she said.
Rizzo hair stylist, Ant, chose a different look for Rachael which, he said, expressed her individuality.
"We did curls but they were more of a dishevelled, a tousled look to emphasis her long hair."
Simple, electric blue make-up showed off the dark blue short dress she wore. The dress was Spotlight by Warehosue, available in House of Fraser for £80.
Emma Brown, also 16, lives in Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth, and has set her sights on a career working with children.
However, she says her dream job would be as a model.
"I know how hard it is to get into modelling so to be one of the finalists in Face of the Future is a wonderful opportunity," she said.
A student at Kidderminster College, Emma is doing a diploma in childcare and education.
"I am doing work placements at the moment, which I love. Up to Christmas I have been working at the Highley Minors nursery. The children are lovely there and I have had a really nice time working with them."
In 2009 Emma is looking forward to working with slightly older children in a primary school.
Emma also loves fashion and visiting the Telford Shopping Centre.
And she was thrilled with the Jane Norman dress that Leah Roberts from Telford Shopping Centre chose for her.
The short, trendy black and cream prom dress was from House of Frazer and an incredible bargain, priced at just £45.
Stylists Ant and Laura, from Rizzo, said they worked together to backcomb Emma's hair to give it height and volume. They then chose natural make up to enhance her skin tone.
By Sue Austin