Kim Dawson Model Search

Fashion!Dallas / Kim Dawson Model Search
August 22, 2009

Now in its 13th year, the Fashion!Dallas / Kim Dawson Model Search has launched the careers of dozens of successful models, including Maybelline face Erin Wasson (the first winner), runway star Mimi Roche, Abercrombie & Fitch model Chaise Mooty, and Teen Vogue stars Ali Michael and Jessica Cline. Each year more than 1,500 hopefuls apply at NorthPark Center to be part of Dallas' most successful model search with the hopes of being discovered.

The competition is open to girls ages 14-22 years, 5'7" to 6' in height and to boys ages 16-24 years, 5'11" to 6'3" in height. Applications are accepted via mail through August 24 with information and applications available at dallasnews.com/modelsearch.

Do you think you have what it takes? Join The Dallas Morning News, CW33, Kim Dawson Agency and NorthPark Center from 1pm to 4pm in NorthCourt located between Nordstrom and Macy's for a FREE one-day open-call event. Hopefuls will submit their applications and have their head shots taken by fashion photographer Larry Travis, then walk the runway in front of fashion experts and scouts from the Kim Dawson Agency with coaching from runway diva Jan Strimple. All the head shots will appear on CW33’s website, where the public will vote and choose one lucky semi-finalist! Click here to vote!

The 2009 winner will receive a one-year contract with Kim Dawson Agency and prize package from NorthPark Center including $1,000 in NorthPark Gold. He/she will also appear in a commercial promoting CW33.

Guest Blogger Jennifer Rodgers: Working Behind the Scenes

Jennifer Rodgers, Fashion and Events Coordinator for NorthPark Center, shared the following information with us:

What does your job entail?

- On the events side of my job I work on coordinating events within the center such as Fashion at the Park and Model Search, and I also get to work with the tenants on their in-store events.

- On the fashion side of my job I get to dress with anchors, Paige, Robert, and Amy, of Good Morning Texas on a daily basis, their clothing is provided exclusively by NorthPark. Also, I get to plan and pull clothing, gifts, and accessories for any news segments that we do throughout the year.

Can you recall a particularly interesting or fun event?

- A fun memory from my job would have to be when I got to plan my very 1^st event for NorthPark all on my own. It was a bridal event that I had to make a budget figure out rental, model costs, hire and fashion show producer, and make my vision for this event a reality. Well, of course everything that could go wrong did, including busting my butt while getting one of the male models from the dressing room, but I did do one thing right… I hired my previous boss, Jan Strimple, to produce the fashion show. She did such a great job, as always, and had also had a amazing ability to keep me calm. In the end the event turned out beautifully and everyone was happy!

What advice would you give to a student or graduate who wants a job like yours?

- The biggest piece of advice I can give to student who want to get into the fashion industry is to go to as many fashion events and parties you can, whether you are a volunteer or some ones plus one, you must network! I would not be where I am today with out the great people in my life pointing me in the right direction and opening up all the right doors. I am truly blessed!

Below: Jennifer working backstage at a runway show, completing last-minute alterations to a very full skirt!