DIMBOOLA teenager Nicole Polycarpou is set to realise a lifelong dream when she hits the international fashion scene in New York City this week.
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Nicole, 15, is completing a modelling course through Melbourne modelling agency Primodels.
She was scouted for the course during a visit to Melbourne last year.
“It teaches us about catwalks, and we do photoshoots and have make-up classes. We have classes on the fashion industry and learn about what paths you could take,” she said.
“They bring in multiple guest speakers including a psychologist to talk about how important your mental health is.
“Once you have finished you receive your portfolio.”
Nicole has been studying course in Melbourne for the past four months. She said her parents had taken it in turns to drive her to classes – an eight-hour round trip each week.
“I’m very grateful for it because our family manages the Dimboola Swimming Pool and my brothers would take turns in not playing cricket so they could lifeguard with the parent who wasn’t taking me,” she said.
The Dimboola Memorial Secondary College student is in the United States as part of her course.
“When we got to New York we were going to stay for a week minimum. Throughout the week we spent whole days getting taken around to different modelling agencies for castings and interviews,” she said.
“After that week I received a few offers but none more exciting than a chance to try out for Couture Fashion Week.”
Couture Fashion Week presents a series of couture and luxury fashion shows in New York and other selected cities.
Fashion designer Andres Aquino accepted Nicole for the role. She will find out what designers she will walk for on Thursday.
“I’m looking forward to getting styled and made up by designers, make-up artists and hairdressers,” she said.
“I can’t wait to get the celebrity experience and see how the other half lives.
“Sadly, I don’t get to keep the clothes.”
Nicole wants to pursue modelling as a career.
“I have wanted to model since I could walk,” she said.
“I just need to get my school finished so I can have the time to travel overseas.”
Nicole plans to look for work in Australia before pursuing an international career after year 12.
Couture Fashion Week starts in New York on Friday.
Videos via @nicolejanepoly on Instagram.
