The ecstatic winner of this year’s Face of Coast model search competition, 20-year old Kiralie Cook from Tugun, took out top place at the final hosted by Chevron Renaissance.
The girls kicked off the evening with a jaunt around Surfers Paradise courtesy of Get Hummered, before parading this season’s swimwear from Mojoz, then casual and evening wear from Chevron Renaissance. Guests were spoilt for choice with dining options from the restaurants at Chevron Renaissance.
Judged by a select panel that included highly awarded jewellery designer, Ann Middleton, CEO of Surfers Paradise Alliance, Mike Winlaw, TV host John Burgess, model agent, Sallie Tamblyn and personal trainer, Shane Wood, the 10 entrants were put through their paces – swimwear, casual wear and evening wear, all from the retailers at Chevron Renaissance.
During the course of the event, each entrant was asked about her aspirations and what winning Face of Coast would mean to them. From feedback and the enthusiastic applause, the audience was impressed by the composure and maturity of the girls, whose ages ranged between 18 and 23.
Entrants included University students, a barista, a keen Surf Life Saver and musician – all gorgeous and uniquely talented. “I couldn’t pick between them,” said Coast Lifestyle Publisher, Cindy Page, who with her team had contributed to the event which will propel one young woman to the international catwalks and covers of magazines. “It’s so touching and monumental to be able to change the course of somebody’s life. We are so proud to be able to boost them in to the first step in their career.”
Judges too were faced with a difficult task. “Each one was compelling in her own way,” said John Burgess. “But we made the right decision in choosing Kiralie, who had poise, maturity, elegance and that great healthy look.”
Kiralie was in her own words “shocked and overwhelmed”.
“I think I had the least experience of all the girls – who were all so beautiful and determined. But when they announced my name, I was so excited and thrilled!
I really want this.”
Despite several practice sessions, Kiralie revealed she was nervous of stumbling or “messing up”.
“I don’t normally wear heels, I am tall enough. I pictured myself toppling into the fountain. But when the time came, I felt very calm. I am doing communications at uni, so I have had to improve my presentation and speaking skills. I used to speak garbled and quickly, but through a year of practice press conference I have slowed down. My family will tell you, I love to talk!”
Her parents, Lindy and Brad, brother Nick and two sisters, Taryn and Jenna, as well as boyfriend Jake, were all on hand at the event to lend support and volume!
“They were over the moon, very proud. Mum was clapping like a seal!” Kiralie’s height and slender frame have always attracted attention. “I’m 180cm. People have always said I should try modelling. Straight out of high school, I did a June Dally Watkins course, but I was never in the position to have an agent, and that meant I wasn’t truly motivated.” For Kiralie, winning Face of Coast “is an amazing stepping stone”.,
“It’s all on a plate for me now. I hoped that when the time was right, it would all come together, but this is amazing!”
As the winner, her prizes include a year modelling contract with Tamblyn Models, a trip to China for fashion week and to meet bookers there at the end of October, exquisite jewellery from Middleton’s – jade, diamond and freshwater pearl earrings laced with 0.16cts of Diamonds and Autore Freshwater 9 -9.5mm Drop Pearls created in 18ct White Gold (valued at $1,500) and matching necklace in the form of a stunning jade pendant laced with 0.08cts of Diamonds and an Autore Freshwater 9-9.5mm Drop Pearl created in 18ct white gold (valued at $1,100) – skincare from Dr Spiller, personal training sessions from Get Motivated, a gift pack from the retailers of Chevron Renaissance and swimwear by Mojoz, as well as featuring this issue of Coast Lifestyle magazine.
Proving she is more than a pretty face, Kiralie is in her second year of a PR and Journalism degree at Griffith University. She is prepared to put her studies on hold for her modelling interlude, and says the best part of the competition was meeting the nine other contestants.
“The girls are so friendly. We had a great time, both at the photo shoots prior to the judging and on the night.”
There was barely time to organise appointments, as Kiralie and Sallie Tamblyn headed to China courtesy of Travel Masters, Nerang, the week after the competition, for what is no doubt one of the world’s major fashion events, as well as to meet prospective brands and bookers. The tall, naturally beautiful and very gracious Kiralie said the opportunity to appear on the cover of Coast Lifestyle and model professionally is one of the best things to ever happen to her.
“Winning Face of Coast will give me the opportunity to express my own goals and motivation and show people we can be happy in our own skins, with ambitions rather than just looks, and that a good state of mind is the most important thing.”
The Face of Coast 2010 winner, Tess Alexander, found great success in Japan and then went on to model in Europe, her striking look and warm personality proving very popular in Milan, Italy.
China will be Kiralie’s first real overseas trip. “As a baby, we went to Europe, but that doesn’t count. I have seen the photos and I look very cute in my snowgear, but I can’t remember it at all. I would never in my wildest dreams have thought I would be traveling to China!” Together with Sallie Tamblyn, Kiralie was swept off to China, via Hong Kong and Singapore, taking time to sight see in each city, then to Beijing, before catching the phenomenal Bullet Train to Shanghai. “I am so excited! I will be grasping everything that comes my way. I realise how lucky I am!”
