Norwich Fashion Week begins the search for the face of fashion week

The search was on at the weekend to find the next Kate Moss or Brad Kroenig as Norwich Fashion Week launched the first audition to find a modelling team for the next fashion week in September.

Wannabe models ranging from ages 16 to 35 came to independent fashion retailer Vanilla on Sprowston Road yesterday morning, all hoping to be chosen to go through to the final audition on July 7.

The lucky ones chosen to be part of the modelling team will showcase the latest looks from independent retailers and designers on the catwalk during Norwich Fashion Week, which takes place between September 22 and 29.

Two models, one male and one female, will be chosen as the 'Face of Norwich Fashion Week' during fashion week and will win a modelling contract with model agency Powermodel Management.

Eleven entrants from yesterday's audition went through to the July 7 final.

Alice Coates and Harriet Millsopp, both 18, were ecstatic to have qualified for the next round.

'I'm really pleased to have made it through to the final of the competition,' said Ms Coates. 'Norwich Fashion Week sounds like a lot of fun – fingers crossed that I make it on to the team.'

The judging panel consists of Anita Vadhir from Vanilla, Jayne Raffles of The Library Restaurant, Bex Parramint from model agency Powermodel Management and Mandy Dunham from The Gallery Haircutters.

'This is a very exciting opportunity for a unique and versatile team of models to be involved in the region's largest fashion event,' said Ms Parramint.

'We are searching for a model team initially for the launch event, but then choosing two of that team to be crowned the faces of Norwich Fashion Week.

'This means that all confident guys and girls have the chance to get involved, even if they have no previous experience.'

Ms Vadhir from Vanilla, who is also one of the main sponsors of Norwich Fashion Week also believes that the competition will give everyone the chance to be a part of the fashion event.

'From this audition we have already chosen people to go through to the final on July 7 and we hope to discover more talent at the other auditions taking place in June,' she added.

'The winners will form part of the Norwich Fashion Week modelling team that will showcase the latest fashions from Norwich on the catwalk and at fashion shows taking place throughout the week.

'There are so few opportunities in Norfolk to walk the catwalk. This gives Norfolk hopefuls a chance to be part of an exciting event and receive full training and support from the Norwich Fashion Week team.'

Further auditions are taking place throughout June at Vanilla, The Library restaurant on Guildhall Hill and at the Norfolk Show. For a full list of dates and venues visit the Norwich Fashion Week website at www.eveningnews24.co.uk/nfw or follow Norwich Fashion Week on Twitter @NorwichFashion