How many of you, whilst flicking through your favourite glossy, have thought: “I wonder what it would be like to be a model?”

The size zero prerequisite aside, the images can be pretty captivating. The fashion, the makeup, the hair…oh my!

How many of us have photos of ourselves reflecting a time when we felt truly glamorous?

I style fashion shoots frequently and watch the confidence of the models soar as they transform through clothing, hair and makeup and take away beautiful images of themselves as a reminder. Yet this same experience is rarely offered to those amongst us who aren’t experienced models. This is where the impetus for our ‘Be a Model for a Day’ competition and shoot came from – to give four women the chance to dress up, be pampered, and feel beautiful.

Our winners

Over 60 women submitted entries and every one of them had a story to tell – we wanted to choose all 60, but had the very tough task of selecting just four. I felt very privileged to read every entry: from drastic weight loss, to losing confidence through relationship break-ups and job losses, to balancing motherhood and careers; the reasons for the entries were varied and honest. But one message came through loud and clear – each and every woman wanted the chance to feel gorgeous, to be primped, and to take some much-needed time out.

Our four winners’ entries really resonated with us – read why here, and see their ‘before’ photos.

Sophia

I would like to play model for a day because ….two years ago I lost a lot of weight – I was a size 16-18 before and, as young adult, I am super grateful that I can now wear beautiful clothes and still can’t believe I can fit into a size 8.

I don’t have many photos of me now as a size 8-10 (no great ones anyway), and would absolutely love and appreciate being offered the opportunity to capture the new me – something to look back on for the rest of my life.

Flynn

I’ve been a size 16-18 for my entire adult life, and always dressed ‘safely’ for my body shape (big boobs and a tummy). However, I recently had two little boys and then lost 25 kgs. I’m now a size 10-12, and trying to figure out how to dress for my new shape, while trying to find my style… I want something interesting, but I’m still scared by the shackles of my larger self.

Also, I’ve recently returned to work and I want to make sure I dress professionally and for my age. I’m nervous of showing too much skin. I also need a makeup lesson as I’ve never worn any…

Emily

I was married for 10 years. Throughout my marriage and two pregnancies I put on over 50kg. I was miserable and ate for comfort. I never felt beautiful… I was never told I was beautiful… I felt invisible… After my divorce, I embarked on a journey of self- discovery. I didn’t know who Emily the adult was! Over the past three years I have lost 40kg. I have renewed confidence in myself. I know who I am!

Generally, I go from home, to work, to the gym and then home again. I don’t have much free time to get dressed up and go out on the town. I would really love the opportunity to be pampered and dress in clothes other than my gym gear!

Angie

My reasons for sending in an entry are based around the fact that as a photographer, I am always on the other side of the camera. I am always the one taking the photos, and so I have never had the opportunity to play the role of the model. I am also quite camera shy and so I feel that really putting myself out there and putting my trust in my MUA, photographer and stylist would be a fantastic opportunity to really understand the whole process from a whole other perspective.

Behind the scenes

On the day of the shoot, these four gorgeous (and perhaps slightly trepidatious!) women met us for hair and makeup bright and early and the girly chat began (even photographer, Geoff Jones, and hairstylist, Eddy Iljin Hwang, seemed to be enjoying themselves amidst swooning over shoes and discussing make-up tips!)

Each of our girls had full hair and make-up from by Mary Li, a clothing and accessories fitting with yours truly, and the dreaded ‘before’ photo (in which they all look stunning anyway!)

Once the prep was done and after a big sushi lunch (fitting for a fashion shoot, non?) we headed off to the newly re-launched Parlour Wine Room in New Acton for the glamorous part of the day.

Our models posed like pros, pouting and contorting while Mary touched up makeup and Eddy and Jenny fixed fly-away wisps of hair, with me squawking about in the background making sure no-one scuffed the $600 shoes!

The quest to get the perfect shot was, of course in the atmosphere, but in amongst the fashion, the flashing lights and the glam location was just the desire to create a fun and memorable day for our four winners. And I think we achieved just that. The last thing Flynn said to me before she left was: ‘I haven’t felt this beautiful or pampered since my wedding day.’

And that, really, was the point.

The results

Sophia

Flynn

Emily

Angie

The team

Annie Brown: Fashion Stylist, Concept and Styling

Geoff Jones: Photographer

Mary Li: Make-up

Eddy Iljin Hwang and Jenny Chan: Hair

Thank you

Bodhi Leaf, Manuka (clothing); Department of the Exterior, Manuka (clothing and accessories); Escala, Manuka (shoes and headpiece – Cynthia Jones- Bryson); Parlour Wine Room for providing us with such a beautiful location, and for supplying us with caffeine!

Want your own makeover?

Annie is offering a styling special for HerCanberra readers: a 2.5 hour styling/ shopping session with consultation over coffee for $149 (usually $230). Please email Annie at anniebrownstylist@gmail.com to book (sessions need to booked before the 30 November and taken before the 29 December).