By Luke Voogt
A 15-year-old from Bell Post Hill has won an international modelling contract after taking out a competition in the UK.
Hope Mancer returned home on Wednesday after recently winning the Top Model Worldwide competition.
“It’s the first time an Australian has been in that competition and we took it out!” she said.
The 178cm-tall teen model beat more than 30 women from across the world for the prize.
She started modelling a year ago after best friend Tayah suggested they join Tanya Powell Model Agency together.
“I thought, ‘why not it can’t hurt,’” Hope said.
“They had a course that I did which gave me the confidence – I literately couldn’t have done it without them.
“When I tell people I’m 15 they’re like, ’oh my god that’s crazy!’”
Hope studies at Kardinia College and lives both with her mother in Melbourne and her father in Bell Post Hill.
“They support me in whatever I do, so long I stick to it and don’t quit,” she said.
For Hope the modelling industry is all about working with creative people.
“I love seeing the finished product and thinking, ‘wow that’s a great photograph!’”
She remembers one amusing shoot modelling a bridal dress.
“They got out this massive wind blower,” she said.
“It was the most incredible photo – the dress was just flying everywhere.”
The industry being “harsh and critical” was just a stereotype, Hope said.
“To this day I haven’t had a bad experience.”
She dreams of being a journalist and a model, but used to think the latter was impossible.
“Even as kid I loved reading and writing,” she said.
“But now I feel I could actually (model) for a career too.”
Agent Rosetta Stefano said she was “so proud” of the “tall and mature” Hope.
“I put her in (the competition) because she’s super model material – she’ll be a star.”
