Geelong’s Zoe Donne has “always” had a passion for modelling but was unsure if she could ever fit into the industry.
The 191cm tall Herne Hill local began modelling at the age of 17 but faced scrutiny for her weight and height.
“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time but I’ve always been told I’m too tall,” she said.
“Agencies have said to me that I’d only make it as a model if I was 10 centimetres shorter and lost five centimetres off my hips.
“It was hard constantly hearing those things, especially during my teens.”
The former Miss Universe Australia state finalist then decided to take some years away from the scene to reconsider her pathway.
“I was pretty old modelling-wise so I kind of gave up on the idea,” she said.
But now the 24-year-old has recently landed her “big break”.
Zoe was selected as one of six winners from more than 150 hopefuls during an unsigned model search, emphasising “diversity” earlier this month.
She took home a three-year modelling contract with Bella Management and is now set to walk in their runway at Melbourne Fashion Week next Thursday.
Zoe said receiving her first long-term contract felt “surreal”.
“I was over the moon, I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“It’s so nice to finally be signed with an agency who just embraces exactly who I am. I’m super excited to represent all the tall girls out there.”
The Lorne export also has an impressive sporting history, previously featuring in state teams for basketball and netball.
Although Zoe plans to finish her teaching degree next year she hopes to one day forge an established career in modelling.
“It’s a hard industry to get into but modelling full-time would be amazing,” she said.
