Fashion: Model Search

They came from Aubrey, Duncanville and Plano. Some drove across town while others drove across Texas. And they showed up early.

For Lake Highlands high school student Desiree Fields, that meant 7:45 a.m., making her first in line. One would have thought the Jonas Brothers were in town.

More than 700  kids with glossy-paged dreams turned out for the 2008 Fashion!Dallas/Kim Dawson Model Search casting call Saturday at NorthPark Center. And while the teeny-bopper trinity wasn’t on hand, “Kiss FM” KHKS-FM (106.1) was, giving the day’s festivities the vibe — and sound — of a rock concert. The convergence of billions of teenage hormones in a mall helped, too.

The registration table opened at noon, staffed by Kim Dawson model agents and the staff of F!D Luxe.

“I like fashion, but I want to inspire other people,” says Desiree, 15. “I want to show people that there’s different kinds of beauty; different sizes and races.”

Working her way through the registration line, the breathless teen hoped to impress the industry professionals, including Dallas-based fashion photographer Larry Travis. He was on-hand to snap the application photo for each model-hopeful.

Former hopefuls were there, too. 2005 search winner Ali Michael worked the registration table at the event that started her career. 2004 victor Chaise Mooty, last year’s winner Clara Settje and bushels of discoveries showed up. But they weren’t there only as successful Search examples; they were there to work.

“Kiss FM” deejays Atom Smasher and Candice Lopez emceed the fashion shows from Original Penguin, Ed Hardy and 7 For All Mankind. When the runway wasn’t covered with long-limbed posers, Toni & Guy stylists were grabbing audience members for on-the-spot makeovers.

And while the Jonas Brothers didn’t make it, local rocker Erik Neff stopped by the NorthCourt stage. The solo artist used to model, making him easy on both the eyes and the ears.

The 30-minute set brought the day to a close, with the crowd disbanding to resume tax-free shopping. “Girl, this mall is my runway,” one teen was overheard saying.

There is still time to enter the 2008 Fashion!Dallas/Kim Dawson Model Search. Entry forms must be postmarked by Aug.18.

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