You won’t believe the famous Australian faces that were beaten in this teen magazine’s model search that has introduced the likes of Abbey Lee Kershaw, Catherine McNeil and Alyssa Sutherland to the modelling arena. Meet the girls who almost made it back then, then went on to make the big-time.
Jessica Gomes
Gomes lost to Tione Hawkins back in 1998, but she’s been too busy as a Sports Illustrated model and filling Miranda Kerr’s shoes as David Jones’ ambassador to care.
Ruby Rose Langenheim
She might have lost to McNeil back in 2003, but over the past decade this tattooed babe has made a name for herself as a DJ, TV presenter, model, designer and actress.
Tully Smyth
You might know her as the girl who publicly cheated on her girlfriend via national television, but this Big Brother star’s claim to fame happened long ago. In 2003, Smyth was a Girlfriend Model Search finalist alongside Ruby Rose, and now she’s a reality TV and social media star. While she hasn’t been gracing big-name catwalks like McNeil, who took out the 2003 prize, she’s definitely got a name for herself as an Australian socialite.
Samantha Harris
It’s no easy feat going up against Kershaw, the unique-looking supermodel who beat Harris in the 2004 competition. But the Aboriginal beauty still managed to secure a contract with Chic Management, going on to front a Seafolly campaign and Vogue Australia’s 2010 cover, as well as regularly gracing catwalks for Aussie designers like Alex Perry, Dion Lee and Rachel Gilbert.
Lucy Fry
Fry was beaten by not one, but two other girls in 2007 — twin sisters Aimee and Morgan Hurst. She didn’t let it get to her though, instead venturing down the acting path into television and film. She’s best known for her role as Lissa Dragomir in The Vampire Academy movie.
