Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Michelle's Formal Wear is a dress shop in Adel, Ga., stocked with ball gowns, wedding dresses, prom dresses and more. Every year they host a photo competition on Facebook to decide which of the many model contestants will become the next Michelle's Models. This year, four girls from Madison were among the winners of the competition, becoming models for Michelle's Formal Wear.
Over a hundred young ladies entered the model search for Michelle's Models and only a few were selected by designers to move into the next round. The next round was a photo contest via Facebook where Facebook likes earned the contestants points. The winners of the Facebook competition were awarded with being this years Michelle's Models.
The model's first event was a kickoff meeting on Sunday, Aug. 30, where they took headshots and received a welcoming bag. At this meeting, they also discussed plans for the year. The main job of the models is to help promote magazines, current dresses and new arrivals by sharing posts on social media.
The girls have an exciting year to look forward to. This month, the models have the opportunity to participate in an annual calendar photoshoot. Tied to the annual shoot came their first fundraiser of the year, a calendar fundraiser. Models that sold at least 10 calendars will have the opportunity to be featured in the calendar itself. Models that sold 50 calendars, are eligible for a Michelle's Models cruise. The model that sold the most calendars, over 100 calendars, will win a trip for two to New York and tickets to attend the New York Fashion week, displaying the new Sherri Hill line.
Coming up for the models is a charity fashion show on Saturday, Dec. 5. Even though the date has been set, Michelle's Formal Wear has not decided which charity to raise funds for as of yet and the venue is also still undecided. The rest of the year still holds excitement for the young ladies as there will be opportunities to participate in photoshoots for new products.
Meet your Michelle's Models representing Madison County:
Savannah Curtis is a 17-year-old senior at James Madison Preparatory High School. She is the daughter of Nathan and Shannon Curtis. "Being chosen as a model for Michelle's has been so much fun so far," said Curtis. "It is such a great experience and will hopefully kick start a new chapter for me."
MaryKate Brooks is an 18-year-old college student at North Florida College. She is the daughter of Andrew and Christina Brooks. "I'm super excited for this new experience and can't wait for the many opportunities we will have throughout the upcoming year," said Brooks. "I am also excited to meet new people."
Paige McCool is in the eighth grade at Madison Creative Arts Academy. She is the 14-year-old daughter of Susan McCool and Raymond Gagnon. Her stepfather is Lance McCain. "I am excited that I was chosen as one of Michelle's Teen Models," said Paige. "It is a goal I have had for a couple of years and can say I have achieved. I love all of the dresses, jewelry and shoes there. I hope I can inspire more of my peers and their parents to buy the dress that makes them feel their inner beauty shine through. I can't wait for my opportunity to shine behind the camera."
And last but not least, Allie Wilkerson is in the 11th grade at James Madison Preparatory High School. She is the 15-year-old daughter of Philip and Maggie Wilkerson. "I am excited about being a Michelle's Model," said Wilkerson. "I have already participated in a shoot and it was so much fun. Michelle and her staff are so helpful. All the dresses are gorgeous and the best part is I get to try them on."
Congratulations to our local Michelle's Models.