BINTM Judge Grace Woodward talks style & modelling...
After a gruelling competition seeing 13 girls being put through numerous shoots and makeovers and shedding plenty of blood, sweat and tears, Jade Thompson from Stoke-on-Trent was named the judges top model winner.
"I was over the moon that it was her," judge Grace Woodward begins.
"Jade had never modelled before and there were girls in the competition that had."
"I think that when we considered that in the twelve week process she'd been through and that's what she's like now, then she can really, really go far with the help of professional photographers and the help from Models One."
Though the season may have finished, seeing model Elle MacPherson, designer Julien MacDonald, male model Charley Speed and stylist Grace Woodward test the girls in every aspect of modelling from underwater shoots to working with bird of prey, the entertainment still isn't over.
The second annual Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model Live Event returns from the 28 - 30 October, promising plenty of fun and fabulous fashion.
"I think that now we've actually found a winner and she was genuinely spotted there I think it gives us a chance to go down there and see what's out there, see a whole sea of faces to find another winner."
"I'm really looking forward to saying 'hi' to lots of people that have been really supportive and having a laugh. I think it's a really great and entertaining event," Grace enthuses.
Held at London's Excel Centre, the impressive three-day line up boasts a full catwalk show seeing all 13 contestants take to the runway together for the first time since the show finished, fashion and make-up advice from industry experts, Q&A sessions with Grace and fellow judge Charley and a whole host of other activities.
BINTM has grown from strength to strength, seeing viewing figures soar since its UK debut last year; but will it be back?
_07,11.jpg)
Grace reassures fans: "I don't doubt that. I'm sure it will be. This series seemed to be the pinnacle, it was such a success. We all really enjoyed ourselves and had such fun and I think as a brand it's come together.
"Elle MacPherson is such a great leader of the whole brand and now that they have the Live [Event] to back it up it's really growing."
Throughout her impressive 10 year career in TV makeover shows, Grace has learnt more than a thing or two about style. While she think that there is a lot of copycat looks happening at the moment, she also sees a lot of expression in fashion.
"People are now starting to dress for themselves and I certainly hope this is what I try to put out there: A positive message for people to be true to themselves.
"Wear what you want. If you look at the catwalks there is no set look, there is a reference to pretty much every single decade of the past, then there is also stuff from the future, so I think it's down to the individual to express themselves and not be a sheep."
Since Jade won the difficult competition, she has already seen her career take off. She is now the face of the a/w Revlon make up campaign and has fronted the cover of the popular fashion monthly Company Magazine.
It's no secret that Jade is entering a hugely competitive industry, but Grace advises any young model to 'grow a thick skin'.
"It's really important not to take rejection personally. Not every job that you go up for is going to be right for you, and they [models] go for lots and lots of jobs.
"So still try to be a gentle person inside but definitely have a thick skin, because it's tough, it's really really tough."
Fashion and style are often deemed as confusing things as trends come and go so quickly and what is considered fashionable on one person may not work for another. As an expert in the industry, Grace believes that it is important to experiment in a bid to find what works and what doesn't.
"I think Rihanna is so successful because she's not afraid to experiment and I like to try stuff out. I like to know what works and what might fail, if you don't experiment you won't succeed either. Playing safe doesn't get you anywhere," she continues.
So how can ladies learn from the lovely RiRi?
Grace explains: "She dresses from her soul and from her spirit and her own references and you can see that and that's why she's on trend. She creates looks, because she has a set of references that are her own, she dresses for her personality and to express herself and that's what I really admire about her."
When asked for her own top tip on how to lift a look, Grace muses for a moment and then giggles...
"A very high pair of heels - that always works for me, you look so much better!"
Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model Live Event takes place from 28 - 30 October 2011 at London's Excel Centre. Tickets available from www.BINTMLive.com.
FemaleFirst Jenna Fordie twitter: @Jenna_FAM
Tagged in Grace Woodward