Teenager Isabelle Szyman chosen to appear at Melbourne Fashion Festival

MELBOURNE teen Isabelle Szyman has been plucked from more than 2000 model hopefuls to appear at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Model hopefuls Zoe, Lauren, Alex, Nicole, Earylan and Pia in the Bourke St Mall. Pictures: David Caird

FRESH-faced Melbourne teen Isabelle Szyman has been plucked from more than 2000 model hopefuls to walk alongside David Jones ambassadors Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox at the upcoming Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The 17-year-old year 12 student will go from schoolgirl to catwalk star after her sister took a picture of her and posted it on social media as part of the department store’s public search for new runway talent.

She strutted her stuff in the Bourke St Mall yesterday along with the top 100 hopefuls, before taking out the top honour.

“I’ve never modelled or had any training, unless you count walking up and down my own hallway,” Ms Szyman says.

“I used to be addicted to America’s Next Top Model and I’ve always been interested in fashion.”

Ms Szyman says she’s excited to have the opportunity to walk alongside internationally successful models in Gomes and Cox.

“Jess inspires me. She looks so healthy and alive and athletic. And Montana is such a beautiful model,” she says.

Casting director Kelvin Harries, who has cast models in more than 30 shows for David Jones, says Ms Szyman was selected because she has a unique beauty with a natural poise in front of an audience.

“She has the elegance, confidence and individuality that sets really good models apart,” he says.

“It’s a platform to launch so many successful girls. I have no doubt she’ll be scooped up by an agency.”

The David Jones parade opens VAMFF on March 17.