The Elite Model Look is the largest model-search in the world. Over 350 thousand girls participated this year, but only 71 travelled to the Final Show in Shanghai, China – it’s a hard competition. We want to know more and talked with Tamara Weiland from Austria – where she won the national contest – about her experiences, dreams and how it feels to be part of the Top 15!

First of all – tell us a little bit about you!
I am from Vienna, Austria, but I also have Brazilian roots. At the moment I attend secondary school in Vienna and before that I also lived in Hungary and Germany, because my parents used to work there.

Already a couple of months ago you participated in the national model search of Elite Models in Austria – was it your suggestion to do so – or how did you hit on that?
A good friend from my class showed me an article about the Elite Model Look 2010. The next casting took place in Linz, but for my mum that was too far away. Then I heard about an additional casting date in Vienna and out of curiosity I went there.

What was the reaction of your friends and parents? More judgemental or interested – after all you are very young! Have you ever done modelling before or have you posed in front of a camera?
I didn´t tell anyone about the casting, because I wasn´t sure if I was going to succeed. Only my parents and my brother knew about it. They were really proud of me! It was a lot of fun and every round I got further. My competitors were really nice and the locations chosen by Elite Model Look were well chosen. Only when I managed to get into the final I told my friends about it. Many of my school watched the final. I have done castings and 2 photoshoots before in Brazil – that was my first contact with the fashion scene and i gained a lot of experience there. The photographers were very professional and showed me a lot of tricks.

What makes modelling so appealing to you? What do you associate with it?
I love this job… it makes me really happy to be on the catwalk and to see results of the photoshooting. I am always surprised of how the photographers are able to give me a totally new look. Even when I sometimes don´t like the clothes, I present them with proud and respect. It is a lot of fun!

The first big success in Austria – you were voted to be the winner of the national model contest. How did you feel? Did you expect this to happen?
No, I didn´t expect that and the feeling was beyond describtion. I was so happy… I was speechless at all interviews. When they called my name I had a complete black-out. *laughs*

After that you went to the international contest to China. We can imagine that this must have been really exciting – an experience that not many people have… how can this be imagined? How was the procedure of this event, what happens beforehand?
Within 10 days I was travelling to Shanghai. It was really interesting because every girl was from another country and we all talked in English with each other. They were really nice and I am still in touch with many of them via Facebook. During the contest we had daily fittings, photoshoots and catwalk training. The evening before the big day we had a long final rehearsal. On the following morning we had to present ourselves to the international agents. A few of the girls were really nervous, but I was in a relaxed state when going to this introduction.

Were you alone or were you accompanied by someone? Were you able to get to know a bit of the country and culture too?
My mum followed after the third day in order to support me and to be able to see the final. Not every girl had her family come along with them. Some of them were alone or together with the agent of their country. Elite divided the 71 girls in smaller groups with Chaperons. And yes, we were on the way several times and had a look at the city… Shanghai Tower, Old city, World Expo, Clubbing and many more things… it’s a great city! I really loved the shopping!!! *laughs*

At the final show – an impressive spectacle – the nerves are stretched to the breaking point… how did you deal with that?
The girls were really tensed on the last day. The 10 days preparation were really exhausting and everyone wanted to win of course. In those 10 days you didn´t get any feedback and in the first show the 15  ”winners” of the contest were announced – and I was one of them!!!

What goes through your mind when they announce the rankings? You are on stage with many others and all eyes and cameras are on you – is it a situation were you think about something?
I just listened to the words of the presenter, other than that I was not thinking of anything else. I somehow felt that I was being called.

You were in the Top 15 – considering the high number of contestants – this is an impressive result. Were you just happy or at the same time a bit dissapointed not to be the winner after all this tension?
It was an incredible feeling to be within the 15 most beautiful girls. Also – this is the first time that someone from Austria has has a place so far up front. And I was happy not to be under the first three. I think that this great leap into the international world of modelling would have been too demanding and fast for me. Inside I was not ready to put my life upside down that fast!

What do you expect now and what are your next steps? What do you wish for?
I got an contract with Elite International and in my holidays I will get jobs… now I will start with jobs in Austria, Switzerland and Germany – so I am well prepared for the summer. I wish that I will be able to participate in international fashion weeks – because I had really good experiences with the Vienna fashion week, where I had the honour to be the firstface of the great designer Thang de Hoo.

There are already great photographs of you –  how was your first proper shooting with a professional photographer? Is the first time in front of a camera a conquest?
My first real photoshoot was with Stella Models right after the final in Austria. The photographer inspired me and knew exactly what motives can be shot in the ball room of the Palais Zögernitz. And no, I didn´t have to bring myself to do it – I approached this really relaxed!

Is there any sort of pictures that you really want to do and others that you never would?
Nude and erotic pictures I don´t want to do – but practically everything else!

Noone can look into the future, but what plans do you have – what do you wanna be?
I want to finish school, because I think this is very important! I attend a secondary school with the focus on languages, which I think can be an advantage for my international model career. My dream is to be Victorias Secret Angel. I would also love to work for Abercrombie and Hollister.

Do you have any role mode – someone that inspires you?
My mum and my grandmother are my role models – and Gisele Bündchen and Anja Rubik when speaking about modelling.

Where do you buy your favourite clothes?
Abercrombie und Fitch, H&M, Hollister, ED hardy, Juicy and Guess.

Can you tell us your 5 best styling tips?
Style yourself the way you feel – be natural – Accessories – clean hair and nails – and always wear discreet perfume!

Besides modelling – what hobbies do you have?
I love to dance and sing, play transverse flute and I really enjoy acting in the school theatre group. I love to listen to music, travel with my family and spend a lot of time with my friends.

And last but not least: Your motto in life?
Live the moment and live your dreams!!!

Tamara, thanks for your time!

www.stellamodels.com

Photos 1 / 2 / 3  ©   Jürgen Hammerschmid
Photos 4 / 5 / 6 ©  Julia Spicker
Interview by Emanuel Sprosec / Translation by Sigrun Guggenberger