Press Release

Today stunning international supermodel and actress Lily Cole launches Gatwick Runway Models – a search for the nation’s most aspirational people to win a place next to model-royalty such as Cindy Crawford and Eva Herzigova on Storm’s exclusive books.

Catwalk queen Kate Moss was famously discovered at JFK airport in the ‘80s by Sarah Doukas, founder of leading model agency Storm Model Management.  Today, London Gatwick Airport is hoping for similar success as it joins forces with Storm, to discover Britain’s newest model talent.

Launching on 1 June 2010, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one male and female to get the ultimate kick-start to their modelling career. Not only will they receive a formidable New Faces contract with Storm, they will also take to the runway for the first time at London Gatwick Fashion Week in August.  Under the watchful eye of Lily Cole, they will model the airport retailers’ hottest summer looks, celebrating the fantastic line-up of high street and designer stores, many offering up to 30% off recommended retail prices.

Aspiring models will also be doing their bit for charity as London Gatwick Airport will donate £1* to Great Ormond Street Hospital for every entry received. 

Kim Francis, marketing manager at London Gatwick Airport, said: “With thousands of passengers passing through the airport every day, Gatwick is a hot bed of untapped model potential.  Gatwick Runway Models aims to take advantage of this pool of talent and recreate Storm’s discovery of Kate Moss in the ‘80s.  The competition really will change the winners’ lives.”

Sarah Doukas, founder of Storm Model Management, added: “This is a very exciting opportunity for Storm.  We are very devoted to the discovery and nurturing of new talent, and the opportunity to launch a model competition with London Gatwick Airport is exciting. We are hoping to find the new faces of the future, who will go on to enjoy a long and successful career with Storm.”

Making the cut

Budding models travelling through Gatwick will be able to strike a pose in the bespoke model photo-booths, located airside in both terminals.  Storm Scouts will also be onsite to spot any undiscovered talent who might be a little camera shy.

Those not lucky enough to be jet-setting abroad this summer can enter online – simply register and upload a photo to www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels for the chance to take to the stage with a true model master.

Eight lucky entrants will be hand-picked by Storm’s top scouts to attend an exclusive model bootcamp day where they will be taught the tricks of the trade by a truly experienced Storm model.  The public can also get involved by voting for their favourite model wannabes online, those with the most votes winning a place in the shortlist.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next big thing to hit the modelling industry, visit www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels for the chance of a lifetime.

London Gatwick Fashion Week

London Gatwick Fashion Week will take place in Gatwick North Terminal on 5 – 8 August 2010.  Showcasing this summer’s hottest trends, the model winners will make their fashion debut along with a host of other model beauties and international supermodel Lily Cole.  London Gatwick Fashion Week is a celebration of the fantastic retail offering at the airport, with a whole host of top high street and designers such as Ted Baker, Mango and All Saints, all offering up to 30% off high street prices. 

Download a jpg of Lily Cole launching Gatwick Runway Models (2770KB)

For more information, contact Zerrin Levy on 020 3423 5015 / zerrin@brando-world.com or Melissa Bradley on 020 3423 5014 / Melissa@brando-world.com.

Notes to editors
* Gatwick will donate £1 for every entry uploaded to the microsite www.gatwickevents.com/runwaymodels, capped at £5,000
**London Gatwick Fashion Week takes place from 5-8 August 2010 in the departure lounge of the airport’s North Terminal
- High Street Prices: London Gatwick Airport independently audit their retailers and benchmark their pricing on actual high street prices and not against made-up recommended retail prices.
- Airport discounts: London Gatwick Airport make sure that the minimum discount is 15% off high street prices for all their on-airport retailers, apart from Boots, WH Smith and catering outlets, which are themselves guaranteed at high street prices, no more. And the rest of their retailers offer a huge range of products which can be up to 30% or more off high street prices. London Gatwick Airport  say ‘up to 30% on high street prices’ on their advertising as the 30% off applies to selected items only and does not apply to food, which is at guaranteed high street prices.
- London Gatwick Airport accepts no liability or responsibility for any information that misquotes or misrepresents the extent of our discounts or the offers that are available in our outlets which are subject to change.