Harris urges girls to be themselves
Aussie beauty Samantha Harris has urged girls wanting to break into modelling not to compare themselves to stars like Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale.
Harris, 23, was a finalist in the Girlfriend model search competition a decade ago and is now on the judging panel.
Hundreds of girls are expected at Westfield Southland in Melbourne on Saturday as they vie for a spot in the national final.
The winner, to be announced in September, will score prizes including a two-year contract with Chic Management.
Harris says judges are looking for happy and healthy girls and it's important for them to feel confident in their own skin.
"For a successful career the girls just need to be true to themselves (and) stay humble," she says.
"A lot of young girls, you know, they love Miranda Kerr and they love Megan Gale and all these beautiful models and they wish they were them but I always try and tell young girls don't compare yourself to anybody.
"We are all different in our own way; it's what makes us unique and beautiful."
Past winners and finalists of the model search competition include Alyssa Sutherland, Abbey Lee Kershaw and Catherine McNeil.
Harris says doing well in the competition is a great way to be eased into the fashion industry.
"Every young girl dreams of being a model," she says.
"A lot of people don't realise that modelling, you know it's a tough job... but it's definitely worth it."
The finalists will be revealed on Monday, with the winner announced on September 18.
