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Models line up for a chance to shine
Grace Niestrom (left), 17, of Clarendon Hills and Gabrielle Rutkauskas, 17, of Hinsdale introduce themselves to the judges. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: July 31, 2012 2:34PM
More than 80 contestants lined up on July 11 at the Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa in Oak Brook to vie for a spot as a modeling finalist during the Mario, Make Me a Model open modeling call.
The annual contest attracts contestants ranging in age from 16-39. In addition to Oak Brook, casting calls took place in Chicago, Schaumburg and Orland Park.
Model hopefuls began lining up early in the morning. They were briefed on contest rules and commitment requirements as well as being measured for height before heading to the judges and cameras.
Each contestant
spent time talking one-on-one to each of the five judges. The judges include experts from Fitness Formula Clubs, Factor Women, Matt Ferguson Photography, and two experts from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons and Day Spas.
The judges score each contestant’s potential based on their respective areas of expertise.
After meeting with the judges, each contestant had two photos taken in their choice of poses.
Twenty-six young women were ultimately selected as semi-finalists from 340 hopeful models at the four open model calls. Those semi-finalists were invited to a semi-finalist runway event at the Chicago Cultural Center, and five will be selected for a 12-week model training program.
To view photos from the Oak Brook shoot and learn more about the contest, visit mariomakemeamodel.com.
