A TOTAL of 285 would-be models were photographed as part of The Mall Walthamstow’s Makeover Modelling competition.

Out of those who attended the photo days, a shortlist of 120 contestants will be invited to return on Sunday, September 11 for a casting when they will meet a panel of judges made up of representatives from Modelsearch.co.uk and fashion retailers from The Mall. The expert panel will then have the unenviable task of selecting just 20 people for the fashion shows. The finalists will be put through their paces, attend rehearsals and feature in two fully-choreographed fashion show days on September 24 and 25 at The Mall.

At the final show, the overall winners will be chosen and the Truly Scrumptious Child Model Agency will be scouting and awarding a prize in the four to 15-year-old categories.

The Sandra Reynolds Model Agency will also be looking for fresh talent and awarding a test photoshoot to all the winners in the adult categories.

Janette Barrett, marketing manager at The Mall, told the Guardian: “The autumn and winter collections at The Mall this season are fantastic and we wanted to see the fashions modelled by our shoppers in the area.

“This way, we can celebrate Walthamstow’s fashion credentials and provide our model competitors with experience of a real show and an insight into the fashion business.”