Age no limit for New Face

She is more than twice the age of some of the girls taking part in The New Paper New Face 2015.

But that didn't stop Ms Catherine Tan, 40, from giving it a shot.

She strolled into the walk-in auditions on Saturday at Bugis+ Atrium as the oldest contestant among 200 women. The youngest was 13.

The full-time model and blogger said: "Strangers have told me that I looked like (actress) Ann Kok. I have acted part-time and modelled for covers and shoots."

With her experience, she tried out for New Face but did not land a spot in Round 2.

But it did not matter to her.

"Walking down the runway, basking in the attention from the generous number of shoppers who came to support the contestants, nothing can beat that experience," Ms Tan said.

Eighty women made it to Round 2 of the modelling competition.

Round 2 is the closed-door auditions - which will be held this Saturday at Subaru Hub located in Toa Payoh - to determine the top 25 semi-finalists for this year's competition.

The New Paper New Face, now in its 23rd year, is presented by Subaru MotorImage, with official apparel Levi's and official footwear and accessories New Look.

The walk-in audition also saw many supporters of the aspiring contestants.

Melissa Poh, 16, who qualified for the next round, came with three generations of her family, including her wheelchair-bound 75-year-old grandmother.

Her cousin, Nicolle Lim, who was a New Face 2014 finalist, was also present.

Melissa said: "I saw how much fun Nicolle had last year, so I decided to give it a shot when she told me I had a real chance of getting in.

NEW EXPERIENCE

"I'm still young so I thought it was a new and good experience for me to try," said the Bedok Green Secondary School student.

On her cousin's successful entry, Nicolle said: "It was good (Melissa) got in but now I'm going to coach her.

"We made a pact to go to the gym and lose some weight."

Another successful contestant, Miss Wyin Kok, 19, was there with her main supporter, her mother.

The Yale-National University of Singapore College student said: "I'm really passionate about modelling and I think New Face will boost my confidence and open a lot of doors for me. I'm just so thankful to get a chance."

A pair of 19-year-old close friends, who wanted to share the experience, faced some disappointment.

Miss Ler Ka Ying got through but her friend, Miss Margaux Levy, did not.

Miss Ler, who has just completed her A levels at Dunman High School, said: "It was amazing and I really didn't expect to get in. But I was extremely sad that Margaux didn't get through, I honestly thought she would make it with me.

"We were practising our walks together and even went on a diet. We really wanted to be in this together."

Like any good friend, Miss Levy said she will support Miss Ler in the upcoming round.

Two friends who qualified together were administrative manager Selynna Norhisham, 22, and yoga instructor Vivian Neo, 21.

Miss Selynna had been really nervous but Miss Neo was her cheerleader.

This year will be also be the "last and final push" for Miss Neo after getting through three New Face closed-door auditions without qualifying for the next round.

As the New Face contest does not have an age limit, women of all ages turned up to give it a shot.

Ms Maribelle Lababo, 38, an administrative officer who failed to make the cut, said: "I have always liked watching modelling videos, and I hoped that one day I could be the one in the video. Since there was no age limit, I thought to just give it a try."

Aspiring New Face girls get tips

For the first time, a pre-audition workshop was held for potential New Face contestants.

The workshop, which was attended by more than 40, taught aspiring contestants how to do their make-up, wear the right jeans and sashay on the catwalk.

Senior make-up artist for M.A.C. Beno Lim, 46, dolled up two of last year's finalists, Abigail Sompolpong and Annmarie Pang, to show a basic look for casting. He also gave advice on foundation and eyeshadow.

He gave a step-by-step commentary to the audience at Bugis+ Atrium, with tips on contouring, using sponges or brushes and applying mascara.

FIRST-HAND TIPS

Two girls were also called to the stage for a chance to get first-hand make-up advice from Mr Lim.

Kiki Lim, 13, said she was just "stunned and honoured to get tips from Beno".

Nur Afiqah Syazana, 18, was the second girl.

At the end of the catwalk, the girls received their passports to Round 2 of the competition.

Ms Jessy Teoh, an assistant brand manager with Levi's, advised the participants on the different types of jeans available to show off their legs and assets.

New Face 2014 finalists Jun Min Ook, Aurelia Ng and Syiqah Marican were her models for the day.

Fellow alumni Tiara Skadiang, Nicolle Lim, Lim Jia Yi, Rinna Murni and Jasmine Sim ended the workshop by modelling clothes from New Look, and demonstrated how to perform on the catwalk.

This article was first published on June 16, 2015.
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