Jane Norman Catwalk Star Search celebrates the best in modelling talent

Looking every sartorial inch true professionals of the modelling scene, the new muses - ten women and two men - showcased Jane Norman's Autumn collections before an audience of industry professionals.

What elevated the occasion above that of any other fashion show was the fact that these were no ordinary clothes horses.

Every one of the twelve had won a unique competition to find promising new models for the fashion circuit, organised by Jane Norman, through the popular social networking site Facebook.

As well as winning a starring role at the show, the lucky finalists also walked away with a set of designer clothes, a professional photo-shoot from an ex-Vogue photographer and a modelling contract.

Against a backdrop of funky tunes spun by top DJ Schooly and emceed by Radio One's Selena, the competition winners were clearly enjoying the spotlight, as they modelled the new casual, casual dress and formal cocktail collections from Jane Norman; a leading UK fashion brand.

The contest they had taken part in - the 'Jane Norman Catwalk Star Search 2008' had clearly grabbed a lot of young peoples' attention, as over 2,000 had registered on-line to participate.

Many nationalities were represented on the runway, reflecting the region's cosmopolitan flavour, with most of the finalists being in their early twenties. The youngest to have made her mark was 15-year-old Alica Siddiqi from Abu Dhabi, a high school student who has aspirations to continue in the industry.

"I'd like to study either fashion design or psychology after leaving school," she said, speaking after the evening event.

In addition to the prizes awarded to all twelve, another three professional portfolios from Capital D Studios were up for grabs for those who impressed the judges with their prowess on the night. These extra awards were collected by Natalie Naidoo, 22, from South Africa, Neena Rai, 24, from India and Shellie Connolly, 24, from Ireland.

Shellie's appearance at the event was typical of those who had been urged to take part by others. "My friends made me enter," said the Emirates Airlines' cabin crew member, after picking up her prize. "I would never have considered putting my own name forward."

Jeremy Johnston, CEO of MAF Fashion, which owns and operates the Jane Norman brand in the UAE said:

"The new models did a superb job and confidently showed why the Jane Norman brand is renowned for always having something new and always having something for every woman."

Jane Norman currently has two outlets in Dubai; one at Mall of the Emirates and the other at Deira City Centre. The company is soon to expand into Saudi Arabia and by the end of the year by having three stores opening in Riyadh and Jeddah.