From shy, awkward schoolgirl to international catwalk model - Melissa McConnachie has undergone an epic transformation.
The striking 19-year-old, who bears a striking resemblance to Cindy Crawford’s model daughter Kaia Gerber, beat more than 3000 hopefuls to win the 2019 #SCOUTMESCOTLAND competition.
Melissa, who had never modelled before, secured a once-in-a-lifetime contract with Scotland’s No1 agency Colours and London-based Select, who represent models David Gandy and Pixie Lott.
Since then, the quirky beauty from Johnstone, Renfrewshire, has walked the runways of Paris, Milan and London for the world’s biggest designers including Dior, Christopher Kane, Miu Miu and JW Anderson.
As we launch this year’s search for Scotland’s next top supermodel after a two year pause, Melissa reveals how winning the competition has changed the direction of her life.
The former Johnstone High School pupil, who won the competition shortly before Covid turned the modelling world on its head, said: “I still can’t quite believe I am a fully fledged full time model. Before entering the competition modelling wasn’t even on my radar so my career is more than a dream come true.
“I’ve walked for Dior in Paris, Christopher Kane in London and Ports 1961 in Milan - it has been a whirlwind three years with an 18 month go-slow in the middle when the pandemic took hold.
“I’ve gone from a shy, super-nervous schoolgirl to someone who has no qualms about travelling on my own all over Europe, meeting stylists and performing in front of the camera.
“My confidence has skyrocketed. Before I used to shy away from talking to people but now I can chat to anyone. Winning #ScoutMeScotland has been a real turning point in my life.”
Melissa, who was just 16 when she won our model search, was an instant catwalk hit and just a few months after signing to Colours and Select she graced the runways of three London Fashion Week shows.
The teenager, who was thrilled to find herself modelling alongside her doppleganger Kaia, said: “My first ever modelling job was walking for designer Simone Rocha in London.
“A couple of days later I was cast in JW Anderson’s show where I got to walk with Kaia Gerber who everyone says I look like. It was surreal - a real full circle moment. I also walked for Christopher Kane which made me so happy as he’s a fantastic Scottish designer and I love his collections.
“After London I headed to Milan where I modelled for luxury womenswear brand Ports. It all happened so quickly and I couldn’t wait to do more but then the whole world shut down due to Covid.”
Melissa, who is also a talented sprinter and former member of Kilbarchan Running Club, added: “I’m not going to lie it hasn’t been an easy ride but we are coming through the other side and keeping the faith has served me well as I landed my dream job in February this year when I modelled for Dior in Paris.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life. They built a runway in the middle of the Jardin des Tuileries between the Place De la Concorde and the Louvre. It was incredible.
“It felt amazing to be on the catwalk in the centre of the most fashionable city in the world. I got such an adrenaline rush. It left me hungry for more.
“I am looking towards next year’s Fashion Weeks and I’m hoping 2023 will be the year I get signed in New York. I’m taking it one day at a time and can’t wait to see what the future will bring.”
Melissa, who also walked for feted American designer Conner Ives at this year’s London Fashion Week, was scouted in Glasgow City Centre.
The young model, who would love to take the runway for Yves Saint Laurent, said: "I was at Central Station with my mum and Mark Colin from Colours came up, gave me a card and asked me to come and see him. I was totally taken aback. I went in and they put me forward for the competition.
“I was only in fifth year at school at the time and had never modelled in my life. I was so nervous about going in front of the camera but I am so glad I did because it set me on the path I want to follow.”
She added: “I would encourage other girls to enter this year’s search and most of all have some fun. I went in very open minded. I doubted myself but just look at what happened.”
Colours director Rosalynd Ramage is very proud of her protégé and hopes this year’s search for a star proves just as successful. She said: “Melissa’s career is going from strength to strength thanks to the joint work of Colours and Select. She is modelling on an international level with a top roster of clients and we couldn’t be more excited to see where the next year takes her.”
The Sunday Mail has teamed up with Colours and Select to find a Caledonian beauty who will follow in the footsteps of our previous winners Melissa McConnachie and Kirsty Shearer and could grace the catwalks with supermodels Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
This year there is no upper age limit and the agencies are looking to take on women of all shapes and sizes.
Up for grabs is the opportunity for exclusive representation with both agencies, along with free haircare for a year with Jason Hall Hairdressing and a portfolio shoot with top international photographer Mark Seager.
As well as entering our competition online and via social media using #SCOUTMESCOTLAND to get noticed, girls can come along to open call days at Colours every Thursday from 3-5pm.
Scouts from both agencies will also be street scouting in all the major cities across Scotland as well as attending concerts and events up and down the country over the next few weeks.
Hannah Sneath, Head of New Faces at Select, said: “Select are delighted to be partnering with Colours again this year. We have always been impressed with the beautiful girls found in Scotland and are very excited to see this year’s applicants. ”
Five finalists will get the chance to take part in a photo shoot styled by Colours and Select, with celebrity make-up artists from Colours, award winning, international hairdresser Jason Hall and shot by leading photographer Ifro Thomas. All finalists will also receive a goody bag from L’Oréal.
The winner of #SCOUTMESCOTLAND will receive a shoot with top photographer, Mark K Seager as well as a year’s hair care from Jason Hall Hairdressing.
Last year, Colours took on several of the runners-up, so there is a lot to play for.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENTER COMPETITION
Select Models London, Colours Agency Scotland and the Record have teamed up to find our next Scottish supermodel.
Do you, or does someone you know, have what it takes? Girls should be 16 years old + and we are looking for all shapes and sizes.
You can enter by tagging a selfie with #SCOUTMESCOTLAND on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok and Colours Agency Scotland and Select Models London could scout you. Alternatively, you can enter via Colours website www.coloursagency.com or attend one of the Open Calls at Colours.
Colours’ Open Call sessions are at their Glasgow HQ - 129 – 131 Bridgegate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ - between 3 and 5pm every Thursday until November 3. (Oct 6 / Oct 13 / Oct 20 / Oct 27 / Nov 3)
Girls should come in a T-shirt, jeans and trainers with no make-up.
Under 18s should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
