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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Heather Greenaway

Scots model Olivia Sim has 'global brands queuing up' to sign her as career skyrockets

She was just 12 years old when model agents spotted Olivia Sim and knew she was destined to become one of the UK's top models.

Ten years on and the St Andrews University graduate has global brands queuing up to use her in campaigns and is signed to agencies in London, Glasgow and LA.

Olivia, from Edinburgh, has modelled for Jimmy Choo, Gucci and LK Bennett, walked at London Fashion Week twice for Mark Fast and even starred in a Duran Duran music video.

Not bad considering she only started full-time modelling a year ago after completing her Masters degree in International Relations and moving to London.

As our search continues for Scotland's next top model, Olivia, who is hoping to make it big in the States, tells us about her modelling journey and encourages others to give the business a go.

The former Mary Erskine School pupil said: "I was scouted by Select when I was 12 years old.

"I was attending the Scottish Fashion Awards with my family when an agent approached me.

"I was taken on to their books straight away but my mum was adamant I didn't start modelling until I was older.

"At 16, Select placed me with Colours Agency in Glasgow and I did my first job for an opticians in Dundee.

"I did various shoots and campaigns when I was still at school and throughout my time at university, including starring in a Duran

Duran music video, but I wanted to finish my education before I became a full-time model."

Olivia, whose face appears on the Lothian Buses in an advert for Musselburgh Races, added: "I graduated in June last year and moved to London.

"Since then, I have modelled for Jimmy Choo, Gucci , LK Bennett, Hayley Menzies and Miscreants.

"When I was at St Andrews, I walked in the charity fashion show that made Kate Middleton famous and where she apparently caught Prince William's eye.

"Last December, I signed for Select LA and am look ing forward to working Stateside.

"My dream would be to do a Chanel beauty or a Calvin Klein campaign and appear in Vogue. I'm also working four days a week for Walpole - the official body for the British luxury sector.

"It's a bit of a balancing act but I like being busy and I am loving life."

Olivia, who has been dating her school sweetheart Tommy Walker for eight years, is not the only one in her family with modelling experience.

She said: "I am a twin. My sister Devenee signed to Colours with me when she was 16 but it just wasn't for her.

"My mum Kae and my auntie Laura both modelled when they were younger so they know the business and have been keeping me right." Olivia, who would love to be a Victoria Secret's Angel, hopes women of all ages will enter this year's #SCOUTMESCOTLAND competition.

She said: "It's a great opportunity and I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in modelling to pursue it.

"The business is more inclusive and diverse and celebrates everyone. I'm proof that you can finish your education first and then make it."

Mark Conlin, Colours' head booker, said: "Olivia is a natural beauty and client favourite. She has an amazing personality and has that indefinable X-factor in front of the camera."

The Sunday Mail has teamed up with Colours and Select to find a Scots beauty who could grace the catwalks with Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.

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 K Seager.

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 hairdresser Jason Hal l and shot by leading photographer Ifro Thomas.

All finalists will also receive a goody bag from L'Oreal.

Chance to be the next big thing

Select Models London, Colours Agency Scotland and the Sunday Mail have teamed up to find our next Scots super model.

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.

Or you can enter via Colours website www. coloursagency.com or attend one of the Open Calls at Colours .

Colours' Open Call sessions are at its Glasgow HQ - 129-131 Bridgegate, Glasgow - between 3 and 5pm every Thursday until November 3.

Girls should come in a T-shirt, jeans and trainers with no makeup. Under-18s should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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