Teen has high hopes for international modelling career

She’s tall, she’s gorgeous and she’s on her way to a professional modelling career.

Melissa Fiddick, 17, is signed with local company International Model Management and Academy whose director Diane Whittaker is working hard to make her the next big thing.

The Warwick Academy student is due to travel to Asia hopefully over the summer to get tear sheets, an essential for a model’s portfolio.

Once that is complete and she has finished her final year at Warwick Academy, Melissa will be on her way to modelling internationally.

Ms Whittaker explained how she met her star.

“I was walking through the mall and I saw her from the back and I wanted her to turn around to get a look at her from the front.

“She turned around and I walked over and said ‘I’m Diane Whittaker from IMA, are you interested in modelling’ and it went from there.”

Ms Whittaker said she then referred Melissa and her mom Victoria to go to New York to meet with one of the agencies she uses on occasion.

“Melissa met with them and they were very, very excited about her.

“Obviously Melissa’s parents and I want her to finish school.

“Because of that, she has some time to work on various things that need to be worked on before she launches her career.”

Ms Whittaker said it would be ideal for her to go to Asia this summer to get the tear sheets done.

“Japan is very good for working. London is very good for working, The US is very good for working but Asia is good for tear sheets.

“There will be several names that they gave us, but we’re waiting to hear the whole plan – where she will be staying, who will be our contact.

“It has to be set up properly.”

Melissa said: “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity

“It’s all coming together pretty fast but it's what I really want to do.

“I’ve wanted to model for a long time.”

Melissa has done shoots with local photographers and modeled in LA for Wahb Beach Couture, a bikini line.

She also participated in the Evolution Fashion Show last year and was shortlisted and scouted for Wilhelmina Agency.

Ms Whittaker trained Miss World 1979 Gina Swainson and recently came back to the island to find the next it girl.

“It didn’t know how long it would take me to find her.

“Sometimes it can take two to three years. It came along quite quickly.  

“I feel Melissa has a very special something. The agent in New York saw it immediately as well.”

Melissa said if she were required to gain or lose weight for a job, she would do it the healthy way.

“I won’t give in to the pressure and fall victim of the harsh reality of the modelling industry.”