Mt. Prospect teen a finalist in Tricoci modeling competition
After auditioning at an open casting call in July and a runway competition at the Chicago Cultural Center this past Tuesday, a Mount Prospect resident has been chosen as one of five semifinalists in the “Mario, Make Me a Model” competition.
Lynn Michelle Tatge, 17, is one of over 500 aspiring models who auditioned for the fourth annual competition, which was created by Mario Tricoci, an internationally recognized and Chicago-based stylist.
“I always went to Europe to catch fresh, new talent,” said Tricoci. “But we have so much beauty in the Chicago market, I wanted to do something here too.”
Tatge, who has been interested in modeling, tried out at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Mall in Skokie.
“My mom found that the casting call was happening and so we went to Old Orchard and I tried out,” said Tatge. “I never thought this would happen.”
Starting this week, Tatge will participate in a two-month long training program where she will receive personal fitness training, be coached on how to properly walk the runway and how to pose for the camera. As part of the coaching, the contestants will appear in a 15-second commercial for CBS2 Chicago and will take part in a photo shoot for Michigan Avenue magazine.
The training is all in preparation for the competition’s big finale. The finalists will walk the runway with professional models at Fashion Focus Chicago Oct. 19 in Millennium Park.
“After the two-month training, you won’t be able to recognize who the professionals are and who our contestants are,” said Christine Zielinski, an account executive at Cushman Amberg Communications.
Only individuals with no previous or current modeling contracts were eligible for the competition.
Tatge is looking forward to the large Chicago fashion show and is eager to showcase her skills.
“I can’t wait,” she said. “I’m just hoping I don’t trip and fall.”
The semifinalists will be judged on several criteria: their makeover, the fashion shoot, the TV spot, fitness training, their runway walk and the public vote.
“I’m looking for a model who can absolutely look in the camera and own it,” said Tricoci, who will personally choose the overall winner. “They need that attitude and beautiful innocence and have to approach the camera with authority.”
Tricoci has the final decision, but he takes into consideration whom the public likes. Voting is now open via online or text — visit www.mariomakemeamodel.com for details on both options.
His other factors are the makeover results; the fashion shoot; the TV spot; fitness training and their runway walk.
All finalists, not just the winner, will be considered for a modeling contract and the winner will receive several other prize packages.
“Of course I want to win,” said Tatge. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while and this whole experience is just really exciting.”